Vigo County Historical Society

In 1923, at a young age, Paul Nasser made sure the names of the students in his eighth grade class at the James Hook School would never be forgotten. He did this in a simple way. He wrote his classmates’ names on the back of his graduation picture.

The school was an important part of Nasser’s young life, and he came into the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley in search of more information.

The James Hook School at Fourth and Mulberry streets was the oldest educational landmark in Terre Haute. It was situated on the southwest corner of the intersection on land designated for educational purposes by the Terre Haute Company in the city’s founding year of 1816.

The building, originally known as the First District School, was built in 1857 at a cost of $11,733.65. On June 26 of that year, James Hook, a contractor for whom the school was later named, placed the corner stone, a tin box, in the structure. The school was a two-story building having 10 rooms and a basement. The basement came to be used as an auditorium and many town meetings, lectures and civic gatherings were conducted there.

Nasser did not graduate in 1923, but in that year, the Daughters of the American Revolution unveiled a bronze tablet at the school as part of a tribute to Terre Haute’s 107th anniversary. The plaque proclaimed that this was the "First School Site of Terre Haute." It was unveiled for the Daughters of the American Revolution by Miss Mary Warren.

After 75 years, the school closed June 7, 1935. Ceremonies were staged to mark the event. The toastmaster was A.R. Markle of the Vigo County Historical Society.

Former students presented historical sketches. George Nasser represented students of 20 years ago; Carl Baurmeister Sr. represented students of 40 years ago, and A.C. Duddleston spoke for classes of 60 years past.

Many former teachers and students came to join the program. Two long-time staff members, Miss Ella Grover, principal, and Miss Martha Harris, teacher, told of present and bygone activities.

In 1950, a permit to raze the building was issued to Harold Goodwin and the building came down.

Nasser, who owned the Paul Nasser Grocery on East Crawford Street, had the class picture copied for the photograph files at the historical museum. Along with the picture, his name and those of his fellow classmates are recorded and always will be available for reference.