HCI's Centennial
Near or far, we'd love to see you at the Centennial.

Humboldt Collegiate Institute is celebrating a century and we’re looking for alumni and staff to join us for the biggest party Humboldt has even seen.

Planning is in the beginning stage. All events are scheduled to take place in the Elgar Petersen Arena. The committee is estimating that close to 1,800 people will return for this exciting event.

There will be lots of memorabilia on display. Alumni is urged to bring their old high school treasures for display. A Memorium Registry will be on display to commemorate former students/staff of HCI that are no longer with us. You can also click on the link to the right and email any memorium information you may have.

Meet up with old friends and reminisce about days gone by. The weekend promises to be a wonderful time for renewing old friendships and sharing memories.

 

A wee bit of history...
As alumni, we're all part of HCI's wonderful history.

From early files of The Humboldt Journal we learned that the provincial government created a high school district in Humboldt in April 1913. The High School was started and occupied the old Public School.

The first high school board elected in September 1913 was composed of A.D. MacIntosh, John Schaeffer, Rev. Francis Hall, Dr. R.H. McCutcheon and A.L. MacLean. Mr. A.M. Brown, MA, PHD was appointed Principal. By 1916 the staff had increased to three with J.J. McLaughlin Principal and in 1926 there were four staff members with H.M. MacDonald as Principal.

The High School remained in this building until the latter 1910’s, when it was moved into the present Public School building. In 1945 there were 110 students enrolled at the High School. The two schools shared this building until 1946 when they were partially divided. In 1948, a new technical-vocational wing was added.

The new Collegiate with gymnasium was officially opened on September 29, 1955, thus separating the Public School and High School. This was the same year that the new St. Elizabeth’s Hospital was opened.

Enrollment in the new Collegiate was 180 students. There were 8 staff members. Mr. O.T. Lang was the Principal and left in 1956. Mr. A.M. Gerwing was Principal for one year, 1956-1957; Mr. T.H. Bergerman then became Principal until 1971. Mr. A.V. Saretsky was then appointed.

Expansion of the Collegiate took place in the 1960’s. In 1963, the West wing was added and in 1968 a three-room addition took place. Enrollment by 1964 had run to 296 students. In 1972 enrollment had risen to 390 students, thus more renovations has to take place.

A new gym, library, enlarged commercial arts, industrial arts, art and home economics facilities and theatre were added. The theatre was named after S.M. Sutherland, former Board Chairman.

The official opening occurred in August, 1975. Board members were: E. Weninger, Chairman; Dr. P. Miller, Al Gaetz, B. McAnneely and W. Wittke. Former member T.E. McConnell was very active in helping organize two High School reunions.

The first occurred in 1975 while the second was held in 1980. As well, the Humboldt Collegiate Alumni Association was formed at this time. The enrolment peaked in 1977 at 489.