Weber High School: A Quest to Find the Elusive Alma Mater (That Isn't in Utah!)
Ever heard of Weber High School and instantly pictured yourself shredding gnar on the slopes of...Chicago? No? Me neither. But fear not, intrepid explorer of educational bygones, for I shall be your guide on this hilarious historical whodunnit: Where in the Windy City was Weber High School hiding?
From Humble Beginnings to Not-So-Humble Hot Dog Stands
The story starts in 1890, when a bunch of history-loving (or maybe hot dog-loving?) folks decided Chicago needed a Polish secondary school. So they whipped up a place called St. Stanislaus College on the city's northwest side. Fun fact: This wasn't just any school, it was the first Polish secondary school in all of Chicago! Talk about trailblazers (although, knowing Chicago, those trails were probably paved with deep dish pizza boxes).
Fast forward a few years (because who has time for slow history lessons, right?), and St. Stanislaus College morphed into St. Stanislaus High School in 1899. Apparently, those extra years brought a growth spurt in both student bodies and, presumably, the need for more pierogi in the cafeteria.
A Name Change and a Move with a View (of More Hot Dog Stands?)
In 1930, things got a bit more Weber-iffic. The school got a snazzy new name – Weber High School – to honor Archbishop Joseph Weber. Now, I don't know about you, but Archbishop Weber sounds like a dude who could throw one heck of a school pep rally.
Here's where things get interesting. By 1949, Weber High was bursting at the seams with students (probably from all that pierogi). So, they packed their textbooks (and maybe a deep-dish for the road) and relocated to a sprawling new complex at 5252 West Palmer. Now that's a school with some elbow room!
The Final Farewell (With a Side of Nostalgia)
Sadly, even the most epic schools can't escape the tides of time. In 1999, due to declining enrollment (maybe the hot dog stands outside the school were getting too competitive?), Weber High School closed its doors for good. But fear not, Weber alumni! The spirit of the school lives on through the Weber Alumni Association and, of course, in the hearts (and stomachs) of those who walked its halls.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because Let's Be Honest, You Probably Have Some)
How to find Weber High School today?
Well, you won't find the original school building there anymore. But the spirit lives on at Northwest Middle School, which now occupies the old Weber stomping grounds at 5252 West Palmer.
How to impress your friends with useless Weber High School trivia?
Tell them Weber High School was originally called St. Stanislaus College and was the first Polish secondary school in Chicago. Bonus points if you can throw in a pierogi pun.
How to channel your inner Weber High School student?
Blast some oldies music, fire up the deep fryer, and maybe brush up on your Polish – just for kicks.
How to tell the difference between Weber High School in Chicago and Weber High School in Utah?
One is in the heart of Chicago, the other is surrounded by mountains. Unless you have a hankering for skiing in the middle of your trigonometry class, Chicago's Weber is the one you're looking for.
How to know if you're reading this post because you're a Weber High School alumni with a serious case of nostalgia?
If you just teared up a little and yelled, "Go Red Horde!" (their mascot, apparently), then that's a pretty good sign.
