t is no secret that downtown Plant City is full of history. The historic Plant City High School holds much significance to our town. Built in 1914 at $40,000, the school was designed by Tampa architect, Willis R. Biggers, and remains to this day. The building is located at 605 North Collins Street and has three stories, vibrant red brick detailing, stately columns, and grand entryway stairs. When passing by, you may see local Plant City natives visiting, as this is a popular spot to take pictures.
“A visit to the 1914 high school is a trip down memory lane. Visitors enjoy seeing something that connects the to their past or the lives of their ancestors,” says Shelby Bender, President and Executive Director of East Hillsborough Historical Society, Inc. When driving past the old high school, you may notice the sign officially naming the building the “1914 Plant City High School Community Center.” As a community center, the building hosts many neighborhood and local events. The venue has hosted weddings, funerals, and more. Interesting fact: “My Girl,” the 1991 movie starring Macaulay Culkin, filmed scenes here… which is unique for our small-town Plant City!
In Plant City, we have many historic landmarks that truly shape our town and its meaning. On February 4, 1981, the historic 1914 high school building was included in the National Register of Historic Places listing. The building is managed by the East Hillsborough Historical Society (EHHS). Inside, you can find a history museum, the H.B. Plant Railroad Historical Society, an archives and history center, and more, all preserving and cherishing history from the city of Plant City and our surrounding communities.
Due to the 1914 high school building holding so much memory and history, it was essential to the people of Plant City for the building to be kept and maintained. Throughout the past 50 years, many improvements have been made through grants, fundraisers, private donations, and community support.
The 1914 high school served as a senior high school from 1914 until 1955, at which time senior high school students moved to the school on Woodrow Wilson Street, retaining their school mascot, the Planters. The 1914 school was renamed Tomlin Jr. High, and it remained a junior high school until 1972. In 1972, the new Plant City Comprehensive High School was built on Maki Road, and the Raiders were named the new school mascot. The Woodrow Wilson Street school was renamed Tomlin Middle School, home of the Tigers.
Nowadays, students participate in academic learning, class plays, sports, and more, similar to back then. Whether you attended the old or new high school or the one in between, one thing remains true… Education is vital to our community.
