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John Handley High School, now on the National Register of Historic Places, opened its doors in 1923. Judge John Handley endowed both Winchester’s library and its public high school with funds from his will in 1895. The Handley Board of Trustees, formed in 1896, invested the funds and was able to break ground on the building in 1922. Architect Walter McCornack of Cleveland designed both the building and the grounds. His embrace of new methods of education inspired his design of the setting. It remains a beautiful place for education and recreation. The landscape also remains a strong presence in the community. People are drawn to the grounds not only because of the school and its athletic events, but also because it is simply a wonderful place to be.
The Board of Trustees continues its oversight of the school today. They approached the Garden Club for help with the grounds when a major renovation of the school was undertaken. The Garden Club restored the original McCornack planting scheme at the front of the building and along the west end of the “bowl”, the name of the area where the football field is located. In addition, the Garden Club sponsored the design of the “landscape park” east of the bowl. Construction of new walks in this area are nearing completion. Dozens of trees have been planted, including restoration of the allee of oaks from the bowl to Valley Avenue, a central piece of McCornack’s original vision.
Year: 2011
Landscape Architect: William D. Rieley
Restored the original McCornack planting scheme at the front of the building and along the west end of the “bowl”, the name of the area where the football field is located. In addition, the Garden Club sponsored the design of the “landscape park” east of the bowl. More Photos...
Year: 2012
Landscape Architect: William D. Rieley
Construction of new walks in the "bowl". More Photos...
