Dear Friends,

What we had as kids is no longer there.  We can only remember and smile, at the vision we all share.  We grew up down the block from each other, or even next door.  We played dolls, or ball on the block.  We started school together, and though some of us came, and left, most of us went all the way through together.  We walked home together, rode each others bikes, hugged, fought, and remarkable, melded into what we recall as "Those Good Old Days".

Our home town is barely one hundred years old.  Most of the landmarks we took for granted, and now miss, are gone.  Here is some history of our little town that might interest you.

The first graduation of high school level students was in 1904, four boys and two girls.  Construction on the new Port Arthur High School started in 1907.  In 1912, a hard bound year book called the Sea Gull, was published for the first time.  It continued until around 1933, when the depression caused a halt to it.  Early sports teams were referred to as the Port Arthur Boys.  Somewhere between 1915 and 1920, the team and followers, became know as the Yellow Jackets.

In the mid 20's a great man named O. L. Lantz, came to PA, and started the "Old Maroon & Gold" as we know it.  "POP" Lantz wrote our School Song, the fight song, some music for the Hussars, and all the other schools in the district.  He was our very first Jewel in our treasury.

Around 1926, Tom Dennis became head coach in Port Arthur.  He raised our standards high, and in short order the "Jackets" were feared in the state as powerful opponents.  The second Jewel.

In 1929, the first building know as Thomas Jefferson, was finished.  It served as the center of our history for 30 years.  Just to look at the building gave one pride.  The stern field house in the foreground, echoed history.  Jewel three.  In 1959 the doors opened on the new "TJ".

The Maroon & Gold Bank gave concerts in Lions Park on Sundays during the summer.  They played for many civic functions and banquets by invitation.  Their famous block "J" formation became an inspirational sight, at ball games and parades.  Jewel four.

In 1930, the Red Hussar Drum & Bugle Corps was formed by Miss Elizabeth Smith.  They were named for the Russian Guards who protected the Czar and his family.  The scratch of their taps, the pound of the base drum, and the sight of them taking the field to "Here WE Come", inspired young and old.  Jewel number five.

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Treibel-Betenbaugh

Over the years, pride of the city grew and support for nearly every endeavor was forthcoming.  Scholastically, musically, in sports, civics & journalism, there was little missing.  In 1964 the final Jewel was added, with the debut of the "Swingsters".  Trained in timing, choreographed in dance, and the highest kick in the state.  They were second to none.  

In early summer of 1966, we wore the caps and gowns that we so desperately chased for our entire student lives.  We were glad to be finished and looked forward to the road ahead.  Now we are nearing the other end of that road.  More than any other group, high school friends have much more in common with each other, because we started at the beginning.

Fred Schneider
Jacket66

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Last Updated:  Sunday, April 01, 2007