The Washington times., 1921-12-11

wv IONII -WONN
FOR EASTERN
Evan H. Tucker Is Called Father
of the Successful Movement
for New School.
By DIR. STARR PARSUNM
TN 1908 the need Of a new
Eastern High School was dis
cussed by the Executive Com
mittee Of the Northeast Wash
ington Citizens Association; and
a resolution was presented by
Mr.. Evan H. Tucker. recommend
ing the erection of a new COM
modious building in central
location. where all subjects taught
In the various high schools of the
District would be given.
The proposition met with unani-
nous approval and the chairman of
the committee on schools was di.
rected to present the matter to the
association. This he did, and it was
unanimously approved by the asso.
ciation.
SITE RECOMMENDED.
The square bounded by Sixth and
Seventh. d and e streets, northeast
Washington. was recommended for
the school site. This square at that
time was vacant ground and was
offered for sale at $4,000. The
Board of Education approved the
recommendation, and submitted an
estimate of 5000, for the purpose
of the site; but as Congress failed
to act. the land was sold to specula.
ton builders and developed.
AS the Association continued its
efforts to secure the new school. il
became the duty of Mr.. Tucker.
chairman of the committee on legis.
lauon, to appear before the Senate
Committee On Appropriations and
advocate the necessary legislation.
The attention of the committee
was called to the crowded condition
Of the Eastern High School, and
to the number Of pupils residing
In east Washington who were then
enrolled in other high schools.
After continuous and persistent
efforts for several years, the Com
mittee on Appropriations finally be-
came convinced of the urgent neces-
sity for the proposed new buildings:
and in 1914 s150,O00, was. appro-
priated for the site
CONTINUE FIGHT.
The site was selected by the
Board OF Education and approved
by the Commissioners Then it was
that strong opposition to the site
determined upon developed among
certain citizens residing east of the
Capitol, which did not cease until
after the site was purchased.
The next step in the movement
was to secure an appropriation for
the building; and even then opposi-
ton by those opposed TO the site did
not abate. Mr.. Tucker and the
Northeast Washington Citizens
Association, by long and persistent
efforts, were successful in securing
IRON, Con In,
ton amounting to 10000, the unex-
pended balance for the purchase Of
the site
Construction Of the building was
authorized, the total cost being
limited to 100000.
Owing to the increased cost Of
building materials and labor, and the
war. which called SO many mechan-
les to France. 1t was found that the
amount was inadequate, and it be-
came necessary for the association
to continue it's efforts to have the
limitation of 100000 increased. be-
fore construction Of the building
could begin.
Finally, in 1920. Congress in
creased the cost limit to $1,000. 900,
and appropriated $4,000 additional
toward the work.
In view of all the facts adduced,
to those cognizant Of the situation,
Evan H. Tucker Is the father Of the
movement which ended in tho au-
thorization Of tho new Eastern High
School by Congress. Much credit is
also due the Northeast Washington
C1tizenS Association for its labori-
Gus work before tho committees of
ConRreea