History of FVHS
Circa 1900
Vancouver High School, as it was originally called, has been in existence since 1888. It was first located in the basement of Central School, then from 1905-1913 in the old Franklin School building, then from 1913-1955 in it's own building at 26th and Main Street.
The first graduating class was in June, 1891, when 12 students (9 girls and 3 boys) received their diplomas. By 1912, 276 students had received diplomas from the high school, before the permanent Vancouver High School was opened for the 1912-1913 school year.
The first graduating class was in June, 1891, when 12 students (9 girls and 3 boys) received their diplomas. By 1912, 276 students had received diplomas from the high school, before the permanent Vancouver High School was opened for the 1912-1913 school year.
Circa 1955
Mr. A. Dale Whitenack was appointed superintendent of schools in March, 1952. During Whitenack's seven-year superintendency, the Vancouver, the Vancouver district grew substantially in geographic area through incorporation of three school districts to the north of the city. The three districts consolidated with Vancouver were Felida-Salmon Creek (1954), Lake Shore (1955) and Hazel Dell (1956). Over time, schools became overcrowded and major efforts in building renovation and new construction began.
New buildings constructed during this period included Hudson's Bay High School in 1955 (for $2.2 Million) and a new McLoughlin Junior High in 1955-56 (for $1.2 Million).
One of the significant events during Whitenack's superintendency was the closing of the chapter on Vancouver High School. Open under that name since 1888, the name Vancouver High School was changed. In 1955, with the opening of Hudson's Bay, the district's second high school, it was decided that the name of the older school should be changed to Fort Vancouver High School Thus ended a 67-year history of VHS (42 years at 26th and Main).
The year Hudson's Bay opened, William Lothspeich was appointed FVHS principal. Things were changing rapidly at Fort. In 1954, VHS had 1810 students and 70 teachers; the next year, Fort had 881 students and 36 teachers. With all of that change, Fort still had years of tradition.
The building was to remain in use as the newly named Fort Vancouver High School until 1970. Students and faculty alike recognized that one era had ended and another had begun, even though red and white were retained as the school colors, “Trappers” as the nickname and “Alki” for the yearbook.
Activities have always been important to FVHS. Some of those included varsity and intramural athletics, Joe and Mary Trapper mascots, Annual homecoming festivities, Christmas ball, Tolo, programs for women through GAA, music and drama productions,
For those who played or had a connection with varsity sports appreciate the job that Coach Chuck Furno did for the football program. He was head football coach for 14 years, until his retirement in 1967. He went on to become an administrator for the Vancouver School District for another 10 years. In October, 2006, a tribute was conducted in his honor by his past football teams. Coach Lloyd Bergman brought many honors to the school through his assignments coaching varsity basketball, cross country and golf teams.
Other administrator/teachers of note include William Marvin “Scotty” Cummings (Dean of Students), Doris Hauck (GAA), Ken McFadden (Social Studies / drama)
In 1968, there was a second disastrous fire that hit the Fort Vancouver auditorium. The mysterious blaze occurred in the stage area and roof of the auditorium, near the site of another fire just two weeks earlier. Both fires were believed to be caused by arsonists. The auditorium was repaired, even though the building itself was to be replaced within a few years. The issue of replacing or renovating the current building had been around since the early 1960's, as many areas of the building (some dating to 1912 construction) were found to be unsafe.
The decision was finally made to build a new school on East 18th Street and abandon the old building on 26th Street. The new Fort Vancouver High School did not materialize overnight. After voter approval in 1967, delays in state building approvals pushed the start of construction to 1970. Finally, the $4 million building was dedicated in April 1971.
