As the most substantial work on Jamestown High School continues into the next several years, this period in the high school’s history is reminiscent of the current building’s construction from 1934-35. 

In November of 1930 — nearly 95 years ago — Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Milton J. Fletcher compiled an informational document on behalf of the Board of Education for “Consideration of the Parents and Taxpayers.” 

The document centered on the question of “Building Two High Schools.” 

That December, taxpayers were asked to approve a referendum that would build two high schools — one on the north side of the city on a plot near Buffalo Street and one on the south side on Cole Avenue — to account for a growing city and a decaying high school building. Built in 1896 as the Jamestown Collegiate Institute & Union School, a new high school building had long been on the mind of Fletcher, the board, and residents in the city since 1920.  

“When the present high school was built in 1896 the population of our city was about 19,000,” Fletcher wrote. “By the last census, it is 45,172. In other words, the population has more than doubled and therefore the natural increase in school registration would normally be more than doubled.” 

While the referendum did not pass and the aforementioned plots of land eventually became Milton J. Fletcher Elementary School and Washington Junior High School — now Washington Middle School — Jamestown received a lifeline in the early 1930s with the establishment of the Public Works Administration.

The construction of the Jamestown High School and Industrial Arts Building cost $1.1 million dollars through a Loan and Grant agreement with the Federal Administration of Public Works. As required, a complete record of construction activities was kept throughout the period and photographs documenting the complete progress of the construction live within the Jamestown Public Schools District Archives. 

The architectural firm of Beck and Tinkham prepared the plans for the main building, and Oliver Johnson designed the industrial arts building, located at the southeast of the main building, in 1934. The general contract was given to the John W. Cowper Company of Buffalo.

Groundbreaking occurred in the spring of 1934 and a formal dedication was held on Nov. 15, 1935. George A. Persell, the superintendent of schools at that time, delivered a welcome address and introduced Arthur S. Tuttle, a state engineer with the PWA, and Fletcher, now “superintendent emeritus.”

“It is well to note that the relationship of the Board of Education, the Public Works Administration, the various contractors and the men employed in carrying on this work, has been unusually co-operative and amiable,” wrote Leonard A. Bergman, resident engineer inspector for the Public Works Administration. “These buildings are a testimonial to united effort and may be viewed with pride by our citizens.” 

The A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Ebba Goranson, performed three pieces: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” “lost in the Night,” and “King Jesus is A-Listenin.’” The JHS band, under the direction of Arthur Goranson, performed “Phedra” by Massenet. 

Robert H. Jackson, then the assistant general counsel in the U.S Treasury Department, delivered the keynote address. 

The American Flag and Standard was presented by Mrs. Laura Stegman of the American Legion Auxiliary and was accepted by the asistant superintendent of schools, Clinton V. Bush. The “Principal’s Desk” was dedicated by the Class of 1934 and presented to Gust C. Magnuson, vice president of the board of education, who also accepted the “Speaker’s Desk.” 

Keys were presented to Principal Merton P. Corwin by contractor John W. Cowper and architect Ellis Beck. 

Superintendent Persell offered a sincere welcome to the students and faculty upon the building’s completion: 

“Into these doors will come eager youth seeking knowledge; hither also will come mature men and women seeking the fulfillment of a dream. Within these classrooms will take place contact of mind with mind which sharpens understanding; likewise meditation which leads to wisdom,” Persell wrote. “This building will stand for generations as a monument to the vision and good judgment of the people of this city.”

Jamestown High School received an addition in 1967 that helped connect the Industrial Arts Building to the main building. In 1986, McElrath Gymnasium was constructed.