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History of Itazuke Dependents School
New info just received from Wayne Blake class of 56, brother of Brent class of 50
about the VERY EARLY days of our school
"Our father got his orders to go to Japan just a couple weeks before VJ Day
and was one of three or four officers to open the supply depot in '45.
The rest of the family did not join him until 1946. There were hardly
any families there at the time, so the military had to scramble to put
together some kind of schooling for all the kids who were showing up in '46.
In fact, there was no school until the beginning of 1947! Our first teachers
were dependent wives who had been teachers previously and who were
living on or near the base. (Info from Chet Steckel "the base" was Camp Hakata and the very first school was called "Camp Hakata American School") Our home was off base, a very large
Japanese house with garage, garden, a gate with its own guard house; and
we had two maids, a houseboy, and a cook. I do not remember much about
the base, except that the school consisted of grades 1-6 in three rooms,
and we were encouraged to bring whatever text books we could from the
states.
In the next school year, we moved into a new building, with
separate grades. Our materials were from the Calvert School - a home
school program out of Baltimore, MD - and our teachers were now
certified teachers."
(end of Wayne's story)
The senior and junior high schools of Itazuke Air Base and Hakata Army Camp
were consolidated in the summer of 1950.
Thanks to Beverly (Knobbs) Dragoo for the picture.
The school was located in the city of Fukuoka in a large, modern brick building
that formerly belonged to the Engineers. In addition, a gym, volleyball court
and baseball field were constructed for Physical Education classes.
Mr. Scoble, former principal of Hakata schools, was made the first principal
and five very capable teachers completed the faculty.
On September 9, 1950 school opened with the enrollment of sixty-five students.
Mr. Scoble departed for the Philippines during November to the sadness of the
student body (Yeah, right), but Miss Gates, a teacher, quite able and efficient,
took over the principalship.
At the end of the first semester the enrollment had dropped to sixty-five
again and even the possibility of abandoning school were thought over due
to the conflict in Korea. The possible evacuation of dependents from
Japan was the topic of all conversations, but later faded out and basketball
received the enthusiasm.
Graduation time arrived May 31 1951 and a class of four were sent out from
Fukuoka American High to make their contribution to the world.
The 51-52 year began on September 9th with an enrollment of 35 students.
Miss Tierney was the new principal and a new staff of teachers was also in
place.
Again the month of November brought about changes. More dependents started
to arrive for the first time since the Korean War began. Students came
from Itazuke, Camp Hakata, Fukuoka and, for the first time, from
Ashiya 38 miles to the north.
The first dance took place at Hakata officers club on April 19, 1952
Student response was very encouraging and another dance was scheduled
for May 16th.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Peace Treaty was ratified and went into effect on
April 29th 1952 changing our status to visitors. The student body
attended a flag raising ceremony on top of the U.S. Army Hospital and a
few days later a Peace Treaty celebration in the Denki Building.
Judith LaFogg a seventh grade student made one of the congratulation
speeches for the students of the American High School.
June 6th 1952 brought graduation and summer vacation. This was the
last class of Fukuoka American High School and consisted of One student,
Sue Adams.
Next year the Ashiya students will begin to attend school at Kokura.
The Itazuke Dependents High school began to function in September of 1952
with K-12 classes and a total enrollment of 200. By 1955 it has grown
to about 650 students.