The cornerstone for Lincoln High School was laid 100 years ago, on Labor Day; and the school opened for classes the following year, making it Tacoma's second oldest high school (behind 107-year-old Stadium).
Lincoln alumni have been celebrating the centennial all week. Many converged on Cheney Stadium on Tuesday night to see the Tacoma Rainiers vanquish the Iowa Cubs; 97-year-old Eunice Huffman, the school's oldest living grad, tossed out the first pitch. Then more Abes were expected to take over Tacoma Comedy Club on Thursday night for a special alumni show.
Festivities continue this weekend at Tacoma's Downtown Summerfest, a block party that will start at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, on ‘A’ Street, between Eighth and Ninth streets. The event will feature two stages, one showcasing local acts Nolan Garrett, Rocky Sandoval, Two Story Zori and Stickerbush at Fireman's Park, 801 ‘A’ St.
That same day, alumni will meet up to reminisce at several downtown venues. Alumni who attended Lincoln in 1954 or earlier will meet up at Meconi's Pub & Eatery, 709 Pacific Ave. Abes who attended from 1955 to 1969 will converge on the new 502 Martini Bar & Lounge (which recently took over the former location of Big Whisky), 100 S. 9th St. Years 1970 to 1985 will meet at Tacoma Cabana, 728 Pacific Ave.; 1986 to 1995 will meet at the Office Bar & Grill, 813 Pacific Ave.; 1995 to 2005 at the Matador, 721 Pacific Ave.; and 2006 to present will gather at Dorky's Arcade, 754 Pacific Ave.
“The fact that we're getting people together from so many classes is really exciting,” said Julie Collison, president of the Lincoln High School Alumni Association.
Organizers say you don't have to be a Lincoln alumnus to attend, and the purchase of $25 bracelet will provide access to various on-site specials.
Festivities will continue on Sunday, Aug. 11, with an open house and car show that will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the high school, which is located at 701 S. 37th St. A 100th anniversary ceremony will be held in the auditorium, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
“You'll be able to walk through the school, and there's over 30 classrooms that will have memorabilia from over the years,” organizer Tami Scheidt said.
On Sept. 14, Lincoln High's football team will take on Stadium; and organizers will recreate a Thanksgiving Day tradition that dates back to the 1950s: The Turkey Bowl.
“The entire community would turn out for the football game,” Scheidt said. “All the jocks from years ago and all the old cheerleaders from years ago are going to be represented in either the pre-game events for the halftime show.”
Alumni can register online, learn more and donate to the Alumni Association's ongoing scholarship efforts at http://www.lhsaatacoma.com