Alumni erect memorial at Lehigh High School site
The school building in Lehigh no longer exists but, thanks to the efforts of Lehigh High School alumni, a $3,000 memorial has been constructed at the site. The imposing 12x10x2-ft. structure was built using bricks, concrete insets, and corner stones from the original building.
The monument was designed and built under the supervision of alumnus Jim Goentzel of Wichita, a construction contractor who donated his time and labor and provided several workmen.
Approximately 2,000 bricks were used.
Alumnus Jerry Plenert of Canton provided concrete footings and foundation. Ron Duerksen helped install the cornerstones.
Goentzel said a structure that size generally would cost $5,000 to $6,000. He was willing to give of his time and money to complete the project.
Joyce Kessler, an alumnus from Lehigh, is credited for the memorial's chance existence.
"I happened to be here when everything was being bull-dozed and asked that some parts be saved," she said.
Bahm Construction of Silver Lake demolished the building in August 2002 under a grant to the City of Lehigh from Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing.
Kessler said the contractor was cooperative and appreciated her request. He placed a large group of bricks on pallets, along with the cornerstones and insets. They were stored in Ron Duerksen's garage in Lehigh.
The Lehigh High School Alumni Association raised funds for construction of a monument. More than $2,300 was collected during the bi-annual alumni banquet this spring. Ray Peters of Hutchinson, a 1933 alumnus contributed $1,000.
About 50 original bricks were decorated with a likeness of the school by alumnus Paul Thiessen. They were distributed for donations of $20 or more.
Lehigh alumni hope to landscape the base of the monument and install a floodlight. A large concrete slab from the 1958 high school addition is the last remaining vestige of the school. It is directly behind the monument. Surrounded by grass in a park-like setting, it has the potential to be used as a tennis and/or outdoor basketball court.
"This tombstone will keep the memory of Lehigh Rural High School alive," Kessler said.
