New book tells 100 years of Atascadero High School history • Atascadero News

“AHS The First 100 Years” celebrates a century of memories, architecture and community milestones

ATASCADERO — A new book has been released that tells the story of the first 100 years of Atascadero High School (AHS). “AHS: The First 100 Years” is the work of a committee of the same name in Atascadero. The book was written by alumni, board members, community leaders, retired teachers and more.

The nearly 100-page work contains the history of the original building of the high school, which had its first graduates in 1921.

The main building on campus from the beginning was the two-story “B Building.” One wing of the campus was demolished in the early 1970s. It included an auditorium with a stage and theater seating, as well as a gymnasium. The original architect of the high school campus was Colony architect John Roth.

The main building was demolished in the summer of 2022. It seemed appropriate to write a “memory book” chronicling the first 100 years of the high school.

To this end, the committee interviewed many alumni. Some filled out interview forms at a Colony Days celebration. Others dictated their memories into tape recorders, while others wrote individual pieces at the committee’s invitation.

High school students conducted numerous interviews for the book. Former newspaper editor and local historian LW Allan wrote historical articles about events both on campus and in the small community that grew up at the foot of the hill. Many will remember Virgil’s drive-in, going to the movies at La Moda Theater, or water skiing on Atascadero Lake. The project began in 2019 but was slowed by the COVID pandemic.

“But we have a book full of stories and photos that we think everyone will enjoy,” Allan said.

The First 100 Committee was chaired by Jim Greenman, former AHS teacher and coach. Longtime teacher and coach, school board member and community leader Donn Clickard also participated, as did the late Wayne Cooper, Stacey Phillips, Allan and District Superintendent Tom Butler. The book was formatted by Janet Graupman.

To obtain a book, contact Donn Clickard at (805) 712-6356. Books are $20 each. Checks should be made out to LIGHTHOUSE.

Cover image: “AHS The First 100 Years” is the work of a committee of the same name in Atascadero and is now available for purchase. Photo by Lon Allan

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