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A Look Back

Original Release: 12/14/2020

By: Sally Shortle Miller '71, Editor, Brush Alumni Association Alumni Arc-Lite Newsletter Charles F. Brush Alumni Association

With all the renovations going on at the Brush High School, we decided to take a look back. In 1940, Brush sat far back from Mayfield Road with a field of corn in front of it. All students entered through the two front doors.

The gymnasium on the east side of the school has fondly been known over the years as: the gym, the girls' gym, the east gym and the old gym. In the forties, it ran from the front hall of the school to the back exit. Both boys and girls had physical education in the gym on alternating days. By the seventies, there had been improvements, wings added and the gym no longer ran the length of the school. The girls gym was used for girls only. By 1997, the old gym was only used for study halls. Moveable tables were used to provide a work space. All physical education classes were coed and held in Welser Gymnasium.

The cafeteria has also seen changes over the years. In the forties, the cafeteria was on the third floor, serving all 400 students. The cafeteria was moved to its present location and serves lunch there today. For many years, the cafeteria had no commons area or vending machines. Many changes have occurred including the new renovation. While we waited in line with a cafeteria tray, today there will be a more open model.

In the forties and in the early seventies, students could go to the auditorium to enjoy noon movies opposite their lunch period. The movies were originally silent films and later became full length films. In one week, for a nominal fee you could enjoy a movie. By 1997, the movies had given way to study hall.

The third floor had been used for many things over the years. Originally, it was the cafeteria and later became the industrial arts rooms. In the nineties, it was used for tutoring and special classes. Today, the third floor is used basically for storage.

While there have been many changes in Brush High School, the stately old, improved building will always be part of our memories.