1885 - 1898

1857

Kalamazoo Village Trustees purchase five acres of land on which the old Central building now stands.

1858

First day of public high school in Kalamazoo. Daniel Putnam was hired as superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools and principal of the high school.

1859

First Board of Education in Kalamazoo elected.

1863

First high school class graduated eight seniors, five men and three women.

1865

First all female graduating class of three women.

1870

An earthquake occurred; damage to the high school was questioned.

1874

Circuit Judge Charles R. Brown ruled against taxpayer Charles E. Stuart in the controversial case regarding the use of public funds for maintenance of a high school. Michigan Supreme court upheld Judge Brown's decision that same year, better known as the "Kalamazoo Case."

1875

Only all-male graduating class in the high school's history included two men.

1880

The "Old Union" building was condemned and razed.

1881

The "New Union" was erected.

1884

The Occident, the earliest Central High School paper of record began publication.

1893

Mary E. Pengelly becomes the first woman to serve on the Kalamazoo Board of Education.

1893

Athletic Association formed, selects maroon and white as their colors.

1893

First K. C. football team was formed, 2-1-1 record for the season.

1897

High school building destroyed by fire, school convenes at YMCA.

1898

The new high school building opens on Lincoln's birthday.