As Manitowoc Lincoln High School prepares to celebrate its centennial next year, an outdoor gathering space that was part of the original design in 1923, has been re-created thanks to the generosity of the graduating class of 1972.
Seehafer News spoke with two members of the class of ’72 to discuss the newly built Council Ring, located in front of the school’s natatorium.
Jill Barta-Chadek, the project committee coordinator explained that when they approached Lincoln principal Lee Thennes about a gift idea for their 50th reunion, he said it would be nice to have an outdoor classroom.
“That’s when all of us remembered the old council ring that was in the same location and apparently it had fallen into disrepair years ago and was removed,” she revealed. “So, that’s what our class settled on to give the gift.”
The octagonal-shaped seating structure made of brick and cement, offers a unique opportunity for students of today, according to committee member Peggy Krey.
“It’s just a really beautiful gathering place, with its’ setting right on Lincoln’s campus,” she said. “We did manage to raise over $46,000 which pretty much covered everything.”
Barta-Chadek also told us that when Lincoln High was first built, landscape architect Jens Jensen, collaborated with noted American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for a council ring.
She explained that Wright “saw stones arranged in a circle as the original grouping of mankind, an equalization of responsibility and honor, and an affirmation that all members of the gathering are important to it.”
Local contractors involved in the project this summer were Seiler Brothers Construction, Paul Hoffman Masonry, R & J Fricke Company and Lakeland Landscape.
Krey informed us that the formal dedication of the centennial council ring will occur Saturday August 27th at 10:00 a.m. and the public is invited to attend.
