The auditorium is packed, filled with people from across Akron.
They came to watch Central-Hower High School’s production of “Cabaret.” The lights dim, and a single spotlight falls on a 17-year-old teenager in a black velvet dress.
Mary Shaub is no longer Mary.
She’s Fraulein Schneider, a woman running a boarding house in 1930s Berlin who falls in love with a Jewish man as the Nazis rise to power. For a few moments under the spotlight, Shaub disappears.
“I wasn’t me anymore,” Shaub, 62, remembers decades later.
The 1981 Central-Hower graduate still considers her time at Central-Hower as the best of her life.
Shaub is one of legions of Eagles alumni that consider 123 S. Forge St. more than a school. It was a place where they discovered passions, made lifelong friendships and gathered to cheer on championship basketball teams. Because the downtown school was near the University of Akron and offered vocational programs that attracted students from across the city, it wasn’t surrounded by the neighborhoods that typically fed a high school.
Central-Hower’s latest remake is set to transform it into H+ART, a community arts hub with studio, office and maker spaces for artists and businesses. It potentially will house a school on the second floor. Because of this, Signal Akron asked former students to tell us all why this space was so special to them. Here’s what they had to say.
Remembering Central-Hower as a ‘melting pot’
The stage wasn’t the only place where Central-Hower students found a creative outlet.
Kelly Clark found his in the Communication Arts, where he learned the basics of television and radio production.
Clark, a 1985 graduate, remembers spending much of his afternoons in the program, where students produced their own work and some hosted a weekly radio show at WAPS.
“We had a TV studio in the classroom, and we were able to produce creative snippets that people wrote,” Clark, 59, said.
“We did music videos in there. We did a little bit of everything.”
The program gave Clark a reason to spend his afternoons downtown, which is why some of his fondest memories happened outside the school’s doors. He remembers taking the city bus from his Northwest Akron neighborhood, walking past Quaker Square and stopping for gyros at the Greek church, or for pizza at Trecaso’s.
“Going to a school that was a ‘melting pot’ made it much more special, made our relationships much more meaningful,” Clark said.
Some of his best memories are tied to Akron’s sports culture. Clark played in the 1984 Thanksgiving Day City Championship against Garfield at the Rubber Bowl, where he remembers fans from schools across the city filling the stadium.
“It seemed like on that Thanksgiving morning when we played in the city championship the whole city was out there,” he said.
Clark remembers his speech teacher, Suze Elderkin, for the freedom she gave students to choose what interested them. She encouraged them to learn, to think, to grow in a way that was organic. “If you wanted to do a speech about popping a pimple, you could,” he said, before warning, “… it better be good.”
There were lighter moments, too. Clark and his friend and teammate, Tony Lawson, were chosen as King E at the school’s King E dance and court, alongside Shetoria Twitty, the top vote-getter among the girls.
“I guess it was gender equity at the time, which is funny,” Clark said.
From student to teacher: ‘Always a part of home’
The dental assisting classroom holds a different set of memories for Michelle “Shelly” Robinson, who graduated from Central-Hower in 1979.
Central-Hower had long been part of Robinson’s family. Three of her older sisters graduated from the school, and two of her brothers-in-law attended Central and Hower before the schools merged.
“It was like kind of always a part of home,” said Robinson, 65.
Fifteen years after graduating, the dental assisting program that lured Robinson to Central-Hower brought her back as a teacher. She taught there from 1995 until the school closed in 2006, working alongside her former teacher, Carol Haley.
The two remain friends today.
Some of Robinson’s fondest memories came from Central-Hower basketball games with her younger brother, Don Shiplett, who was seven years old and wanted to be “right in the middle of it,” she said.
One night, Robinson brought him home a dollar bill signed by one of the basketball players. He still has it.
Up close to a school legend: ‘Mr. Central-Hower himself‘
Speaking of basketball…
It’s what comes to mind first for Johnny Osby when he thinks about Central-Hower.
Make that Jimmy Gooden. The state champion.
“Mr. Central-Hower himself,” explained Osby, a 1994 graduate of the school.
Gooden led Central-Hower to the state championship in 1980. Decades later, he remains a mentor to Osby.
Osby transferred from Kenmore because he wanted to play for a high school with a winning basketball tradition. His mother had attended Central, as had other members of his family, making the decision a layup.
The gym was one of several places Osby remembers fondly, along with the cafeteria, library and a bridge that connected the high school to the girls’ gym.
Johnny Osby (1994). (Submitted photo)
“Cafeteria would be because of the bonding of friendships, of breaking bread together and creating memories and things of that nature and eating good food,” he said. “And basketball, of course, because of the excitement of playing because our games are always packed.”
His teachers and coaches were an important part of his Central-Hower experience. Coach Daryl Anderson, in particular.
“He was there teaching us the hard work, the dedication, what it took to become a great man,” Osby said.
Central-Hower’s downtown location was part of the experience. Osby remembers the businesses, organizations and activities surrounding the school, including the University of Akron campus, the Akron Urban League and Cricket Square.
“Everything around it was just very, very adventurous,” Osby said. “Very, very educational. And it molded you.”
Preserving what Central-Hower meant: ‘We loved one another’
As Central-Hower prepares for a pivot under its new owner, Clark wants to make sure its past remains part of the conversation. He has suggested creating a room in the building dedicated to Central-Hower students; alumni, he added, could raise money to help fund it.
“We would love to have a room in the building that’s, in some way, a tribute to all the students who attended Central-Hower,” Clark said.
Osby wishes the building could have remained a school. Still, he is glad it remains standing and that former students can return to see it. The cafeteria, gymnasium, vocational restaurant and auditorium are among the places he would want to revisit.
“Whoever built this building did a great job,” Osby said. “Even with some of the new schools that we have, it almost can’t compare to the architectural structure that this building has.”
Shaub misses the friendships.
“There wasn’t any bullying,” she said. “You didn’t see color. We loved one another.”
And the mentors.
Her performing arts teacher, Mark Boyer, encouraged her talent, calling her his “character actress in residence” because she often played older women. Choir teacher Frances Howard offered another kind of support; students affectionately called her “Mom” because she was nurturing and loving, while still willing to tell them when they needed to do better.
That mix became especially important to Shaub during a difficult period in her life. She lost her mother when she was in fifth grade, then her father during her sophomore year. After her father’s death, her sister and brother-in-law moved into the family home.
“In those three years,” she said, “I connected with people. They accepted me. They were there for me.”
Central-Hower’s stage offered Shaub another place to feel at home.
More memories from Central-Hower and its predecessor schools
Gilbert
“I transferred to Central-Hower in my junior year to play basketball for Coach Meneer (he left for Barberton the year I transferred) and to get a better education. I was in awe at how Central was much newer than North High. I was sad to see Central close and devastated as to how the school looks now. Central holds great memories for me and I hope that it can become a school again and return to that rich learning environment.”
Mike P.
“Playing soccer with the team from ’79–’82. Playing euchre in Mr. Z’s class at lunch every day. Watching the boy’s basketball team win state in 1980. Ordering lunch at the Greek Orthodox Church across the street every Thursday. So many memories.”
Marolyn P.W.
“My favorite memory was cheerleading and marching with Ms. Nazarella at pep assemblies.”
Donna K.
“Class of 1982. Band. So many free days.”
Ronald D.
“As a 1980 graduate, my memories are mostly of our dominance on the hardwood! The team only lost twice in three years! Both of the losses were in the state championship game my sophomore and junior years. But my senior year we went 28-0 and won the Division I state title. I went to every one of the games, and can’t forget a moment of any of them! Awesome times.”
Patricia M.
“I attended Central-Hower from grades 9-12, graduating in 1982. It was a fantastic, diverse magnet school at the time, attracting students from all across the city. Students could choose from a vocational pathway, such as dental assisting or cosmetology, or a career cluster, such as engineering or social science. Everyone got along, and there was a lot of school spirit and pride. In addition, the school had great teachers and staff, and wonderful sports teams. We won the state basketball championship in 1980 with the infamous Coach Siegferth! There was a superb performing arts department led by a renowned teacher named Mr. Boyet, who helped create very professional plays and musicals. What a great school it was! I am thrilled the building will be repurposed to highlight the arts and be a vital part of Akron once again!”
Lisa N.
“Winning the city championship at the Rubber Bowl. Coach Flossie was the greatest football coach; he was like his dad, who coached at Garfield. We took the city championship in 1982! It was a good year for Central-Hower. The auditorium is one great thing—many outstanding performances in a treasure of a building. For Akron and its history, it should be saved and made historic!”
Dwayne G.
“Basketball went 24-0 with a State Championship when I was there in the ’80s. I was in the first freshman class. Love the school! ❤️”
Allan D.
“I had three years at C-H. I took carpentry as a vocation and enjoyed it. I graduated in 1977 under Dave Clark and Ernie Poor; they were the best. I learned a lot about construction, and I thoroughly remember what Dave Clark said to me one day that I never forgot. He said, “I don’t think you will ever starve.” Turns out he was right.”
Sandy H.
“My memory is graphic arts. I graduated from Central-Hower in 1997. The memory is the basketball games, cheering for our team. We saved our school. Love it.”
Carmen G.
“This was my high school from ’88 to ’92. My youngest attended STEM High School and also graduated from this building in 2018. I am so happy you’re revitalizing it this way; I hope to see it in person, minus all the damage I saw when walking through while STEM was there. It holds so many great memories. My COS teacher, Mrs. Loretta Keating, taught so many of us all about cosmetology.”
Merle B.
“I am a 1980 graduate of Central-Hower High School. I grew up in the neighborhood, and attending C-H was one of my best memories. It was like a family. The students, teachers, and administrators were all wonderful people. We all took care of one another. We didn’t have race issues or problems with one another. All of us realized we came from the same place and respected each other. Teachers took a genuine interest in us as young people. I am still in touch with my classmates and teachers today. It was an incredible experience attending CH.”
Kim M.
“There are so many memories. One is that a local radio station, WKDD, had a school spirit contest for local high schools. You called in and voted for your school, and the one with the most school spirit (votes) won. The prize was that the whole school got tickets to Geauga Lake! It was great — I believe Central-Hower won two or three years in a row. We were all proud of our school, and I know I still am. Class of ’87. ❤️🤍💙🦅 I’m so glad it’s not being torn down. Can’t wait to see what transpires from the vision going forward.”
Scott L.
“Prior to the University of Akron divesting itself of Central Hower High School, the building was also made available to Akron Early College High School on a limited basis to house various events. Since it was founded in 2007, Akron Early College High School has existed without a space to truly call its own — making a home in the areas that the University of Akron has allocated to it. While this arrangement integrates the high school directly into the University of Akron’s facilities and campus culture, it also means that it lacks the resources traditional high schools have for student organizations, sports, events, and ceremonies. Central Hower High School was generously made available for this purpose — it housed annual class competitions in its second gymnasium, senior student recognition ceremonies in its auditorium, intramural sports in its fields, school information sessions for prospective students in its library, and occasional “lock-ins” to give students time to unwind and be teenagers for an evening amidst their demanding schedules and curricula. While AECHS’ use of Central Hower High School scarcely compares to Akron STEM High School’s encampment there until 2024, it was an integral part of building school culture and a platform for serving its community all the same. I sincerely hope that the renovation and leasing of its spaces continues to curate a space for community cultivation and expression in downtown Akron, while preserving its legacy and celebrating its history.”
Rachel C.
“My memory of Central-Hower High School started when a fellow classmate punched me in the mouth during a school event. But for the rest of the night, every other classmate kept a close eye on me. I was near the teachers who were there in case I wanted to go home, and I said no — I stuck it out all night long.”
Brian C.
“My father worked on the construction of the new gymnasium and carpentry shop class in 1976. There is a concrete “C-H” on the sidewalk in front of the side entrance by the Greek church that my father installed. It used to get painted red, white, and blue before the new school year. I graduated from there, Class of ’82. We won city championships in basketball, football, baseball, cross country, and bowling.”
Waunnetta P.
“I was a graduate of Central-Hower High School in 1989. This is a great project that you guys have in mind; it would be great for that area of Akron.”
Rick E.
“Attended Central-Hower from 1983-86. High school at C-H was like a big, happy family with a lot of enjoyment. One big memory was being on the floor of the 1986 State Championship basketball game as the Eagle mascot.”
Timothy A.
“My junior year was 1979. I was one of only two males in the Cosmetology vocation, and also a member of a choir of proud singing voices. I was also on the swim team, where we took second place in the city. Central Hower became a safe haven for many students, both honors students and less privileged ones. I can only speak for myself when I say the hearts of many will be very proud that Central Hower lives on to improve the lives of many. We love you, Eagles, deep down in our hearts.”
Cecilia H.
“There are so many but one that stands out is when our marching band performed in Niagara Falls my senior year.”
Johnson M.
“I was lucky enough to be a 1979 graduate from the dental assisting program at CH. After 15 years in dentistry, I returned to CHHS in 1994 to teach that dental program. I left CHHS in ’06 when it closed, then returned to the CH building to teach at NIHF STEM HS. You asked for memories — I have millions!”
Jessica B.
“I went to high school all four years. Graduated in 1998. I was in band and I remember band class every single morning with my fellow flute player Mikela. We were a small band but we loved playing. Just way too many memories to pinpoint just one to be honest.”
Donna Snyder (Phelps)
“My best memory was band, basketball, and football. I did IOE as a vocation there. I was a 1980 graduate. We had great school spirit! Much diversity, which I didn’t think much about but was blessed by.”
Robert K.
“As a graduate of old Central High, Class of ’70, the last class of Old Central, I have stayed in touch with Central Hower through the years. As one of the first officers they put into Akron Schools, Central was the one I worked at. I also worked all the basketball games. I’m so glad they are not going to tear it down. There are so many memories in that auditorium, but walking across that stage to receive my diploma was the greatest.”
Kimberly H.
“I am a graduate of the Class of 1981. Central Hower was my first experience with public school, after going to private school. I had a best friend, Lyn Watters, and I stayed at my grandmother’s house to go there. It was culture shock to go to public school. I still remember the alma mater song and sing it every now and then. I moved away from Akron in 1991. I recently moved back and wanted to go in and look around, but I can’t, with a new life of retailers inside, that would be a new life. The rooms are big and full of memories, dreams, heartache, and all that accompanies school. I graduated proudly on June 4, 1981. I remember the state basketball championship, the losing record of the football team with no home field, and the pep assemblies in Joe Siegfirth Gym. I had my first boyfriend in 10th grade — what a lifetime ago. Central Hower holds a special place in my life, and at the time, it was a last resort. I didn’t want to go to Kenmore—most of my friends went there from grade school, and my brothers went to Kenmore, but I didn’t want to follow in their footsteps. I am proud to be a Central Hower Eagle.”
