Cardinals flock to former Arlington High School, celebrate 214's centennial

A sea of red flowed through the halls of Christian Liberty Academy Saturday as Arlington High School alumni and friends of North Suburban High School District 214 returned to the site of the district's first high school to launch its centennial celebrations.

Wearing Cardinals varsity sweaters, spirit pins, marching band T-shirts and toting yellowed yearbooks, a couple hundred people walked the halls of the their former high school at 502 W. Euclid Ave. The high school, which opened in 1914, was the first school in District 214. Its last class graduated 30 years ago and the building now houses Christian Liberty Academy.

"This is where it all began," District 214 school board President Bill Dussling said as visitors streamed into the building. "We had no idea how many people to expect. How could you not be pleased with the turnout?"

Still, the air-traffic control problems at O'Hare International Airport canceled flights for many people hoping to attend, including W. John Rowe, who was the school's last principal, said Erin Brooks, assistant director of community engagement and outreach for District 214. She said Rowe will be on hand for another centennial celebration later this fall.

Yearbooks dating to the school's beginning were available for browsing and vintage sports uniforms, newspaper clippings, trophies, theater programs and even cafeteria trays were on display. The Cardinal crest that once held center court in the gym was reconstructed in the hall and helped trigger memories of glory days for many.

"When I was a senior, we played Elgin in basketball for regionals. They were the top-ranked team in the state and had three all-state players," recalled Lloyd Meyer, Class of 1949, who lives just blocks from his alma mater. "We lost 49 to 48. If we had won, it would have been a real upset. But it is still a highlight."

High school highlights for others included just walking the halls and hanging out with friends.

"My best memories are of the football games," said Cathy Cygan Hamilton, Class of 1980, who lives in Buffalo Grove. "Going to the football games, just hanging out on a Friday night and having a good time."

"I'm very grateful for what I learned here. I remember my teachers very fondly," added Lisa Hammerli, Class of 1980, who lives in Elk Grove Village. "It really impacted my life."

"Arlington High School was the center of the community," said Jim Peterson, Class of 1986. Peterson started high school at AHS and transferred to Prospect High School when Arlington closed in 1984.

"The homecoming parade went through downtown, businesses decorated their windows. You don't see that anymore," said Peterson, who lives in Arlington Heights and was a second-generation Cardinal. "Arlington Heights is an amazing community to live in, but it's sad it doesn't have its own high school."

The open house even attracted a handful of non-alumni eager to share in the celebration.

"I saw the flier and it sounded like fun," said Chris Barr of Mount Prospect, who was sporting a Prospect High School marching band T-shirt. A Cardinal alumna took Barr under her wing and they made their way through the balloon-decked hallways.

"My kids have had a real positive experience in District 214," Barr said. "It's been good for our kids in so many ways."