Twin Falls grew rapidly in the early years. By 1910, Bickel and Lincoln schools were bursting at the seams. Across Shoshone Street from City Park, a new school was built next to the Twin Falls County Courthouse, which was also under construction.
Twin Falls High School opened in February 1912. By July, two wings were being added onto the building — one on each end of the school. In the 1912-13 school year, more than 1,700 students enrolled in the new school.
It was hailed as the best equipped high school in the Northwest. There is something addictive about reading old newspapers. Just ask Steve Woodall.
By 1921, the school accommodated both senior and junior high school students. In 1925, Vera C. O’Leary was appointed principal of the junior high school students.
When high school students were moved to the new high school on Filer Avenue East in 1952, the old school became known as Twin Falls Junior High School. Bruno the bear, the mascot for Twin Falls High School, lived behind a livery stable at Ketchum Street and Second Avenue East. In 1963, the junior high was renamed “Vera C.
O’Leary Junior High School” in honor of O’Leary, who, due to declining health, was unable to continue as principal. Over the years, the building deteriorated faster than it could be repaired. Eventually, the third floor was condemned.
For several semesters during 1976 and 1977, the building was closed by the fire department. Junior and high school students alike attended the newer buildi.
