1954 vs. 2024 Side-by-Side
Anya Govil ‘24
2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the graduating class of 1954! As the first graduat-
ing class, they had to come up with ample amounts of traditions that are still in place today.
Many of those were spearheaded by class president Gary Baker. Gary graduated from Indian
Hill and proceeded to attend the University of Tulsa where he met his wife. He then enlisted in
the Air Force. We had the privilege of hearing Gary’s perspective on what Indian Hill and the
world were like 70 years ago compared to now!
Gary Baker (right) was the President
of the first graduating class of Indian Hill High School in 1954.He currently resides in Alabama with his wife, Rita. Favorite student restaurant or local hangout:
1954: “White Castle or hanging out in Madeira Friday nights at
Frisch’s Mainliner Went to Frisch’s w a date - see who could
peel out the most coming out of there!”
2024: “We would probably have to go with the Starbucks in
Madeira during the day time- both as a study and hangout spot.
At night, especially after games, Skyline for sure.”
Top music:
1954: “Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Jonny Ray, and Mario Lonzo. Songs that are considered elevator music today!”
2024: “Taylor Swift, Drake, Lana Del Rey, Kanye West, and Olivia Rodrigo to name a few!
Class size:
1954: “29 in the class, but 2 were drafted so graduated 27”
2024: “We have about 180 students in our grade- we have a somewhat large class compared to
some of the others”
Common post-IH plans:
1954: “There were maybe 6 students who went to college, mostly women.”
2024: “Most students decide to go to college, but there are some who pursue trade or alternative paths.”
What was going on in the world? Were students concerned?
1954: “A lot of the attention around the world surrounded the Korean conflict and the Vietnam
War.. Students paid little attention to the world events; no one had ever heard of Vi-
etnam. Seemed to be a time of peace at least to us; we were not as wordly as teenagers today."
2024: “There are various conflicts around the world- including the Ukraine War and the Gaza
Conflict. Additionally, there is concern surrounding climate change. There are some students
that are very passionate about these topics, however, there are also some who are not.”
School newspaper: What was it like?
1954: “Women typically ran the newspaper and The Legend (the school yearbook).”
2024: “We have a pretty diverse managing staff and set of writers for The Hill as seen in the
photo above!.”
What did young men and women wear to school typically?
1954: “Jeans and long sleeve shirts, khaki pants, peg pants, white socks, and saddle oxfords
were popular. No shorts, no golf shirts.”
2024: “Depends heavily on the weather and the person. A lot of students wear sweatpants and
sweatshirts, or shorts and t-shirts when it's a little warmer outside.”
What were sports like at IH?
1954: “Did not originally have football but we had baseball, basketball and golf. We had a
Women’s basketball team, but not on the varsity league. Fall of 1954 was the first season for
IH Football.”
2024: “We have about 20 sports all at the varsity and JV level. There are some that aren’t available for both gen-
ders yet, such as volleyball, but we could see that changing in the next few years.”
What was the first Prom like?
1954: “Prom was held in the gym- everything was held in the gym! A few activities were still held at the
Concord School, though.”
2024: “Prom is held at an outside venue; this year it will be held at the Netherland Hilton downtown. However, the
After-Prom is always held at the high school with fun games, food, and prizes!”
What were the shows like?
1954: “First Pow Wow was 1954 variety show format; everyone was in it!”
2024: “Pow Wow was recently renamed to the Winter Musical and the very talented theater
students, teachers, stage crew, band, and orchestra work together to make it possible. This
year, Indian Hill was the only school in Ohio chosen to perform Disney’s Frozen, and they did
an amazing job!” ?