The Legacy of Depression-Era Sumner High Alumni

A digital exhibit based on a collection of Sumner High School student publications from 1935 to 1939

Sumner High School is the first African American school to exist west of the Mississippi River. Though most of the nation was facing increased hardships during the 1930s due to the Great Depression, Sumner High School and The Ville - the neighborhood where the school is located - was thriving and seemed hardly impacted by the economic depression. Additionally, this decade of Sumner graduates went on to become leaders in many different capacities. Many of the women from this decade went on to be leading activists, educators, and entrepreneurs. Some graduates stayed at Sumner to educate the next generation of Ville residents. Others travelled across the world, breaking barriers in music and fighting valiantly for their country in World War II.

This project is based on student publications from Sumner High School between 1935 and 1939, including Robeson Dramatic Club play programs, Sumner Cub Journal issues, and a program for a Sumner Vashon Classic football game. 

The map below highlights some of the important businesses, schools, churches, and other community landmarks that surrounded Sumner High School in the 1930s.

This digital exhibit is organized into four different categories, diving into different aspects of life of Sumner alumni after their graduation from high school. These categories include Women Activists, Staff and Faculty, Musicians, and Military. A source repository can also be viewed on the last page of the exhibit. Click 'Next' at the bottom of this page to begin exploring the digital exhibit. All of the pages can also be viewed by clicking the button with three lines in the top right corner of the screen.