By Steve Greenfield
A nostalgic exhibit 131 years in the making opens Monday at the Duluth Depot, filled with memorabilia about Duluth Central, the city’s first high school, which closed in 2011.
“Hurrah for the Red and White,” the name borrowed from the title of the school song, includes more than 150 artifacts that range from band uniforms and cheerleader sweaters to the Trojan head from the gym floor, yearbooks and much more. Designed by Duluth artist and Central alumnus Gary Lundstrom, the exhibit is located off the eastern end of the Depot’s Great Hall in the Fesler Gallery.
“The history of Duluth Central High School is a big part of the history of the city, so this exhibit will appeal to everyone,” said Duluth Central Alumni Association chair Don Ness.
Central High School opened in 1893, in the beautiful Minnesota brownstone building with the iconic clock tower at Lake Avenue and Second Street. In 1971, “new Central” opened at Central Entrance and Pecan Avenue,serving students for 40 years before closing. In 1972, “Historic Old Central High School” was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The all-volunteer Duluth Central Alumni Association board of directors is comprised of these members, listed with their graduation year:
Don Ness, Board Chair, ‘92
Gary Doty, Vice Chair, ‘66
Barbara Jankowski Darland, Secretary, ‘77
Kim Stellmaker Anderson, Treasurer, ‘89
Steve Hennessey, ‘89
Marla Preston Yoho, ‘66
