05/23/2026
100 Years of the LOCK – 1963
The year 1963 marked the end of an era at LTHS and the beginning of a new history. The school district had grown significantly, especially Dupage and Homer Townships. Romeoville had a population of 100 in 1956. Hampton Park began development in 1958, and by 1960, the population had grown to 3574 residents*. In 1955 Homer Twp had a population of 1459 with Goodings Grove being the only community within the township.** Tomorrow had arrived within 10 years since “Our School of Tomorrow” was expanded in the 1950’s. Soon a new 4-year school, Lockport West, would open at Rt 53 and Taylor Rd on the old Peter Ward, Sr farm. A 2-year campus, Lockport East, for freshman and sophomore classes, would be constructed along 7th St. on the former Robert Milne property. The original LTHS building would become Lockport Central where juniors and seniors would attend.
After 1963 the school would never be as it had been since 1909. The LOCK staff decided to introduce the 1963 LOCK as an ending of a great play.
The 1963 LOCK Presents Closing Night.
“Tomorrow will bring a new play—new sets, new faces, new lines, a new way of life. The very spirit of the building will take on a different aspect…In June an era will end and be no more. There will never again be a Lockport Township High School. Yes, the building will remain, but the school will be changed indeed. It had a long run—it opened more than 50 years ago and has become more popular each succeeding year. The play itself has a varied plot. It’s a comedy and tragedy—laughter and tears, it is learning and growing, listening and talking, trouble and fun, good times and sad. It has all the ingredients of every play ever written, but it is unique to Lockport. All is quiet now, the stage is set. Good. On with the show!”
Dedication
“The dedication of a book is often bestowed on great men but rarely on a great organization. We would like to take exception to this general rule, for we have found an organization entirely worthy of that honor. The 1963 LOCK is dedicated to the Lockport Township High School “Music Man” Marching Band.” The marching band gained national notoriety along with media appearances and visits to New York City and Washington, D.C. after winning the “Music Man” Marching Band competition in Mason City, IA during the summer of 1962. Entertainers like Arthur Godfrey, Meredith Wilson, and Dick Clark added their congratulations to the LTHS Band. Today the “Music Man” Marching Band trophy along with other memorabilia are proudly on display in a case on the first floor of Central Square in Lockport.
Bill Zimmer’s football team went 4-4-1 but watching Pete Fulton throw a football was a treat. The basketball team under Bill Connors went 21-6 and were the first Porter squad to win the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Bill Kappmeyer’s varsity baseball team posted a brilliant 15-3 record winning the first sectional title in LTHS history. Chuck Ballantine, 12-1***, along with Ray Ryan and Mike Murawski held opponents hitless for 23 1/3 consecutive innings. The Porter golf team became the first group to reach the state finals. Bob Johnson, John Beavers, Joe O’Brien, Ron Hanna, and Jim Beall represented Lockport.
Organizations
The 1963 LOCK (192 pages) was the 37th edition of the yearbook started in 1926 and was co-edited by Jane Harris and Claire Beavon who along with their staff, continued the yearbook’s tradition. The TIMES presented the coming events and recent happenings within the student body. Carolyn Schmitz and Brian Boland were co-editors. The 1962-’63 saw the birth of a new school organization, the Junior Medical Club, which was combined from the Future Nurses of America and the Junior Red Cross. GAA remained popular and the Letterman’s Club had the largest membership in its history. Other organizations included Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, Projectionist Club, and the Student Council. WJOL Radio in Joliet, presented a show called “Crew Cut Capers”. Every Wednesday three Lockport students entertained listeners with the latest hits and news from LTHS. National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, and Top 10 Percent rewarded outstanding accomplishments, dedication, and service.
On June 3, 1963, the LTHS Class of 1963 graduated marking the end and a beginning. “In parting we take a long last look around us. We notice for perhaps the first time the little things that make Lockport Township High School individual. The little things that we will remember.”
LTHS will never be the same.
Sources: 1963 LOCK, Romeoville Historical Society, 1955 Aerial Survey of Will Co., and LAGHS Archives
Endnotes:
* From the Romeoville Historical Society
** From the 1955 Aerial Survey of Will County
*** The LOCK has Chuck Ballantine’s record as 12-1, the LTHS record book has the record as 13-1
