1964: Archbishop dedicates Cedar Catholic High School
Nov. 4, 1964
HARTINGTON — The Cedar Catholic High School addition was dedicated and blessed Wednesday by His Excellency Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan. Archbishop Bergan was assisted in the ceremonies by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. McCaslin, vicechancellor, and The Very Rev. Raymond Auer V.R., Dean of the Hartington Deanery.
The public is invited to attend an open house at the school Sunday afternoon.
Bids on the project were opened June 16, 1964, and construction began July 9. The architect for the building was James E. Loftus of Omaha. Carl A. Goth, Mechanical Engineer of Omaha, provided the mechanical plans. Inspections were made by Wesley Ptack of the James Loftus office.
The Hoesing Brothers Construction Company of Hartington, lowest of five general contractors bidding on the project, was awarded the contract for $123,700. The mechanical contract for $43,349 was awarded to Kathol Plumbing and Heating Company of Hartington and the electrical contract of $13,443 was awarded to the Kruger-Ihle Electrical Company of Norfolk.
The total bids amounted to $180,492. This was a record low bid for construction of this type, as it amounted to just a little under $9.00 per square foot. The addition is of reinforced concrete, Hadite block and face brick construction. The exterior brick, provided by Sioux City Brick and Tile Company, is of buff color that matches the previously existing Trinity High School building. The two buildings have been joined so that the halls of one become a continuation of the hall of the other.
The facade is offset by precast aggregate of a light green texture set into the window areas, giving the building a colorful front.
Exterior doors are all metal, as are all window castings. Floor covering is asphalt tile set in various patterns of soft colors. Faced brick in stacked bond with raked joints sets off the terrazzo lobby floor.
The interior of the building is done throughout in mist green and saddle tan. The office area is completely glass enclosed, providing visual contact between the office and the corridor at all times. It is located immediately to the left of the main entrance and includes the business office, the superintendent’s office, the principal’s office, the guidance office, an office supply room and a vault for storage of all past records.
Equipment for all the offices was supplied by Norfolk Office Equipment Company and features Bentson desks and files. Also included in the business office is an “L” shaped counter with 22 feet of surface equipped with formica top, metal front, recessed secretary’s desk and undercounter files, providing facilities to take care of several students at one time.
Other features of the new building include a new library with continuous shelving around the four walls, a librarian’s office and library work room. This room is furnished with mahogany tables. A large study hall, 63 by 40 feet, is also provided to take care of the study periods and team teaching requirements.
The basement, finished with a vitro glaze wainscote similar to that used in the corridors, provides a large assembly area capable of seating 400. This area also has lavatories and storage space. At this time it is being used for chorus work and assemblies. Combined facilities of both buildings gives the Cedar Catholic High School 13 classrooms and 11 specialized classrooms, including chemistry, physics and biology labs, commercial business training rooms and a Home Ec Department.
The school with its present facilities is capable of providing facilities for 450 students. Buildings are heated by steam provided by two boilers regulated by the Minneapolis-Honeywell Control system and both boilers are convertible to oil or gas. Every classroom is also connected to an intercom counsel located in the central office so that any student or teacher can be reached on a moment’s notice.