The Early Years of Riverside High School
Riverside High School began taking shape in 1948, although construction was delayed by shortages of both materials and manpower caused by the war. When the building finally opened its doors in September 1949, it included 15 classrooms and a power plant and welcomed students in grades 7, 8, and 9.
The school continued to grow quickly. By 1950, grades 10 and 11 had been added, and by the fall of 1951, all six grades were attending classes under one roof. Just a few months later, in the spring of 1952, Riverside celebrated its first graduating class.
Construction continued as the school expanded to meet the needs of its growing student body. Work on the gymnasium, auditorium, and cafeteria began in 1951, followed by a library, science laboratories, shops, and additional classrooms by 1954.
These two photos capture Riverside during those formative years, between 1949 and 1954—a time when the school was quickly growing from a new building into the Riverside community that generations of Beavers would come to know and love.
The Growth of John R. Williams Jr. High School
Planning for John R. Williams Jr. High School began in 1954, with construction getting underway the following year. By 1955, the new school was ready to welcome students and became an important part of Riverside’s rapidly growing school system.
The school continued to expand as enrollment increased. By 1959, 22 additional classrooms had been added, bringing the total to 40 classrooms at John R. Williams Jr. High and 31 at Riverside High School.
The growth was reflected in the teaching staff as well. Riverside had 16 teachers in 1949; just ten years later, Riverside employed 37 teachers, while John R. Williams Jr. had 34.
The two photos below were taken in 1959, capturing Riverside’s schools during a remarkable period of growth and expansion.
