Pictures Tell the Payson Story--Payson High School

    PAYSON HIGH SCHOOL

  

Payson High 1916

  The original Payson High School building served the community of Payson for many years.  It the was constructed on the east side Main Street between 600 and 700 South.  The campus was comprised of an entire city block.  The new building opened to classes in January 1913.  The books and supplies had been moved from the Central School where classes had been held previously.

Payson High School about 1920

  Melvin Wilson was the first principal of the new school.    He remained in position until 1923.  Heber Curtis, who later became a long-time educator in Nebo School District, was the first student body president of the school.

Gym Constructed in 1939

  In 1939 a new gymnasium was constructed to the south of the original school.  A the same time as the construction of the new gym, the school was enlarged and renovated.  A large new addition was added to the east of the building.

High School and campus about 1950

  In 1967, the last senior class to graduate from the old high school bid a fond farewell.  An era that lasted fifty-five years came to an end when the high school classes moved to the newly constructed high school located about four blocks to the south on Main Street.  It opened for classes in the fall of 1967 and is just ending its 39th year of service in the school district. 
    The fall of 1967 saw a new chapter begin in the life of the old building.  The 8th and 9th grades were moved from the old Payson Junior High, located across the street from Memorial Park,  to the old high school building and it became Payson Junior High School.  The old junior high became Payson Middle School which housed the 6th and 7th grade classes for the Payson Schools.
    The old building served as a junior high until the mid-1970's  when a new building was constructed.  The old building later fell to a wrecker’s ball.  The gym was torn down several years later.  The block was cleared and the new Centennial Park was built.
    1n 2008 a new city swimming pool and skate park was constructed on the site of the old high school building.  The thousands of students who passed through the halls of the old school have fond memories of the time they spent there.