London High School

The London Independent School System was established in 1905. and the old Laurel Seminary building was deeded to the London School System. The first classes were held there. The basement was equipped for classrooms and additional rooms were added to the building. In 1912 the Board of Trustees decided to add high school courses to the system and the Principal J. C. Jones was assigned to teach them. He resigned during the year and was replaced by Charles R. Luker. Home Economics classes began in 1927. A business department was established in 1935. In the 1920s a frame gymnasium was built. In 1929, the adjacent property was purchased on which to erect a separate building for the high school. The home on that property was used for classrooms until a new building was erected in 1936 as a WPA project. That building served as the High School until the London School District consolidated with the Laurel County School District in 1970. In August of that year, the high school students were enrolled at the newly built Laurel County High School.

          The first graduating class consisted of 5 students. In 1917 there were four graduates. By 1918 there were 11 graduates. In 1930 the number had increased to 39. There were approximately 82 graduates in the last graduating class of 1970. On site we have diplomas for the years 1918, 1925, 1929 and 1930. The family of Jack Miller donated yearbooks for the years 1966-1969. The yearbooks for 1960-1965 are located on our Laurel County shelf. We also have a photocopy of the 1938 yearbook there. Another alumnus of the school donated issues of the school newspaper Londonian from 1963-1967.

Sources: A History of Laurel County by Russell Dyche; pages 126-129; various yearbooks.

The 1918 Diploma of Hazel Pearl Baker’s is hanging on the wall in the School Room. The 1930 Senior Class Graduation Photo is hanging on the wall in the School Room. Each student is identified. Brady Brummett, a 1967 graduate, loaned his diploma, T-shirt, and class ring for this exhibit.