Dedication to WHS from the last Wolf annual by Chad Gallagher
A motorist traveling the backroads of Arkansas could easily overlook the small town of Winthrop located on Arkansas Highway 234 approximately ten miles north of Foreman. Although the town and school are small in numbers, the spirit of the school and its' student body is unmatchable There is no other like Winthrop High School.
In January of 1881, Z.T. Morgan purchased a forty-acre tract for $82.55, which would later form the northeast section of town. A small community of scattered houses occupied what is now Winthrop. The arrival of the railroad in 1894 made Winthrop the booming town it became. The official incorporation of Winthrop as a town occurred on May 17, 1912.
Winthrop flourished from the time of the railroad until a few years before the Depression. There were sawmills, a cotton gin, and a three story feed mill. Winthrop developed into a railroad shipping point. People traveled to Winthrop to ship their goods to markets for sale. New brick buildings began to replace the wooden frame ones. A new brick school building constructed in 1913 replaced the original wooden frame structure. This same building is still used today as the Winthrop Elementary School. The Winthrop economy supported two hotels, a bakery, a barber shop, a meat market, an ice house, a telephone exchange, several blacksmith shops, a livery, three drug stores, a bank, several general stores, two newspapers, and a real estate office. Winthrop was considered to be a big and somewhat rowdy town. Better roads, the growth of other towns, and an increase in the use of automobiles provided the means for many to find employment and trade elsewhere.
The very first school in Winthrop was a three room, rough plank building. There was no running water, so therefore, no bathrooms. This building was located where the cafeteria now stands. It was torn down in 1913 and replaced by the present elementary school building. It is said that the Reformed Church of Latter Day Saints building was built of the original schoolhouse lumber. In the early years, even smaller schools, such as Jones, King Ryder, and Arkinda consolidated with Winthrop.
Basketball became the focal point of school sports at Winthrop in the early 1930's. Both boys' and girls' games were played on an outside court. The Wolf was chosen as the school's mascot because wolves were often heard making endless calls throughout the dark nights. The first basketball uniforms, as we know them, were purchased in 1933.
May Smith graduated from Winthrop High School in 1932. Ms. Smith says there is no school comparable to Winthrop. Winthrop began as a primary school only but a twelve grade school was operated for the first time in 1927. The elementary building was used for grades one through twelve.
As the businesses of Winthrop began to die, one thing stood firm as the rock of the community, the school. It rallied the spirit of the people to press on. When all else failed, the school has been the focal point of the community; uniting diversity, changing lives, and educating students.
According to Mrs. Smith, the outside of the building is still the same with the addition of a fire escape. But the inside has changed drastically.
Downstairs there were four classrooms with a hall between the two rooms on each side. Upstairs there were two classrooms, a science lab, and an auditorium. School and town activities, community meetings, parties, showers, and plays were all held here. Each Monday morning school began with a general assembly. When the bell sounded the students lined up and went to class. In these early times the campus consisted of the "elementary" building, a well (near the present gym), two outside basketball courts, as well as an old grist mill. See-saws, merry-go-rounds, swings, a gym, and a high school building were all to follow. In 1969, the newest campus building, today's high school, was built. Ever since, almost all high school classes have been held in it.
Mrs. Smith said in February of 1992, "I love the Winthrop School dearly and because of it my life has been enriched. The last part of my valedictory speech still holds true, 'If we but carry in life the ideas of teaching of the Winthrop High School, it cannot fall to bring credit to her, to our country, and to ourselves'."
There are some things about Winthrop High which seem to never change. Let's reflect on these things. W.H.S. has sent many great students into the world. At Winthrop High there are no cliques, only one big family. A small, personal, family-like environment has provided safe, comfortable, and high quality education at "home". "Home", because that is what W.H.S. has been to her many students over the years. The spirit of the students and the school are totally unique, awesome, absolutely indefinable. Nowhere else do the students support each other for who they are instead of what they have. School pride is unbeatable, If you don't believe this you should have attended a few basketball games over the years. No other basketball is like Wolf Basketball'
Anyone who has not run the gambit of emotions this year has none. Times have been hard as alumni, teachers, parents, and especially, we students have tried to somehow cope with the death of our beloved school. How can they take away what is rightfully ours? Long we'll hold these memories dear! No longer will there be Wolf Basketball and a Winthrop High, but blue and white we'll stay! We're proud to hold the hand of old Winthrop High as she draws her last few breaths. As her eyes gaze upon us, we blink back the tears to make her proud. She's served us well, always with open doors. Honor, honor to thee only - - hail to W.H.S.! Yes, they may close our school and send us away, but through the years we'll all still love thee, old Winthrop High.
Throughout this past year the Winthrop Wolf has cried out, hoping and praying for some help. Next year, the year after, years to come, and forever remember the triumphant and victorious call of the Wolf. When the night is dark, dead, and silent and you suddenly hear a long and piercing sound, remember the WOLF CALL NEVER ENDS
Chad Gallagher
for more information please contact: