Of all the gift shops in town I wish I had known about, the Central High gift shop was the one I would have visited quite often. Alas, my one, and only, visit was on
Of all the gift shops in town I wish I had known about, the Central High gift shop was the one I would have visited quite often. Alas, my one, and only, visit was on the last day they were open. I had to make my way there before heading to work, just to see it, and to take some pictures of memorabilia before it was put into storage.
the castle gift shop
The first time I heard of this gift shop was when they announced they were closing due to the city, and the current land owner, refusing to renew their lease. In addition, the Central High Alumni Association was unable to come up with the estimated $2 million dollar price tag to purchase this historic building, and return it to Sioux City as a museum of some sort.
Walking into the gift shop, I was surprised by its modest appearance. Simple, and quite unassuming, I can see how many people would walk right by, not realizing that beyond its doors lie an astounding assortment of historical artifacts and material.
vintage yearbooks
There was not much left in the gift shop since this was their last day they would be open to the public, however, I did find a box of old yearbooks. I wrestled with the notion of going back home for a $20 dollar bill, purchasing several of these century year-old books, or resorting to just taking pictures of what I could, with what time I had.
I decided on the later, and the pictures below are what I was able to gather from four different Central High yearbooks dating from 1909 to 1930.
brief history
Named Central High, as it was near the center of town, and being surrounded by West High, East High and North High, this Norman-Style building was later affectionately renamed “Castle on the Hill”.
Built between 1911 and 1913, and generating a budget of over $329,000 dollars, construction of this type of building today would cost almost $9 million!
Reflecting the flamboyant and confident attitudes of the community during this time, Central High features a large central bell tower flanked by two projecting pavilions, each are capped by a stepped-gable roof and turrets at the corners.
bit by bit
In fact, the Castle on the Hill that you see today was built in three parts. The first extension was added on a year after completion once it was obvious school attendance kept growing. The original building was composed of brownish-pink Lake Superior Sandstone, but when the extension was added, it was decided to “smoke” the additional sandstone used in 1913 to match the original color.
As attendance grew, the second, and final, addition in 1930 was added when the fourth floor was built on top of the existing three floors. The process of “smoking” this sandstone to match the existing structure was repeated.
new beginnings
Unfortunately, Central High was closed in 1972 once three newer schools were built, which, in turn, served nearby neighborhoods, and allowed for shorter travel times for students all across Sioux City. But alas! The Castle on the Hill Association (COHA) was formed shortly after to ensure renovation and restoration would begin, and the once bustling hallways of Central High would be lovingly cared for.
In fact, in 1976, the COHA purchased the building from the Sioux City Community School District for just $1 dollar! And in 2000, they contacted NuStyle Development Corp, who also played a significant role in converting the Old Market Lofts. It was decided to turn the Castle on the Hill into apartments, and in 2003, the renovation was complete, and a grand opening invited Sioux City residents from all over to view the remodel.
Now, after seventeen years, the Castle on the Hill still remains apartments tenants can rent, and I’ve been in one years ago. The ceilings were impossibly high! And it there were still exposed piping near the ceiling, making this particular apartment look rustic, but modern.
looking ahead for years to come
I drive past Castle on the Hill almost every day on my way home from work, and it is an opposing structure. Sitting at the top of 12th and Nebraska, you see it as you crest the hill, and I would love to go up in the bell tower one day, and look out and over Sioux City. You could probably see for miles.
Even though the gift shop is closed now, there is a resurgence of alumni who want to preserve Central High’s history. There will soon be a website setup where visitors can purchase memorabilia, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. I will definitely be waiting patiently, since I would love to have a vintage maroon and white sweatshirt.
To learn more information on the Castle on the Hill visit Sioux City’s History page here: http://www.siouxcityhistory.org/historic-sites/85-central-high-school.
And also keep up to date on any current events, and show support for Central High Alumni by visiting their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/48189825698/