| City/Town: • Oklahoma City |
| Location Class: • School |
| Built: • 1950 | Abandoned: • 2007 |
| Status: • Demolished |
| Photojournalist: • AbandonedOK Team • Michael Schwarz |
Most people when they think of the old John Marshall High School, they think of violence, gang activity and overall just a relatively bad part of town. However, back in the school’s booming days John Marshall was well known and the absolute best high school around Oklahoma City. Many awards were given to many talented and prideful students. Sporting teams were undefeated, or the best in their class. Many pleasant and treasured memories stir in the minds of the early graduates. Lurking in the empty halls kids are laughing, learning, and cherishing their future ahead of them.
John Marshall opened in early 1950 to serve the need for a high school in the ever-growing suburbs in far north Oklahoma City. In comparison to other high schools built by the OKCPS at this time it was considered the best. It features 2 gyms, tennis courts, football fields, and an auditorium. It thrived well into the 1970′s until the surrounding area began to declined. Once a feeder for students from Nichols Hills, Quail Creek, Val Verde, and the Greens, it saw its enrollment fade as these students began flocking to the private schools that dot the north side of the city. Crime began to rise in the 80′s and Marshall gained a horrible reputation for gang activity and violence. As part of Maps For Kids, a campaign began by the citizens to improve the area schools, John Marshall was tapped for re-location to Portland and Lake Hefner Parkway. The citizens of 
Quail Creek, The Greens, The Meadows and Arbors, and Val Verde fought desperately to not have this bad reputation right on their front doorstep. But to no avail. They lost the fight and the new John Marshall opened in 2005. Splitting students between the new location and the old for a year, they finally closed the original John Marshall in 2006. The OKCPS attempted to open the school as “Centennial High School” as an alternative school for the closed Gateway Academy, but this did not pan out. After a semester those students were transferred to the new school. The rambling old high school shows its age with weeds coming through the tennis courts, boarded windows, and a sign barely visible charting the achievements of its better days.
Officials think a fire that damaged four classrooms in the old John Marshall High School building was intentionally set. Arson investigators are looking into the cause of a Saturday fire at the empty school, Fire Battalion Chief Brian Stanaland said. The utilities to the building had been turned off. There was no damage estimate because the building is scheduled for demolition. Oklahoma City Public Schools is in the process of selling the old school, district spokeswoman Kathleen Kennedy said Monday. The old John Marshall High School was built in 1945. The property includes the 240,000-square-foot facility and 20 acres of land. The school board agreed in August to sell the building to Premier Assets Inc. for $400,000. The building will be torn down, Kennedy said. The sale is on hold until the city council considers whether to rezone the property as residential, Kennedy said. The issue is expected to come before the council soon, she said. Two previous offers to buy the property and old school building haven’t worked out.
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Hi I wanted to see if I can explore take pics of inside maybe a little ghost investigating on a Christian level
Good post.
Sadly, This school has been torn down and apartments are being built on the property. 🙁
This makes me sad because it's almost like the walking dead , because it seems like there should be zombies there
I know someone who goes to John Marshall she's a junior her names Shelby
hi my name is becca and I was wondering if any one could tell me where this abandon school was, if someone could give me the directions or location of the school please text me at 4055030971
hi my name is becca and im looking for the location of this abandon school, I'd anyone knows it please text me at 405-503-0971
Great day! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a excellent read. Thanks for sharing!
How long will it take to destroy the new school like the original JM??????????????????? Paul & Connie
Class of 1980! Loved this school. Attended from 1976 to 1980 and loved every minute of it. Made life long friends and relationships that still strive today! So sad that this school will be gone soon, but thank God great memories will last for ever. RIP JMHS, the heart of those walls will live on in the heart of the many students who were blessed to wonder.
I did not attend JMHS, but I did make some great friends at the track meets. I am a 1989 graduate of Booker T Washington (Tulsa) and I was really sad to see JM in that condition.
Just curious but who would a person contact to see about getting building donated for charity work?
where s the auction details.
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THIS SCHOOL SHOULD STILL BE IN THE SAME CONDITION AS IT WAS WHEN CONNIE CAMPBELL BROWN AND I, PAUL E BROWN WERE HERE AS THE CLASS OF 1957. WE SHED A TEAR EVERY TIME WE GO BY AND THINK OF HOW THIS WONDERFUL SCHOOL WAS RIPPED ABOUT BY STUDENTS. I GUESS THE NEW SCHOOL WE ALSO BE TORN APART IN A FEW MORE YEARS. PAUL & CONNIE
I graduated in 1975 and remember JMHS as being rough then.
I heard they are going to demolish the school and put in housing units. Thats terrible but with that said we need things from the school. As former students wouldnt you like to know that parts of the school could still be used in other schools around the state. A small school in Southeastern Ok is in dire need of basketball goals, chairs and we would even take the gym floor and leave the logo in place in our practice gym
. My name is Steve Davidson, 9184294118 if anyone knows of who I could contact to make an offer on the equipment or floor we would love to have. I think its better put to use at another school than to be sent to the dump grounds.
I was Class of 1970. As I see the photos, I think of those VERY GOOD teachers that meant so much to me. Mr Pat Riley – arts & crafts, Mrs Lockwood – biology, Mr Harrington – math and others that elude me right now. Friends, both living and gone, also makes for a big smile! Thank you JOHN MARSHALL H.S.!!!
The first article concernig history has several erors and some missed information. My clas of 57 was the first class to attend the first 6 yrs, 7th through 12th. This was a wonderful class that still meet. Britton High School was replaced with John Marshall, but not named Britton High School since it covered a wider area. We left John Marshall in better shape than when we arrived in 1951 and finished in 1957. We had $ drive and left a wonderful organ for classes of many years could hear and use. The lead in article did not say why a new school was needed. Students in the 70's and after trashed it. We were so ashamed of our school being trashed and being replaced many years early. We still drive by the original school with love and wonder what type of people trashed such a wonderul school. I'd love to know if our Class of 57 gift, the organ, also got trashed like everything else. I wonder if there were other classes that had the love for the school like the Class of 57.
I used to be an anti-violence educator for Oklahoma, and my job was to go to schools all over the state to teach a course on dating violence and sexual assault. John Marshall was one of the more "memorable" experiences I had. My co-presenter and I were directed into that huge theater (which looked then like it does now: gloomy, dark, and ominous), and then the place was filled with kids. We did the best we could at a presentation that had actually gone over very well with students at most other schools. John Marshall's staff just closed us in and left us without faculty help. The kids just laughed at us.
At one point, one boy raised his hand and said, "Look, this is all stupid. The fact is, if I saw anyone raping a girl, I'd just join in too, because might as well get some since we're all gonna end up in jail sometime anyway!" The place EXPLODED in applause and laughter, with guys high-fiving each other about it.
Horrible. Early signs of current state of society.
I'm curious why some of these items that are still there such as the carved stones with the dates on them , chairs, cabinets, science items, things that I have seen going through the pictures, why are they not being gathered to give to maybe local museums, artists, collectors , donated to local charities or is this something they are thinking about doing before demolition ?
Some of my classmates and others are trying to get somethings if they can before it happens. Because I know class of 2001 put a time capsule in the ground we need. I just live far so i couldnt make it.
71 grad., went to J.M. In seventh, then was forced to Eisenhower for eighth and ninth, then back to J.M.for three years. We were the only class to start there and have to transfer out for two years. I only got shot at once, on Military, east of the school. The bullet went through the side of Ben Bryan's van, dented the dashboard right in the middle, and fell on the floor. I think it was a .38. No one got hit. The shooter was in a car with probably ten other African American's. I filled out a police report and the police did absolutely nothing. I even told police who owned the car and they did nothing. Didn't tell my parents. I don't think they would have liked it. Fun times at John Marshall High!
I think the reaction of the police shows exactly why this country is going down the drain. The worthless "cops" are determined to turn this nation into an Orwellian police state and won't do a thing about someone being shot or assaulted. That's why I have no sympathy for them when one of their own gets into trouble.
Class of '57. We did not have the auditorium in '57. Some classes were held in temporary buildings setup on campus. Choir was in the band 'room'. There are a few of us girls that still get together now and then for lunch or at each others house to discuss the good 'ole days.
Thanks for all the great pictures. So sad to see my old school looking so bad. Wished I could be there when they tear it down. Would love just a piece of it. Gone but not forgotten JMHS great memories in that school. If only those walls could talk. Class of 1980 Roberta Guidry McMahan
Thanks for all the great pictures. So sad to see my old school looking so bad. Wished I could be there when they tear it down. Would love just a piece of it. Gone but not forgotten JMHS great memories in that school. If only those walls could talk. Class of 1980 Roberta Guidry McMahan
Class of '94 here… what great memories these pictures bring back. I certainly never felt the reputation of the school was accurate, and will never forget meeting someone who actually took 2 steps back when I said what HS I went to. There was certainly a mix of students who cared and the students who were there because they didn't have any place to be.
I also agree with other comments..can't believe the final state of the building and the amount of 'left over' stuff. Not surprised by the OKC Public Schools however.
S. Moore
Class of '92 here.. And you are not wrong about people taking a step back, I was really surprised when some one asked if I carried a weapon to school daily.. It was never that bad.
B. Moore
I was a part of the class of 1995 and I must say that the JMHS was not perfect and there were worse schools. That place was like a prison for me. You had to take care of your own business because the administration was not worth the paychecks they were being given to them. These pictures remind me of some of the good times that I had at that school and it is sad to see that the facility is in such ruins. That place is infested with asbestos so I am curious as to how the photographer was able to gain access to the building.
One of the best things about that place, in the student parking lot, there was a wall that everyone was allowed to paint graffiti on. There were some talented people that showed their talent on that wall. I always thought that was pretty cool. A few nights ago, two classrooms were involved in a fire so now there is fire damage to the facility as well. It will be interesting to see if the developer that bought the facility from the state will be able to put up apartments or if they will be forced to do something else with the property. None the less, a facility that was once home to thousands of students for so many years is now in such bad shape and the Oklahoma City Public Schools did not see it necessary to keep up the old building.
So did the metal detectors go to the new school? or was it just a dream me seeing them there about 1999 I know they were not there in 1973.
Hey John, This is Joan from the Village and Daisy Mae Donut Shop circle of friends. I know you can remember who I am if you think back… How have you been doing these past years? Holler back at me.
These pictures brought back such good memories for me. I moved back to OKC about 4 years ago, and of course, one of my first stops was John Marshall. I graduated in 1984, ran track there all four years. I also remember the diversity of the students, how well we all got along. I believe it was Coach Harrington who donated the track to us. Before that we ran everyday on the dirt track. If it was ice and snow on the ground, only then did Coach Ellis let us work out inside the school. Looking at these pictures right now make me wish I was a millionaire. I would, without hesitation revamp this school and do something positive with it. My husband (who graduated from JMHS in 1986) and I recently visited John Marshall. We walked the grounds, and talked of old times, our hangout spots, and places we would go and eat for lunch. John Marshall High school is still a Majestic and beautiful building.
Thanks to Jan and all the others that organized the 55 year reunion last month for class of 1957. We had a ball and loved seeing those from Calif., Wyoming, Tex, and all the other states in addition to Oklahoma. Great talking Friday evening and a great brunch Saturday at Greens Country Club.
I agree with anony mouse, why is there still usable stuff in there? why hasnt anyone donated those items to schools that need them, seems kinda strange to see good stuff go to waste, and why would random stuff be spread out and only certain things taken? im confused why they wouldnt have taken the books and equipment etc.
Thanks for sharing this on the net i would have loved to have gone to a school like this one yall are all lucky.
These pictures made me cry today as I just happened on this site. I attended John Marshall from 1954 thru 1955. I was in 7th and 8th grade and I loved this school, the teachers I had and the wonderful friends I made during my time there. Because my father was transferred to another location was the reason for me not being able to graduate from this school but I would have been proud to have been a 1959 graduate. The education that I received here was wonderful, the teachers trying their best to bring out the best in their students. When we came to Okla. City from Texas we lived in Nichols Hills and later moved to Cassidy Heights. We lived there for 4 years total and I cried when we had to leave. Recently I have been in touch with former classmates and what a joy. I have even been invited to the reunion next fall for the class of 1958 and what an honor. I just cannot imagine how this wonderful school could have fallen so hard. It was such an honor to be on the first ever cheerleading squad for the junior high. We had the pleasure of the highschool cheerleaders to teach us and what fun.
The fact that the school looks like that reflects BIG time on the losers who run Oklahoma City. I used to live there and, growing up, I loved to wander around the malls. Now Penn Square Mall is so dangerous that my alma mater, OCU, is probably no longer safe. Long gone are the times when I was walking to class late in the afternoon without having to wish I had a can of pepper spray or a taser. I was saddened and angry when my parents took me back there to visit my brother's in-laws and they wouldn't let me go near the area because crime is so high. My mom refused to even go near Penn Square Mall. I remember driving around the parking lot, learning to drive the family Volvo when I was 15. This is why I don't care if the entire city government loses their jobs. They don't deserve them one bit.
They either need to sell these builidings as soon as they're closed, or immediately rennovate them into something else. Why not redo this whole building while it is still possible, make it as nice as a new one, and then the next time you close a school move it in here? In the end you'd save taxpayer money, save a neighborhoood from blight, and save demoliton workers from having to clear a real health hazard.
I have to say that I'm disgusted by OKC Public Schools's attitude towards surplus property. If you look at the first photos here of John Marshall, you see an 50 year old school, showing its age, but still totally servicable and well maintained. Then you have the 2011-2012 update, and there's fallen ceiling tiles, piles of (probably asbestos-containing) dust, and obvious vandalsim. In a couple of years you start getting chipping lead paint and mold. And then you're starting to turn into Page Woodson A surplus and out of date school that could have still been rennovated turns into an environmental nightmare, with asbestos and lead dust everywhere. Page Woodson is a real health hazard at this point to anyone who goes in it, and if someone had cared about that in 1993 when they closed it, its rennovation and re-use would be a far simpler thing. Buildings of that era need constant maintenence to contain their toxic materials, or they really do become unsavable.
Pat of 64, What a shame the school is left in such a shambles! So many great memories are with that year! I was in the ninth grade, in the choir, and even though we went to state, and did not win , we had a great time!! I don't know what the school was like when they closed it, but when I went to it, we had great teachers, and did not have to worry about guns, or drugs!! You could walk the halls safely!! Oh yeh, my first big crush! I had to move to Anadarko, but I will never forget John Marshall
Why is there still band equipment in this building when other high schools across the OKC system are begging for instruments????? Also why is there science equipment, chairs, bokks etc. still there? All of this could be used. I see our hard earned tax money being wasted by the OKC PS once again!
Right there's Putnam city schools that could use the instruments too , like mayfield and caps
I was told by some kids that the auditorium is haunted by a ghost. Legend goes a girl and her boyfriend were making out in the rafters and the girl fell to her death.. If you call the ghost by her name and ask her:" Do you want to play?" and then go outside the auditorium doors,you will see the doors move.
I was told this story by an ex-fellow employee who went to school there,so I don't know if this story is true.
I was a graduate of the 2002 class of John Marshall school. Although the school was not top notch when I went there, MANY memories of this place still exists. I was a drama and art nerd and one of the few that stayed out of trouble. The teachers were good, bad, and a handful were just awesome. To see the school abandoned, it breaks my heart. My parents went there (neither graduated) and LOTS of my family DID graduate there. I remember when we were playing soccer one day, to find out we couldn't use the field because some little old lady around the corner wanted to donate the track that is there today, because her husband passed. She got money from him, and she said they LOVED JMHS so much, that this was her gift to the school. To see the track in that pictur, not really being 15 years old yet, saddens me. I am so glad everyone has GOOD memories of the place. 🙂
For its last 10 years or so of existence the reputation of JMHS was WELL DESERVED. Gangs and the "gansta" lifestyle infested the school and the surrounding neighborhoods. Police calls to the school were a common almost daily occurrence. During basketball games a police presence was a GUARANTEE. One thing not mentioned is that when the new JMHS opened the school system wisely drew the attendence lines so the baddest of the bad the real scraping the bottom of the bucket went to Centenial over on N. Kelly.
Only the most presentable students moved over on NW 122 and the residents of the area really got what they wanted in the end. Nostaligia is fine and nice but the reality of this being a gritty/underclass/gangsta school at the end is the reality and not some white folks fears.
Class of '68 here. I attended Hoover JH my 7-9 grades and JM 10-12. I was totally involved in band. Oh so many memories of friends, teachers, competitions, performances & romance (I've never forgotten Joy). Viet Nam was the only worry I remember during that time frame (I was lucky enough to be spared having to go there). I tried to visit JM about 3 or 4 years after graduation to remenice but the security wouldn't let me beyond the office. The neighborhood had already gone way down hill. I am very greatful to have stumbled on to this website and perused all the photos. I am very saddened to see how it has fallen from grace.
I spent ALOT of time in Mrs Stewart"s class, I'm sad it's closed, I wont forget the amazing people I met, made friends with and loved. Thanks JM for great memories.
OKCPS can't throw away ANYTHING trust me. If you want to throw something out you must do it secretly unless it's a film projector or non digital TV then it just gets tossed or sent off to some warehouse where it never gets used or sold. Now if it's a broken desk it just gets moved around the school for years and years. It is disturbing that they have all this stuff in this building that could be somehow put to use. Sell it, scrap it for the metal or anything that might actually generate some income.
sheri Iattended Marshall In 1971and 72 it was wonderful !! We had a group of the tightest friends I remember time block 10 on wednesday we all hung out on the freak porch and then went to the rose gardens in Otises truck or davids red v.w,van great memories ! And chunga land too wow any one remember ?
I was there in 71 and 72 – yes, I remember the freak porch! Also Martin Rich's pool hall… JM was a good school back then. I remember good teachers. Then integration came in and I went to NE High School twice a week on a bus. There were knifings at NW High School and several kids were killed around OKC. Integration needed to happen but I guess it was always going to be a bit difficult at first. I was sorry to hear JM moved. Thanks for the photos. They are sad but they bring back happy memories.
Class of 1961 Grad. I attended from 1956 and have many great memories from the school that gave me a start in life and a base to go on to graduate from College. I remember Virgil Milliron, the wrestling coach, and how hard he used to work us. JM was a top wrestling school in those years. I also remember my Spanish teacher, Mrs. Marshall, who kept me in line most of the time. When I was in OKC last December, I was saddened to see the state of disrepair it has fallen into. Nevertheless, it doesn't change the memories of the friends I made or the time I spent there.
I went to Marshall class of 1985. Those where so very good times. Both my parents went to Marshall in the late 1960's. There was a big glass case across from the library with a big bear and all the State Championships in this case. When I went there the girls track team was the best around. All these girls could flat fly around the track. Anyone remember coach Murray. Thing he was a science teacher but wanted to date all the students and my personal fav Coach Adams think he live on the east side of the school in the house that faced the school. Back in the day they had a full blown welding and auto shop there on the west side and I was in both of those classes. Played football my freshmen year and the senior football players on homecoming week got a bunch of Freashmen players and took us to lake Hefner and painted us all blue and red from head to toe. Put us in the back of pick-ups and made us sing the fight song while they drove us around the school at lunch time. Hate to see the old school go but we are all still BEARS.
JM opened in 1951 and the Class Of 57 was the first class that went all 6 years. The school started with 7th – 12th grade classes. The class of 57 continues to meet with heart felt feelings for this school.
My mom, Nancy Hunteman Scroggins, was a member of the class of 56. She always had fond memories and great stories about JM.
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I graduated in 1973. I remember on day our class buried a time capsule. At some point in the future we were to dig it up. Did that happen?
We dug it up I believe in 2001! We had the memorabilia in a special room down stairs and then the class of 2001 buried another time capsule. I graduated in '02 and our ten year reunion is this year and we were talking about going back to dig up the '01's time capsule.
Betty Lair (maiden name:Chronister)
Where was it buried??? Did they ever dig up 2001’s?
I graduated in '76. Our class went to the school to dig up our time capsule during one of our reunions, & we couldn't find it anywhere! Someone was going to keep trying to find it, but I never heard if they did or not! My sisters & I have bricks with our names on them that they put in the ground in front of the school. I heard they were supposed to be moved to the new J.M. school, but haven't seen them placed there yet. I haven't been to the new school to see if they are there. My sisters & I had mixed emotions about them going to the new school, since that wasn't where we went to school! Wishing we had them to keep for ourselves! I have nothing but good memories of my 4 years there! I loved it!!! I learned how to type, which I'm very thankful for now, since I use a keyboard every day on my laptop! I learned how to drive, learned a little French from Miss Thompson, learned a little history from the Great Mrs. Clara Luper, learned proper English from several great teachers, & enjoyed singing in the groups Harmony, & the Choraliers! Also made lots of friends, many of which I get to reminisce with on facebook now! I'm really sorry to see what has happened to our school! It's so sad to see it falling apart. Thank goodness we have our memories & pictures!
I go back a few more years than most who have posted comments about the fate of JMHS.
I graduated in 1963 and John Marshall was rated as one of the top high schools in the
U.S. There was pride by the truck load and school spirit was off the chart. Administration
was more than involved and treated everyone like their own kids. There were so many
challenges presented to everyone that you could not help but be wrapped up in activity.
I have so many memories held dear and it saddens me to see the senior JMHS going to
decay. I am trusting that the new JMHS is as filled with spirit and adventure as the elder
was. I am more than aware of the current financial difficulties all school districts are
subject to and I know that every effort is being made to stretch each dollar but it does not
make it any less sad to see the fate of a grand old institution like JMHS (the original).
As a retiree of 21+ years with Putnam City schools, I wish all future graduates of JMHS
(the new) as outstanding and inspiring an experience as I had at good ole' John Marshall.
GGGGOOOOOOOO B E A R S !!!!
Yes! He's was difficult (write your name here), but latter on I appreciated it. Remember Mr. Wegeworth? Same thing,
I went to JMHS, I am trying to find some one who has year books from 1961 to 1968, if anyone has the year books or know where I could purchase a year book from that time period I would really appreciate the information.
Joel Clifton Helm
I am not a JMHS grad. Happened upon this thread while looking for acquaintances. In any case, Classmates.com has yearbooks for sale–the years you inquired about included.
I went to Hoover and Eisenhower, my parents took me out of the district in the middle of my 7th grade year before i could attend JM. We had heard of rapes happening on school grounds and they were affraid for me. Wish i had as good of memories as everyone else but they were actually some of the worst i have. I was always afraid once i went to Eisenhower.
Trust me bro , Putnam city is much worse . That said west is best !
nah, west is not best, original is best
I attended JM from 1954 to 1960, when I graduated … wonderful people, wonderful school, lasting memories. We had excellent, involved leadership from school administrators, teachers, coaches, parents and students. We had a mix of students from different economic backgrounds but it had no bearing, one way or the other, as to whether you could have friends. Most friendships I remember were more value based; if you shared the same values, you were more likely to be friends. People who were my friends then are my friends now and, though I don't see them as often, I think of them always and am grateful for my time with them. Go Bears.
Very fond memories. The best thing about my time there? The mix of ethnicities. We all got along. The FFA was awesome. It was a great school.
Class of '82, who remembers Mr.Sparks and his scooter patrolling the Teacher's parking lot?
I also remember Mr. Sparks, but as a great teacher. He and Mr. Woods were wonderful science teachers that were proud of their students, and expected you to work and learn. I was in the first class that went from 1951 – 1957. I have been so upset with the way some students treated the school after the 70's. I wonder what happened to the organ our senior class bought as a project.
pb
I remember that crazy dude. Didnt he have a wife that was a teacher at Hoover. Class of 1985.
I do I do!!! WOW now that brings back lots of fond memories!!
I graduated from John Marshall in 1980. It was a really good school. I have a lot of fond memories from that school. I think they should make it back into a school. It is a shame that they closed it. I remember setting in the bleachers yelling "Go Bears Go". I remember the modern dance team dancing on the floor in the big gym. Some of the best times in my life were at John Marshall High School. Wasn't the Bears Den a great place to hang out. I think the elevator was in the hall across from the library, I am not for sure. Who don't remember Coach Ellis and Mrs. Lee? What about the Drivers Ed class? Thank you for the pictures and the video. It was a nice walk down memory lane.
I never went to JMHS i grew up in shawnee but do have an apprication for the past and for these great old buildings It really reminds me of the Junior high school i attended in shawnee it was built around the same time as JM. I drove by there today and it is really sad that the okc school board lets these great old building rot. My boss was class of 1970 and he said that he had a lot of great times there. Hopefully something good will come of this great old school.
i moved from del city and was a member of the class of '74
was only there one year, but have fond memories of the friends i made
I went JMHS from (1998-2002) i think that part of the bad rap came from the news stations that where a few miles down the road so if anything happened bad they where close and could get a story/ but as for the bad rap it was a good school, I had lots of good Memories
Shelby Thomason Class of 2002 (The Bears)
SHELBY!!! I've missed you! Class of 2002!!! The news stations always made stuff up. Remember when the bad smell came out of the auditorium and we were evacuated??? All of the news stations show up asking everyone how many were shot and killed and starting drama. We had a fire drill and they came by asking what gangs were involved and who was shot. Lots of great memories here and sad to see the school destroyed.
So far, they have not done anything, did this deal fall apart?
Oklahoma City's old John Marshall High sold for $3 million
The Oklahoma City School District accepted bids for three vacant buildings Monday in an effort to sell off the unused property and raise funds to supplement the budget.
The Oklahoma City School Board approved the sale of several vacant buildings Monday night, including the old John Marshall High School for $3 million.
said his nonprofit Golden Hills Ranch Inc., plans to turn the building at 9017 N University into a school serving at-risk children ages 10 to 18.
"We're just going to get in there to try to help children and give people jobs," Baker said.
Class of 82 – thanks for the memories – JMHS was a blast
I was a 1971 grad and this really brought back some memories. GO Bears! Such a good place and a good time to be there thanks for the memories.
Really hard to believe that they just left all that stuff in there when the school was abandoned. Surely, there was residual value in the desks, chairs and band equipment?
I really wish the school district would do something with this building.
I had a lot of fun time back in the class of 1983
Oklahoma City's old John Marshall High sold for $3 million
BY MEGAN ROLLAND
The Oklahoma City School Board approved the sale of several vacant buildings Monday night, including the old John Marshall High School for $3 million.
Pastor Eddie Baker said his nonprofit . , plans to turn the building at 9017 N University into a school serving at-risk children ages 10 to 18.
this is johnny i was the last class to get out of john marshall that BIG 07 i Love that place…just sitting here thinking about the good time i had there in all the friends i meet there…..i play on the football team i was the QB…i love it…my number there is 4….But think you for that i will miss the marhall
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I didn't grow up in a big city but feel bad that a big school like this is left to rot. The me it doesn't look like it is in such bad shape that it can't be saved. It is also nice to read the comments about how great the school was in it's time. I hope something good will come of the building.
I lived across the street from the school on 89th. Some of the best memories were from that great school.My mother went to the old John Marshall school which was upgraded to the new one in 1950's. The building may be going but the Memories will stay with us always.Good bye John Marshall!!
I saw the first Earth Day at Marshall-would have graduated in 72, but the family moved to Kansas where I watched my old marching band at the Rose Bowl. I was excited to see a letter from my daughter's high school music dept. stating the they would be traveling to JM high later this week-sorry to see that my old school is no more and thanks for the memories.
Tried to find the old journalism room (129). Was there from 1967 to 1979, and they were great years – – loved all my journalism "kids."
Mrs. Ward, many of us graduates,will be at the school feb.2 to say our good byes and then ellen graham reserved the room at johnnies for dinner 5pm-7pm,you are invited.We will meet in front of the school at 1pm-7pm
JMHS Calss of 1968
Bears Still Rule…………..Attend You Calass Reunions and Support the All Call Reunion This Summer
GO BEARS
So very sad to see all the waste of a school that was so great. Nothing was taken care of, it looks like. How much pride we had in our school when I was there from 64-70. How come we did'nt get those old trophies moved to the new school? Very sad to see our great school so depleted and unused and in the state it is in.
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I lived in OKC in the late 90s and early 2000's and LOVED that city! Great people. Still, I've never seen a place with so many abandoned and under-utilized school facilities. Call it "old," call it "rambling," but to me JMHS still looks impressive, versatile, and functional despite some wear and tear. I agree that its abandonement is kinda' sad and wasteful.
After viewing the video and all pictures, I am trying to see the difference of what it probably looked like on a weekend up there when it was open. I remember trash, grass and things grown over or written all over.
I love my school, wouldn't trade it for anything. I am so glad my parent's didn't sell out and move North 4 miles to Edmond so I could be ignorant.
I am so much stronger as a person living in that neighborhood and going to JMHS. It gives me motivation to always find something that needs a hand up, and lend my hand. Not just something that is given to me so can cruise by. My mom was on PTA growing up and my brother and I are successful because we learned to work for things and always try hard at doing the right thing.
Hopefully the school will be used for something; abandoned Wal–Mart’s always refill with a storage facility or a church or something.
You're so right, Bubba! We are stronger, better and more understanding people for not running to Edmond or the other outlying school districts. Not only that, I think those of us who stayed in the OKC school system in the 70s, graduated with a better understanding of how to get along with people. We were better prepared for the real world than our counterparts who ran to other districts to avoid reality.. just sayin'
I'm also class of 99 and must say JM's bad reputation was only among upper class people that enjoy wearing wool over their eyes. That being said I was never stabbed, raped, or held at gunpoint, am able to complete a sentence and have plenty of fond memories of high school. If anything the JM experience taught me to persevere and work harder to overcome adversity.
However, it's sad that instead of taking care and improving upon the things that we did have and really fostering a life skill learning environment that too many years of poor leadership ran this place into the ground.
My parents went to JMHS, so did I as well as my sister, cousins etc. Had a lot of good times back in the 70's. Too Bad!
It is so sad looking. I graduated there in 1980. I loved that school. I met some good friends there and am still friends with some of them. I had teachers that cared about me. Which made me feel great. Ya where was the elevator I don't remember one,lol
Would like to have seen one of the wide staircases, the library, corner display case that used to have the bear, the Latin classroom with double doors upstairs.
And where was there an elevator???
The elevator was right across from the stairway to the north of the double doored class I believe you're talking about…it was a Calc class in 1999.
Horrible reputation? Really? I graduated from JM in 1991 and there was no more gang violence there than anywhere else! Compared to Heritage Hall or Cassidy, uh, yeah…exaggerate much?
So sad…I was a member of the girls track team l976, the first year we won STATE and they had a long run, l4 years I believe which set a national record at the time. JM was THE place to be in early to mid 70's. I wish nothing but the best to the students and staff of new JM and always root for them!!
Wow, it's amazing how much is changed, and yet how much is still the same! Class of '89…now THOSE were the days!
Wine me, dine me, '89 me!
Thanks for the memories – Sr '74
Very good video! I am JMHS class of 89. Did they take the bear from the trophy case to the new school? 20 years went so fast. GO BEARS!!
Be sure to join the JMHS Alumni Group on Facebook, there are some more pics of the school taken by an Alumni that you will want to see.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=6…
Great video, guys!!!
We do still plan on getting as much as possible out of the old building. Have to go through "channels" though. Thought we had it all, but things get put away and then moved 3 or 4 times.
Very sad how it looks… kind of like losing an old friend. We will miss our Alma Mater for sure, but at least we still have John Marshall's name on the new school!
I got a little emotional looking at those pictures!! I will say this that JMHS got a bad reputation because of the things that went on in the neighborhoods surrounding the school. 3 of my family members went to that school as well some before I graduated in 97 and some after and we all turned out okay. I don't agree with how the changes was made with the with the school relocation and the splitting of the districts because it felt like it was something was taken from the alum and well as the future students who wanted to experience the life that some of their relatives experienced. Very sad
As a graduate of JM (c/o 99), this brings back SO many memories! As a teacher at the "new" John Marshall, I love the memories that I'm making there as well. Thank you for the walk down memory lane.
So sad to see. I was in the last class (1970)to attend JM for the entire 6 years. It was a wonderful school then and we were rated #1 in MANY different areas. It was a class act! Nobody likes change and it's heartbreaking to see JM moved but, it was time. So fun though looking at this and reliving memories in my mind. Those of us who went there for 6 years know EVERY nook and cranny in that school. Hate to see it go. 3 m2 g
Great pictures, Thanks for sharing the memories. I'm really surprised that the trophies and keepable stuff has not been taken to the new JMHS. They have a giant showcase with all the old school stuff they can get ahold of and they are still asking for more. I wonder if they know this stuff is still there. Class of 76 took a tour of the old school back in 2006 at our 30 yr reunion. We couldn't get into some of the areas you did but what we could find was turned in. Thanks again for the memories
Don't know what you had till it's gone. Very mixed feelings about this.
J.M. Bear 4 Life Class of 1990
Great pictures. I graduated from John Marshall in 1972 and the place looks a bit
different than it did then.
Thanks for the memories.
Wow, I live in OKC and have NEVER seen this place. I've heard of JMHC, but didn't know there was an old and new. Course, being in such a bad area, I'm afraid to try and check it out.
Thanks for the stories Cassandra! I think that the schools reputation over shadowed the fact that there were mostly normal people there.
Can anyone tell me about the New John Marshall High School? What kind of high school is it (is it a charter school, alternative school, or just a regular high school)
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated
It is just a normal High School. It has really striking architecture and was even on the Court-tv channel on a show called "The Principal's Office".
Wow, this was my old high school (class of 2002). As horrible of a reputation as it had, some of my life's best memories took place here. I never joined a gang, I never did drugs, I didn't turn into a teen mom, I turned out ok. Many many children turned out ok even after attending this school. So yes, it had it's downsides, but I really loved it. Thank you so much for capturing all the little details about the old John Marshall. This meant a lot to me.
Thank you,
Cassandra Meyers Class of 2002
That's great Casandra! I grew up in Edmond, and never really heard any of the bad stories about Marshall. I think the negativity arose when they started talking about building a new one. It looked like a great school to go to! I wish my school in Edmond had some of the cool things Marshall had!
It is really sad that they spend money on all of that stuff and it is all wasted. Page Woodson for example is still full of useable stuff.
Makes me wish someone would do something with those textbooks and musical instruments. Surely abandoned objects like that could put a spark of fun or knowledge in a child's eye somewhere…
Agreed Scout80! Even though some of the band equipment is damaged a kindergarten class or early elementary students would love to bang on some of those drums or marimbas…
I must say, for this months feature, I have to give the credit to the Oklahoma City Public Schools for help researching and helping with these posts… But as for John Marshall, it really was an amazing, and HUGE (200K sq/ft) school. The strangest part was that the lights were actually on still… made it almost like the bell could have rang at any second and the halls would have been filled with kids…it was a great experience.
Yeah, thats actually a little creepy, the lights are on but no ones home… Almost like 28 days later or something, you think everyone is gone, then surprise! Zombie kids come outta no where lol. Some very good pictures though.
This looks amazing! I can't believe they haven't sold a lot of that stuff…I'm a teacher and would LOVE to have some of those funky old-ish things in my classroom! And the instruments?!
great photos abandoned! how do you do it? amazing!