History

East and some West Productions

• 2015-16 The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 - Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• 2014-15 Frankenstein - West Side Story
• 2013-14 Beauty and the Beast - Romeo & Juliet
• 2012-13 Evita - Lend me a Tenor
• 2011-12 American Idol Parody - Montage '11 - Little Shop of Horrors
• 2010-11 West Side Story - Romeo & Juliet
• 2009-10 Black Comedy - Bye Bye Birdie
• 2008-09 Once upon a Mattress - Murder me Always
• 2007-08 Beauty and the Beast
• 2006-07 The Wizard of OZ
• 2005-06 Murder Room -
• 2002-03 Guys and Dolls - Pirates of Penzance
• 2001-02 Little Shop of Horrors - Odd Couple
• 2000-01 Frankenstein - How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying
• 1999-2000 Ten Little Indians - The Wizard of OZ - The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit - Godspell
• 1998-99 Midsummer Night's Dream - Carmen
• 1997-98 A Christmas Carol - The Enigma -Once Upon a Mattress - Gypsy Baron
• 1996-97 Antigone - Anything Goes - A Bad Year for Tomatoes
• 1995-96 Cabaret
• 1994-95 Jesus Christ Superstar - Who Dunnit
• 1993-94 The Canterville Ghost - Bye Bye Birdie - Fiorello (Musical) - Christmas Carol
• 1992-93 Norma - Noises Off (Comedy)
• 1991-92 Guys And Dolls - Othello - Theatre of Terror - Antigony
• 1990-91 Dracula - A Christmas Carol '90 - I Lituani - Mack & Mabel
• 1989-90 Mack & Mabel - Dark of the Moon (District)
• 1988-89 A Christmas Carol - Blithe Spirit - Give my Regards to Broadway
• 1987-88 Music Man - Bus Stop - Dracula
• 1986-87 Fiddler on the Roof - The Devils - The Bartered Bride
• 1985-86 The Boy Friend - Fantastics
• 1984-85 Don Carlo - Fantastics
• 1983-84 Oklahoma! - The Garden - ET
• 1982-83 South Pacific - Odd Couple - Desire under the Elms
• 1981-82 Godspell - Lion in Winter - The Tempest
• 1980-81 Cabaret - Grease
• 1979-80  Dracula - Godspell - WWII
• 1978-79 Gentlemen Perfer Blondes - Medea - A Taste of Honey- A Christmas Carol
• 1977-78 Oliver - Wizard of OZ - Jesus Christ Superstar
• 1976-77 West Side Story - Innocents
• 1975-76 Snow White - Dark Side of the Moon (District)
• 1974-75 Gypsy - Kismet
• 1973-74 Fiddler on the Roof - A Streetcar Named Desire
• 1972-73 Hello Dolly - Good News - Romeo & Juliet
• 1971-72 Dracula
• 1970-71 Macbeth - Once upon a Mattress
• 1969-70 Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Sweet Charity - Odd Couple
• 1968-69 How to Succeed in Business - Viet Rock - Romeo & Juliet - Tom Jones
• 1967-68 Funny Girl - The Imaginary Invalid - Medea
• 1966-67 Little Me
• 1965-66 Brigadoon
• 1964-65 Bye Bye Birdie
• 1963-64 West Side Story
• 1962-63 Glass Menagerie
• 1961-62Crucible
• 1960-61 Midsummer Night's Dream - Tom Thumb
• 1959-60 Tea House of the August Moon
• 1957-58 Oklahoma!
• 1956-57 Brigadoon
• 1953-54 Christmas at Caseys
• 1951-52 Trouble in the celler
• 1950-51 A Date with Judy
• 1941-42 The Ghost Story
• 1940-41 The White Headed Boy
• 1939-40 Anne of Green Gables
• 1938-39 Rip Van Winkle

• 2015 Carnival
• 2014 Magical Kingdom
• 2013 Super Heroes
• 2012 Decades
• 2011 Footloose
• 2010
• 2009 Mustangville
• 2008 Tonight is Forever
• 2007
• 2006 Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
• 2005 Stampede to Homecoming
• 2004
• 2003 100 year Anniversary
• 2002 Hollywood
• 2001
• 2000 Hawaiian
• 1999 Eye of the Tiger
• 1998 The Wonderful World of Disney
• 1997 A Tribute to Broadway
• 1996 2000 Leagues Under the Sea
• 1995
• 1994 Mardi Gras
• 1993 Fantasyland
• 1992 Hollywood Homecoming
• 1991 The Wonderful World of Disney
• 1990 Tropical Escapade
• 1989 Bringing Back the Memories
• 1987 Musical Celebration
• 1984 Hoedown (last separate homecoming)
• 1983 Toasting our Anniversary
• 1982 You Oughta Be in Pictures
• 1981 Fabulous 50's
• 1980Turn back time
• 1979 Fantasy Island
• 1976 Happy Birthday America
• 1973 Circus World
• 1972 Roaring 20's
• 1971 Mardi Gras
• 1970 Under the Big Top
• 1968 Westward Ho!
• 1967 Fantasia
• 1966 Miles to Melodies
• 1965 Autumn Leaves
• 1963 Knights of the Gridiron
• 1960 See you at Bali Ha'i
• 1938 was the 1st Homecoming supported by Morton Alumni.

The Chodl auditorium was erected in the years of 1925-1928 at the urging of the community which was then 90% immigrant, mostly middle European. They had come to America with a dream and they wanted that dream, expressed in this auditorium which was to be paid for with their tax money. Their belief in democracy and the American system is expressed in the 8 murals by C.M. Fox which depict the Pilgrim’s landing, Bunker Hill, Washington leading the army, Fort Dearborn, Columbus discovering America, the Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln giving the Gettysburg address, and the Battle of Argonne. Their respect for education and ideas as expressed by American scholars, leaders, and artists is exemplified in the names they had engraved in giant letters above the murals: Emerson, Hawthorne, Marshall, Audubon, Mann, Washington, Lincoln, Hopkins, Agassiz, Brooks, Longfellow and Lowell. There are 2,288 seats in the auditorium.

In 1927, Mr. Church presented the best Christmas gift to the students with the opening of the auditorium.

The Chodl Auditorium was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 9th 1983. It is one of the largest non-commercial proscenium style theatres in the Chicago metropolitan area. Chodl auditorium has been the Chicago’s home to the Lithuanian Opera Company of Chicago.

The Chicago Symphony with Conductor Mr. Ricardo Muti performed in the auditorium 2013.

Curtains go down. Lights turn on. The crowd turns to a complete silence. As the maestro raises his baton, the musicians prepare to enlighten the audience with their beautiful notes that are produced by their instruments.

CSO conductor Riccardo Muti kissing the hand of the soprano singer as in appreciation and respect for magnificent role and part in the concert.

­­Boys Basketballs games were played on the Auditorium stage. Which was the only 5 corner court.

The water fountain in front of the auditorium.

In 2010, the Greenhouse was closed & removed. Graduation is now held at the UIC campus.

2011

37 buses filled with Morton students had police escorts enroute to Lincoln Way North in Frankfort, Il. to cheer on the soccer team to the IHSA Class 3A State Championship. "I Believe!"

2012

In 2012, The student café was totally remodeled.

In 2013, a new welcome center was opened.

Girls Wrestling

This was the first year that Morton had the Girls Wrestling Club. This year 5 girls went to the Girls State Championships and placed top 3.

2014

The uniforms changed to maroon polo shirts with kahki pants.

March 1, 2014

Morton Pom squad at Soldier Field for the outdoor hockey game, Blackhawks vs Penguins. Blackhawks won 5-1

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist for Los Lobos, Cesar Rosas gave some of the Morton East students a moment to inform them about his life and his music industry. He has earned a total of 5 grammy's and had a chance to play his hit song, "La Bamba". Mr Rosas was able to give every music student something they can take in and use it towards they're own endeavors. The students played a few songs for Cesar and towards the end he joined them.

The old pool was filled and converted to a supervision room.

THE POOL

BEFORE

AFTER

Now a Supervision Room for before & after Lunches.

The library had a complete makeover with new carpeting installed, new lighting and ceiling tiles. (The old orange carpeting was from the 60’s) The dean's office also received new carpeting.

On September 12th, 2014 the New Morton Stadium and field reopened with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new field will host both football and soccer games. The new track can host an IHSA competition. A new turf field, scoreboard, concession stand and locker rooms are some of the features of the stadium. Morton High School, through a partnership with Side Effects, a sports marketing and fundraising company, will receive an electronic scoreboard at no cost and will enter into a 10-year advertisment sharing agreement with the company.

2015

On March 25th, 2015 the new Culinary Arts Lab had their Grand Opening. It was built on the first floor where the Photo Dark Rooms were.

On May 25, 2015, The Varsity Rugby team defeated New Trier in the state title game, 22-17, when Cesar Garcia scored a try on the last play of the match. The JV capped an undefeated season by also defeating New Trier in the JV Championship game, 17-10.

November 6th & 7th, 2015

Morton Soccer

50 Busses filled with fans line up at Hoffman Estates High School for Friday night's game against Libertyville High School. Morton Lost 2-1.

Saturday night Morton won 2-0 against Bartlett High School finishing 3rd in the 3A Finals.

2000

This year we were honored with the presence of Jim Peterik, composer of this year's theme song "Eye of the Tiger", as our Grand Marshall. He gave a spectacular performance of our theme song. Graduation 2001 was one to remember. It was the first ceremony held at Sportsman's Park.

After the 2001 graduation ceremony at Sportsman's Park, red ane white balloons fly in the sky. Each balloon holding inside a paper with each graduates name and message, them all taking a different destination.

2002

On September 21, 2002 the Homecoming parade concluded with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Freshman Center.

2003

In 2003 the carpentry class constructed the snack bar in the annex foyer.

2004

On August 30, the Morton Freshman Center at 1801 S. 55th avenue was opened.

2005

The girls Softball team won the Conference title.

Boys VolleyBall was a 3 time Regional Champ.

2007

Staff Sergant Pedro J. Colon, age 25, was a member of the 2001 graduating class. He died on February 19,2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came under attack by enemy forces using multiple weapons. He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed.

2008

On October 7th 2008, the modern dance room was converted to a "Chicago Bears Fitness Zone" a Weight & Cardio Room with a donation of $50,000 from the Corazon Community Services, the Chicago Bears and The United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. Bears rookies Earl Bennet, Kellen Davis, Matt Forte, Caleb Hanie, Craig Steltz, Chris Williams, Ervin Baldwin, Cody Balogh and Zackary Bowman made an appearance and signed a banner that will be displayed in the new weight room. A brief conference was held in the weight room after school, then the Bears mentored selected students on athletic drills.

In 2008, the students began wearing uniforms of khaki pants and a white polo shirt.

2009

The Morton Varsity Boys Basketball team had a historic season to say the very least. The team performed a task never completed before. They won 20 plus games in consecutive seasons. Including those wins was winning the prestigious Proviso West Tournament. This tournament has the state's top competition. The Mustangs beat Glenbrook North, Whitney Young, and Proviso West to clinch the title.

The Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times had the Mustangs ranked 3rd & 4th. Morton continued their hot streak sweeping the season series with powerhouse Proviso East. Another milestone came against Willowbrook where Morton clinched its second consecutive West Suburban Gold Conference. As the post season came closer the Mustangs aimed their eyes on state. Morton beat their first 2 matches to win the Regional Championship. However, Whitney Young got their revenge defeating Morton in a very close match with over 3,000 spectatorsin attendance. Morton concluded with one of their best seasons in school history.

Former Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ondrus was honored by the Board of Education and the community on Sunday, April 29, 1990, with the dedication of the Dr. Joseph Ondrus Athletic and Physical Education Center in his name. Dr. Ondrus was a teacher, coach, counselor, college dean of men, 1939-59; business manager, 1959-73; assistant superintendent, 1967-73; and superintendent, 1973-83.

1991

One of the most significant changes in the schol was the addition of Home Base Guidance, or HBG, and Channel One. each student was assigned to an HBG room and teacher, the links to both school and world events during the whole school year. The students viewed a 10-minute news segment on Channel One, then for the rest of the period they learned of other school happenings or completed homework.

1992

Library

1993

On May 1, the Morton Marching Band went to historic Washington D.C. to present several pieces of music to the United States Library of Congress. The pieces were part of a collection from John Phillip Sousa's original library and from his own manuscripts. One of the pieces was performed at the first Sousa concert on September 26, 1892. The band was recognized by many newspapers, a member of Congress and John Phillip Sousa IV.

1994

Folks Arts Festival –

As the roaring blades of steel began to quiet down and the cloud of dust cleared behind Hapac Gym the awe and silence of the crowd exploded into spontaneous applause as Jim Edgar, Governor of Illinois, stepped out of the landed helicopter. The governor was greeted by students holding signs of welcome in many languages and students wearing clothes from their native lands. He was able to indulge himself in many cuisines from China, Mexico, Italy, Poland, and Bohemia - just to name a few.

Welding classes

"Two Morton tin men work to create their own best friend."

1995

Windows were added to the annex overpass.

1996

Senior Alfredo Aguilar has been creating fantastic artwork for years. His paintings and drawings have graced the yearbook, Parchment, and the hallways. He has attended classes at the Art Institute in addition the the art classes here. His art teacher Mr. Salerno, said that "Alfredo's natural talent shines through in all his work. he has a critical eye, a talented hand, and the patience to work toward his idea of perfection."

The Main Entrance

In 1996, The Little Theatre was turned into 4 classrooms & an office.

1997

The Greenhouse at Christmas.

"My middle name is Records." We even got celebrities here. WLS disk jockey John "Records" Landecker emcees the showing of "A Career Game", MSGA's Spring assembly.

Students started wearing ID.

1981

PE Classes

Right on the bull's-eye! Getting the arrow on to the bow, getting ready for an attempt at hitting the center of the target.

Getting the golf clubs out to bring to the field house. After learning the basic skills, students practice for perfection.

1982

Weather records aren't broken often, yet seniors experienced two during their years at Morton East. First, the blizzard of '79, and on this year the coldest day in Chicago's history. On Sunday, January 10th, the temperature fell to a record -26*F, which was accompanied by a -81*F wind chill.

At two p.m. radio stations began announcing school closings and Morton East's students listened to announcements about District 201, but they never came. Still on January 11th, 1,944 students and 33 teachers stayed home. It wasn't much of a school day for the 644 students who did come the next day.  Classes were dismissed after 2nd hour, at 10:10 because of the number of teachers that were absent. The following weekend the record low temperatures were challenged when the mercury dipped down to -25*F.

Inflation hits the cafe.

95 cents was the price of hot lunches at the beginning of the year. Prices changed from 55 cents to 95cents. However when the cafeteria was making a profit, the lunch prices were lowered to 90 cents. President Reagan's tax cut plan, designed to save money, caused a price raise. With the government cutbacks in spending, less money was available to schools, so saving money was necessary.

1983

Ciceronians weren't the only ones who celebrated Cicero's 125th anniversary. Governor Jim Thompson and wife Jane flew in from Springfield for the occasion. The helicopter landed on the football field.

WESTERN ELECTRIC MUSEUM

Where can one find telephones and electrical equipment that's more than 80 years old? They're part of the 4th largest museum in the state. The Cicero Historical Society has a three-year contract to house the Western Electric Museum at Morton East. Room 200 was converted into the museum. According to Mr. J.Leckel, the Hawthorne Works Committee put out $30,000 to move the museum to its new location. It was decided that most of the items were produced and developed in Cicero and nearby communities that it should stay in the area. The museum includes telephones and electrical equipment manufactured at Western Electric during its 80-year operation in Cicero. Other items such as toys, games and furniture were produced during the Depression. The museum also has an audio/visual display of much of Hawthorne Works, surrounding communities and the nation itself. It is now located at Morton College.

Between 1983 & 1985, the Chicago Bears intermittently used Morton East for an indoor training facility, including their Super Bowl XX championship season.

1985

In 1985, Morton East & Morton West merged as one school district. The new name for our school is J.Sterling Morton High School, East Campus. With the combining of the athletic programs came many questions. Questions about the mascot, color, and song. A committee made up of several people from Cicero, and Berwyn and one student from each school made the decisions as to what they would be. The school colors are maroon, green & white. The mascot is the Mustang. “Morton” is the alma mater song and the “Falcon Fight Song” as the game songs – words of both songs would be appropriately changed.

The merger produced several good teams. The Varsity Football team was DPVL champs, and the JV Volleyball team went undefeated to start off the year.

Requirements for graduation were made stricter, including raising the minimum number of credits from 18 to 22 for incoming freshmen.

After 25 years, Miss E.M. Bloom retired.

1986

Victoriously showing off the state trophy they earned, the softball team proves that they made the grade. This was the 6th state award for the school. A perfect record was marred when rain ended the Riverside-Brookfield game in a tie 1-1. Their final record was 38-0-1.

1988

Every day over 2000 students goes to the cafeteria for lunch.

Changes ranged from ordinary to extraordinary this year. Some physical changes were made while new programs and policies were initiated by the students.

A seemingly ordinary, but necessary change was the replacement of doors in the athletic annex. The new doors were sturdier as well as tighter fitting for better insulation in the winter.

On the 3rd floor, a more noticeable change was made. Room 355, formerly a study hall, was divided into two parts, a lecture room and a computer lab, to accommodate an increasing enrollment in Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). In the library, a new computerized scanning system was made fully operational.

Some programs and policies adopted benefited the students more directly. Big Brother/Big Sister program was initiated by the MSGA. Operation Snowball also started. Allowing students to wear shorts for a time in hot weather was the most popular new move.

1989

George Bush, our President, and Barbara Bush ride down Cermak Road making friends during the Houby Day Parade.

When we won the regionals, spirit broke loose. Morton rarely sees an impromptu rally and parade, but there they were! 8:30 AM students, gathering in corridors and hallways, were shouting "We're No. 1!" (before we were.) Soon afterwards, the Ticket Office was swamped. Soon the busses were loaded. On June 4th we defeated Pekin: our first crucial game; our opener.

In the semi-final rounds we screamed our way through a 5-1 win over Lane Tech. There we were, hoarse, excited, and still shouting "We're Number 1!" Once again the Ticket Office was swamped: people were in line until 10:30 PM. It seemed the Cubs were in Cicero. June 5th, 1970, 6:30 AM, busses and fans were ready to travel to Peoria.

A record sttting 11 innings ended with a 7 to 3 Mustang victory.

MUSTANGS DEFEAT BRADLEY BOURBONNAISE FOR STATE BASEBLLL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

1971

Unlike last years folk concert, this year's concert featured popular rock groups. As the audience filed in, the Wild a local group, played several songs. At 7:30 the house lights dimmed to black and an off-stage voice introduced the Aprocyphals.The Aprocryphals have done quite well since their beginning a few years ago. The group consists of Joe Mantegna, Chris Mantegna, Neal Sordelli, and Tom Massari.

Following the Aprocryphals, the Cryan' Shames were introduced. The Shames, who also had their start in Chicago, have continued to grow in popularity since the release of their first record, "Sugar and Spice".

The concert came to its climax with the introduction of the Robbs, who reached nation-wide fame with their regular appearance on the Dick Clark television show, "Where the Action Is."

1972

Team of the Week.

We are spirited! Cries of loyalty and encouragement were heard ringing through the air at sports events and through the halls. Our year started out with a visit from Fred Winston, WLS disc jockey, who presented our football team with the "WLS Team of the Week" award after we won a game for the first time in several years, beating Waukegan 12 to 8.

1974

Although born in Czechoslovakia, Rys grew up in Cicero where he played high school soccer. Following his graduation in 1976, Rys elected to forego college and instead signed with the Chicago Sting of the North American Soccer League. Rys played 17 games and scored 4 goals for the Chicago Sting that season. Rys then transferred to the Los Angeles Aztecs during the 1977 season. He played in 2 games, scoring 2 goals before signing with German club Hertha Berlin. Rys died in a car accident in Germany, however, before he played for Hertha Berlin.

Rys earned 3 caps with the U.S. National team in 1976. His 1st game in a World Cup qualifier against Canada on 10/20/1976. He scored in that game, a 2-0 victory, making him one of a handful of U.S. players who have scored in their debut match. He remains the youngest U.S. player to appear in a World Cup qualifying game.

1975

Signal for a left turn. Simulators help train students in what it'll be like be behind the wheel of a car while watching the film "Highway Driving."

Morton Junior College moved out in 1975 to its present location on 38th & Central Avenues.

1975-1976 Winter Varsity Basketball season. Don Stumillo was the leading scorer in the league as well as on the team. He holds the record for most points scored in a game, 50, which were made at the Proviso West Christmas Tournament. He made the All-Des Plaines Valley League team.

1976

Since the Foreign or Modern Language Department's beginning in the mid 1890's, many changes have occurred. At first, Latin, Spanish, German, Russian, French, Czechoslovakian, and Italian were taught. In 1976, Spanish, German, French, Czechoslovakian, and Italian are the only foreign languages taught. In 2014, the only languages taught are Spanish and French. Consumer Education classes started in 1976, due to Illinois State requirement that all students are to receive instruction in consumer education.

CONCERT BAND PLAYS AT NATION'S CAPITOL

Morton was chosen to represent the state of Illinois along with 4 other bands from the Midwest, to attend the Washington, D.C. Bicentennial Band trip. While there, they presented five concerts.

1977

Edward Arkema, the top pitcher for Morton's baseball team, entered the minor leagues. He was drafted #7 by San Diego and signed with the Padres.

A man loved by many because of his hard work, dedication, and personality; Mr. G. J. Drew. The morning of opening night for "West Side Story," November 12th, 1977, Mr. Drew suffered a fatal heart attack. Some say his spirit haunts the auditorium.

1978

Gym area swells with rock sounds. All top bands had to start somewhere and that usually meant the bottom! We had many bands, sock hops and dances in the gym and field house.

In the era of women's rights and equality, the state thought that this equality should start in high school P.E. classes. Co-ed gym classes were created. The courses taught in these classes must not, according to Title IX, be contact sports. Courses, such as badminton, volleyball, swimming, tumbling, and dance, to name a few, have been popular.

1979

Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan honored Morton College and the community by attending a rally as an official candidate. Many students from Morton East attended the rally cheering him on. "We don't need that kind of Teddy Care".. said president elect Reagan at the November 14, 1979, Morton College rally.

Pope John ll visited Grant Park on 10/5/79.

The initial stages of construction of the new addition began early this year. It is expected to furnish fifteen extra classrooms.

In 1960, a four-story L-shaped addition was built in the courtyard, included language labs, study halls, and a teacher’s café. At the completion of the addition, the need for administration offices, medical offices, a guidance center, and a large well-equipped library was apparent. The addition was completed in 1963 and was followed by the enlargement of the cafeteria in 1965.

1961

June 14, 1961 was the final combined graduation for Morton East & West.

An Arial view of 22nd Street during the Homecoming parade show how much work went into a successful day.

1963

Speedball is a popular sport in the girl's physical education program.

Played behind Morton.

1964

The Dean’s office.

A new centralized Library was moved to the 3rd floor.

The Old Pool.

In 2014, the old pool was filled in, and the room was converted to two supervision rooms.

1965

Joe Mantegna graduated from Morton East in 1965. He was also in a band called the Apocryphals.

He made his acting debut in the stage production of HAIR and on Broadway in WORKING (1978). In 1980, he was cast in the popular television show SOAP. He has appeared in the TV series JOAN OF ARCADIA, and currently in CRIMINAL MINDS. He has appeared in many movies such as THE GODFATHER part 3 and BUGSY. He is also the voice of FAT TONY in the Simpsons. In April of 2011, Joe received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1966

In 1966, Morton East's student government sponsored a performance by the Chad Mitchell Trio, which at the time included a relatively unknown John Denver.

1967

The Green House.

Annex

In 1962, 5 acres of land were secured and homes were cleared for the construction of the athletic annex. The annex opened in the spring of 1967.

It was called the Hapac Memorial Gym and Field House.

The new Overpass to the Annex. Windows were added the summer of 94.

February 7, 1968

Official dedication ceremonies for the athletic and physical education facilities recently completed at Morton East were conducted in the William J. Hapac Memorial Gymnasium. Representatives from the community, the faculty, and the student body spoke at the ceremony. Developed at a total cost of $5,457,397 and occupying 10 acres, the Morton East High School athletic and physical education complex includes several well-developed facilities.The  Olympic size pool, 75ft, six lanes & 14 ft deep has seating for 500 spectators. The main gym has seating for 3,000 fans in addition to team rooms and specially equipped training rooms. A unique Astro-turf will cover the 1/10th-mile indoor track in the field house. Outdoor facilities encompassing the George S. Fencl Field for varsity baseball and two practice football fields that accommodate physical education classes are among other facilities.

A multi-purpose room for competitive wrestling or 2 individual teaching station has a convertible wall that divides the room to provide two classes. Five classrooms equipped with 40 student desks and a driver education room containing 12 driving simulators are included for physical education classes. A new modern dance room and a girl's gymnasium with shower rooms and locker rooms are also facilities in the annex.

A prominent professional baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, challenged the Morton Faculty All-Stars to a basketball game which tested the strength of both teams. Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Ted Savage, Glenn Beckert, Billy Williams, and Kenny Holtzman were among those personalities on the Cubs team. Unfortunately the Cubs lacked the basketball knowledge that their opponents possessed. The Cubs were defeated by the faculty by a score of 85-77.

1969

In the autumn of 1969, a teacher's strike was called at the school for the first time in its history. One teacher was arrested for using his picket sign as a weapon against a school board member. The strike lasted 22 days. In November, the striking teachers were charged individually with contempt of court.

November 21st, 1969 changes were made to the dress code. Girls will be able to wear slacks until spring vacation. All students may wear shorts after Easter vacation through September.

Girls - Dresses and skirts are appropriate school attire. Culottes & pant dresses may be worn. The length will be determined by fashion but must be kept lady-like. Girls who wear men's style shirts with tails are expected to wear them tucked within their skirts. Not permitted for the school day: Shifts and splits in the sides midriff and see-throughs. Heavy or exaggerated make-up is not acceptable. Hair style should be one that is casual and that can be kept neat at all time.

Boys - Appropriate dress requires wearing a dress shirt, sports shirt or t-shirts with pullover sweaters are acceptable. Shirts must be tucked in and kept buttoned. Belts must be worn, blue jeans are acceptable. The hair style should be one that is clean, neat and trimmed; out of the eyes & no longer than the bottom of the ear. It is expected that at all times students must be clean shaven with NO beards or mustaches. Trimmed sideburns should not exceed the bottom of the earlobe.

In the 50's, a major reconstrution began at the school. In 1952, a four-story wing sprouted which included 2 gymnasiums, a work out room, and auto mechanics lab, a green house, 2 libraries, a band room, a carpenter shop, a typesetting room, and over 100 classrooms were added. The expansion was not only in response to the increase in student population, which had already prompted preparations for building a second school, but that the older buildings were considered a safety hazard.

1950 State Soccer Champions.

1950 Boys Basketball on the stage.

1951 Machine shop

1951 Library in room 200.

In 1952, 35 acres of land in an “L” shape (Gage Farm) were bought east of Harlem Ave.

In 1953, Athletic area was built at Harlem Avenue.

In 1954, Hoffman stadium opened.

1954 The Cafeteria Lunch Ladies.

1955 The library was in room 200.

1956

By the spring of 1956, construction had begun on what was to become Morton West High School. The school would open in 1958 reducing the population congestion in the school. The graduation of the class of 1956 included a commencement address by the visiting mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, Harold Roe Bartle.

Auto Shop

1957

1958

Intricate mechanisms such as Lino-type machines exhibit the progress made in the printing industry since the invention of movable type by Guttenberg. The boys in the print shop learn to operate these and various types of printing presses.

Some of the class of 1958 at their reunion tour 9/19/15

In 1958 Morton West opened.

J.Sterling Morton West was designed to house about 2,400 students. It is a 2 story, campus style building boasting 4 wings located at 2400 Home Avenue, Berwyn. Ridgeland avenue is the dividing line for the two schools districts. Students living to the east of Ridgeland avenue, attend Morton East. The cost of the construction was $7,254,000.

1959

Boys Basketball is now played at Morton West.

1940

For the third consecutive time Morton's boxing team reigns supreme over the high schools of northern Illinois. They had victories in five of the eight weight divisions.

1941

Morton Boys Basketball won state championship against Urbana by the score of 32-31.

The Soccer team won the State Championship title. Morton Wrestlers reached a new high when they took a 7th place in the state meet. Captain George Popelka won first place in the 155 pound class. He won 15 matches this year without a defeat.

1942

Social Dancing in the Auditorium foyer

The first day of social dancing with boys is quite a thrill to the freshmen girls. Having danced little before, many are awkward, but after a few weeks of instruction, they show definite improvement: and at the end of the semester they have mastered the waltz and two-step.

1943

1943 State Baseball Champions

The last day of school 3,500 fans turned out to watch the varsity Baseball team win the State Championship 4 to 2. The students bought 10 cent tags to bring East St. Louis to 31st and East Ave.

1944

Student Bank

A Morton Student Bank was started with almost 1000 students starting accounts. The students that work at this time are attending a regular banking class. War is expensive. The United States spent more than $300 million fighting the Axis Powers and supplying our Allies. To help this effort, the Treasury Department offered Americans a series of War Bonds they could purchase during the war. You could purchase a $25 War Bond for $18.75 at the school bank.

1945

Life Guards

Before becoming a Life Guard, you must be an expert swimmer, and must be able to take a difficult "deep water" test. (Old Pool)

1946

Soccer team wins State Championship

1947

Court of Justice

The Court of Justice is the judicial branch of our student government (MSGA), and it handles all civil and constitutional cases. When a student violates a rule, he is brought to one of the weekly meetings. The procedure followed is like that of the courts of our cities and states. If the defendant is found guilty after a fair trial, he is punished by being made to write a theme about certain given subject. If his grades are low, he is assigned to a study hall certain periods each day.

By having close cooperation with the Hall Committee the Court helps to make the students realize that they must obey school rules and regulations in order to have an excellent hall system that we can all be proud of.

1949

SADDLE CLUB

This club promotes the riding bug among the students and offers aid to those who wish to become proficient in the art. In addition to regular rides, there are hayrides, barn dances, and club get-togethers.

By the 1930s, with enrollment at Morton increasing to 9,500 in the high school and junior college, students were forced to attend classes in 2 daily split shifts –juniors & seniors in the morning and Freshmen & Sophomores in the afternoon.

In May 1932, the school district closed the school 2 weeks ahead of schedule because of financial troubles. School also started 2 weeks later, affecting the high school and junior college.

1930's Classroom

1931

National Honor Society

1932

School Activities

1934

Morning Hall Monitors

Loitering was to be forbidden with the formation of the M.S.G.A. Hall Committee. Each hour hall monitors were stationed at various places in the halls to help with the congestion. Loitering, running, unnecessary noise, or other misbehaviors are prohibited. Stairways are designated as up or down except those from the 3rd floor to the 4th floor.

1935

Cooking Classes

1938

Morton's 1st annual Homecoming sponsored by Morton Alumni. Colorful parade with band demonstrations on the field. Over 3500 attended. With a yo, heave, ho the frosh win tug of war from the sophs... Seniors pull juniors all over the field to win from them. Bon-fire with songs and snake dance... Presidents of the four classes were introduced... gas filled balloons... Morton loses to Evanston, but real school spirit was shown by the students.

1938

Prom (On the Stage in the Auditorium)

The stage is decorated like a ritzy dance hall, and the whole auditorium is open for prom-goers to stroll around in. This is the only dance, other than Class night, that is held in the evening.

The 1,045 graduates of the class of 1938 received pocket sized diplomas so that they may be “conveniently displayed to prospective employers.

1939

"Through these portals, shaded by peaceful elms. time has seen the yearly passage of thousands - Mortonites - true and faithful, all."

Morton East: 1920's

The Class of 1920

 This cylinder press was used by print shop students in the 20's to produce the school's Maroon and White newspapers.

1921

1921 Band and Orchestra.

G.A.A 

The J.S.M. branch of the Illinois Girls' Athletic League was organized at the beginning of this year by the gymnasium teachers, Miss Gyles, Miss Miller, and Miss Munn. This league is for the promotion of girls' athletics, both in and out of the school.

The boy's "M" club was founded.

Advertisement in the 1921 Yearbook!

1922

1922 State Basketball Champions

 Football started in 1922.

1924

In 1924, Morton Junior College opened. It was the 2nd Junior College in the state and one of the first such colleges in the entire nation. It was the brain child of Morton High School's Superintendent Harry Victor Church who envisioned it as "a people's college with terminal courses for better citizenship as well as preparation for a university." Mr. Church believed students should pay neither for tuition nor for textbooks, and so Morton Junior College became the only school of its kind in the world to offer a free collegiate education.

The courses offered are the liberal arts, teachers' training course, engineering, pre-medical, pre-legal, and pre-commerce.

In 1967, voters gave Morton College the go-ahead to separate from the high school. For the next few years, the college operated out of 12 storefronts along Cermak Road. April 8, 1972 a 5 million dollar bond was approved to build a new campus. They moved out in 1975 and are now located at 3800 S. Central Avenue.

Just as the building has grown, various departments have progressed accordingly. The music department had its beginning when Miss Silliman first taught singing in 1904. When first the suggestion was made that sewing be taught at Morton, the Board of Education thought it was unnecessary. Finally the class was started in November 1909. During the war the girls devoted all their time to sewing and knitting garments for the Red Cross.

The cooking department had its beginning on February 1, 1915. The first year there were about 60 junior and senior girls enrolled.

The commercial department is another indication of the school's growth. Morton had one of the finest commercial departments in the Middle West. A student graduating from a four year course is well able to fill a first-class secretarial position.

 The art department had its beginning in a small, poorly-lighted room in the attic of the old building that burned in 1924.

Also in 1924, Mr. Church established an Orthopedic department. While reading school law, he discovered that there was a definite appropriation made for the education and care of crippled children. Mrs. Giles' senior sociology classes blocked out the district need for an orthopedic department. The two or three people for each division reported the number of cases, and the matter was presented to the Board of Education. The Board immediately decided to start the school in the fall. Under the direction of Miss Fette and with Mrs. Stockdale in charge of the academic work, the school for crippled children started its work on September 22, 1924, with four children enrolled. The second year that number grew to a membership of 27 students to forty-two at the end of the year.

December 29, 1924

During a basketball game in the school’s gym a major fire erupted. The auditorium, girls’ gymnasium, a library, and several classrooms and offices were lost. (The 1903 & 1908 buildings) The fire forced the school to temporarily move to a split schedule, with the 1,200 freshmen attending classes from 8-12:30 and the upperclassmen from 12:30-5p.m.

1925

 Finally, in 1925 the present mammoth addition circling the old building for two-thirds its perimeter, was finished. All this was accomplished during the 25 years of Mr. Church's administration. He has looked into the future, has seen the need of a still larger establishment, and has pushed ahead plans for another equally large addition now under construction. 

A 4 story fireproof addition, encircling the existing complex, was built including an auto mechanics lab, physical education workout room, 30 classrooms, art & biology labs and a Music wing. There also was a girl's gymnasium, a cafeteria seating 1500 students, Little Theatre and an auditorium having a capacity for 2500 persons, and a stage large enough for the playing of a basketball game. Ropes stretched across the front of the stage prevented players from falling in the Orchestra pit. This auditorium will be the first in the middle west of its kind.

1927

In 1927, Morton’s boys basketball team won the “Interscholastic Championship of the United States". The tournament had been organized at the University of Chicago by Amos Alonzo Stagg.

1928

Coaches Elliot and Pavlinek made Morton's name prominent in football circles.

Girls Senior Hockey

Hockey this year once more took its place among the girls' foremost sports at Morton. The team, a fast, heady, co-operative outfit, defeated the juniors for the championship in 2 hard fought games.

1929

In 1929, the Board of Education initiated an Industrial Arts Program into Morton's curriculum. During World War II, Morton offered classes to the community both day and night to train those interested in working in factories. In 1970, the Industrial Arts Department split the vocational auto mechanics shops between the 2 Morton schools. Auto shop is still available in 2014.

Pattern Making, Wood Working, Auto & Print Shop

J.(Julius) Sterling Morton (1832-1902), was born in Adams, New York to storekeeper parents. Shortly after his birth the family moved West to Michigan. When Sterling was still a child, he met his future bride Caroline Joy French. They were married in 1854 and moved to the Western hills of the Missouri River Valley. In 1872 J.Sterling was concerned about the bareness of the plains area where they were living and founded Arbor Day. One of J. Sterling's famous quotes concerning Arbor Day was, "Other holidays repose on the past, but Arbor Day poses for the future." J.Sterling Morton was the Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland.

1903

In 1903 the new building on Austin Blvd opened. It was named J. Sterling Morton High School in honor of Julius Sterling Morton, originator of Arbor Day, governor of Nebraska in 1888, and Secretary of Agriculture under President Cleveland in 1893.

The first Morton High School stood at 25th and Austin Blvd.,ready for classes for the 1903-04 school year.

1908

Both old buildings & the 1915 structure.

All this time, the community was growing steadily and it became necessary to build an addition to the original building. There were 300 students walking through the doors of Morton, with an additional 100 seven years later.

 In 1908, an addition was built. A new gymnasium and assembly room were added, and soon after that the Austin Ave. annex was built, consisting of classrooms on Austin Ave., offices, sewing and manual training rooms, (The first sewing machine was purchased in 1919) chemistry, physics and biology laboratories, a community room, and a teachers’ rest room.

In 1915, the student population reached 400 and another addition was built. This annex which encircles the space occupied by the original building consists of classrooms, two libraries, a community room, sewing and manual training rooms, cooking rooms, a chemistry lab, physics & biology labs, a swimming pool, and a boys' gym. Morton was the first high school in all of America to have physical education for every student every day.

1st & 2nd Building erected on this site (Austin, 24th, 25th, 59th ct.) Foreground building 1903, back building 1908, at Austin, 25th & 59th.

By 1917, the events of World War I were having an effect on the school. Students began raising vegetables on a 6 acre plot of land adjacent to the school in order to supply produce for the school lunch room in the autumn.

In 1918, after World War I, a rapid growth occurs and even more class space was built, this time it was fireproof. As early as 1918, the Morton High School Board of Education, anticipating future needs, considered purchasing the current site of Morton West High School. However the land, then known as Gage Farm, was not for sale. In 1926 the district did purchase a 2 block area of land at Wisconsin Ave. & 29th street.

1919

The 1st "Mortonian" Yearbook is published.

OUR WAR RECORD

The notable record of J.S.M. in war activities was achieved through the time and labor put upon it by Mrs. Jean E. Bliss. In the sewing department, since America's entrance into the war until the end of January, 1919, the work was wholly refugee work. Miss Bliss went to the Chicago Red Cross and after much persuasion on her part, was given a bolt of cloth to cut and make into refugee garments. From then on material consisting of yarn for knitted goods, cotton flannel and woolen goods were obtained. In total they made 172 sweaters, 107 pairs of socks, 103 dresses, 100 boy's shirts, trousers, capes and caps that were worn by the French and Belgian peasant women and children.

Before the war our athletics took place on a large field the did not compare with the athletic fields of Chicago's suburbs. During the war our athletic grounds were a nicely furrowed corn patch. The athletic director, Mr. Pope and Mr. Millard, the school business manager, put through a project that Morton will have the finest athletic field of the suburbs. It will comprise of 7 acres of grass, with long rows of elm trees and shrubs surrounding the field.

In addition to our splendid athletic field Morton has one of the finest gymnasiums in the Middle West. It is 92 feet long and 79 feet wide. Its height, and the absence of posts and pillars, make the gymnasium an ideal place for basketball and indoor baseball. Although we have had a swimming pool for some time, this year is the first time we have been able to enter the Suburban Swimming meets.

1919 State Basketball Champs

1894

Just like everything in time, Morton started with a humble beginning as a state chartered school by the name of Clyde school. It was a three-story school house at Ogden and Ninth Avenues. The ‘Little Red Schoolhouse” was a landmark amidst open prairies. The building sheltered both a grade school and the high school. It had only 7 students.

On the first floor there were 2 classrooms; on the 2nd floor, an assembly room; and on the 3rd a physics lab. At one side of this lab in a small closet was a real skeleton, used in the study of physiology.

Mr. AS. Barry was the principal of the combined grammar & high school. The grammar school eventually moved out.

In 1899, Mr. Church became principal of the Clyde Township High School.

By January 2, 1899, the enrollment grew to 44 students and 3 teachers. From that day forward a new student entered every month, each of them walking or riding horseback to school every day.

Under Mr. Church’s able leadership the high school grew to over 3,000 students and 147 teachers. As the community became larger and the attendance became greater, a new school became necessary; so a site on Austin Blvd and 25th street was bought, and a new school was built in 1903.