[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING BLOOM TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 29, 2000

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Bloom 
Township High School which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in the 
year 2000. Bloom Township High School lies within Illinois School 
District 206 and my 11th Congressional District.
  Bloom Township High School began in 1900 in four rooms rented from 
Washing School in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Bloom had an initial 
enrollment of 81 students and three teachers. By 1901, ``new'' Bloom 
was built at the southwest corner of Lincoln and Dixie Highways. In 
1931, under the leadership of Board of Education President, Harvey 
Adair, construction began on the Bloom Township High School at 10th 
Street and Dixie Highway.
  In 1934, Principal Rosewell C. Puckett watched his students carry 
their books and desks down Chicago Road to the new school. The school 
was a major architectural achievement highlighted by ``the Tower'', and 
later enhanced by the fresco murals and limestone statues. The frescoes 
were painted by Edgar Britton. Edgar Britton used Bloom students as 
models for the frescoes and show students in the foreground studying 
the life work that is being carried out in the background by adults. In 
1982, Bloom was named as a National Historic Site. Bloom is the first 
public high school to be so designated.
  Bloom has experienced rapid growth over the years that required major 
additions to the school, including the Industrial Arts building, McCann 
Gym, the cafeteria, the music and art wing, the Nelson Field House, the 
Workman Auditorium and the Steckel Library. By 1954, a separate 
freshman-sophomore division was built at Cottage Groave and Sauk Trail, 
which ultimately became its own four-year high school in 1976, named 
Bloom Trail High School.
  The history of Bloom Township High School District 206 has been one 
of growth and change, with a continuing commitment to quality education 
and a dedication to meet the needs of a varied student population.
  I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the many 
teachers, and administrators who have helped to make Bloom Township a 
success. I wish Bloom a successful year of celebration.
  I urge this body to identify and recognize other schools in their 
congressional districts whose dedication and actions have so greatly 
benefitted America's students and the surrounding communities.

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