Bear River High School officially began in 1916 in the third story of the Garland Elementary School, built in 1912. A handful of students desired to attend school beyond their eighth grade graduation, so freshmen courses were offered under the leadership of C. E. Smith who continued as principal when the high school was built on a separate campus in time for the 1921-22 school year.

Controversy arose over where the new high school would be built. Both Tremonton and Garland wanted the school in their cities. A citizen from Garland and a citizen from Tremonton started from the city centers, and, after walking for twenty minutes, met where the campus is today, midway between the two cities. Initially, the campus was located on a gravel road, surrounded by fields. Back in the day, the cool place to sluff was by the railroad tracks where La-Z-Boy is presently located. It is ironic that the factory is named similar to the first students who liked to hang out there.

Another irony is the fact that a hitching post, hay, and water were provided for those horses that students rode to school; however, there was no cafeteria. Because of the central location most students walked, as well as the staff and administration. Another option was the hack, forerunner to today’s school bus.

A tall chimney and boiler room were part of the original structure and are still in use today. Originally, a swimming pool was close by. Other facilities, including a shop, auditorium, and gym were added later. The administration building, Memorial Gymnasium (named in honor of our veterans, including the four Borgstrom brothers), and auditorium were added after World War II, and the older parts of the campus became the middle school. The junior high school moved to its present location across the street in 1966 and the process of demolition of the older structures began. The school is still heated by the original boiler system through a series of underground tunnels.

The first commencement on Bear River’s campus, honoring 64 students, was held in 1923. It has taken 81 years for commencement ceremonies to outgrow the campus facilities. For the first time, 2004 graduation will be held off campus at Utah State University.

Author: Tamera Newman, 2004-2005