Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools
We are a community with a rich heritage. Southport High School opened its doors in 1890 in what is now the Perry Township Education Center on Orinoco Avenue.
The current Southport High was built on Banta Road in 1954, and that’s when the center was used as a middle school. When the pupils were moved to Keystone Middle School, the center remained vacant until later serving as an alternative school.
After being renovated in 2002, the old Southport High became home to the center. Today, it serves as an administrative/community center and the Early Childhood Academy for more than 140 preschoolers who keep us grounded and remind us daily of our major focus.
Our district has a unique history that sets it apart from others, and we want to capture that mystique.
Have you ever wished you had taken time to collect and preserve some artifacts from your past after realizing the importance of those items? Graduates from our district often reminisce with me about their past experiences in our schools with smiles on their faces.
With this in mind, we have embarked upon a mission to preserve some of Perry Township’s history. I am told that back in the 1800s the area was dotted with one-room schoolhouses on Bluff Road, on what would become Indiana Central College (now UIndy), the corner of Edgewood and Madison avenues and more. I could continue writing on and on if space would permit.
We envision the development of a historical time line around the second floor of the center. When reaching the top of the main stairs, you would see a few paragraphs talking about the township’s early days, how it was formed and whom it was named after. There would be photos of the one-room schools and a map of where they were once located.
You would continue around the hall and see pictures of other buildings and items of significant events, such as Perry Meridian High School’s first graduating class, a brochure of a 100-year anniversary celebration of the district, etc. These items would be permanently displayed for everyone to enjoy.
Barry Browning, past president of the Perry Southport Historical Society and an active community member, has volunteered to assist with the project. Since we cannot accomplish this task without you, we are asking for your help.
Please search through your files and boxes of photos, newspaper articles and other memorabilia. We are happy to scan or photograph items or you are welcome to donate artifacts. Materials can be brought to the center, 6548 Orinoco Ave. You may also share your memories and stories by emailing pclegg@perryschools.org.