Committee members from the London High School Class of 1945 have announced that, through the generosity of the classes of the 1940s and friends, a marker in memory of Jacob von Kanel has been placed near the entrance of von Kanel Field at West High and Cherry streets.
Von Kanel was a beloved teacher, principal, coach and athletic director at London High School during his tenure from 1929 until his death in 1969.
The public is invited to a dedication service to be held at 2 p.m. June 29 at the field. A tent will be placed near the marker for the dedication.
The London Silver Cornet Band will provide music under the direction of Tom Lloyd. Steve Allen, superintendent of London City Schools, will speak, and Nancy Smith, school board president, will present and officially accept the marker. During the program, former students and athletes will share their memories of London High School and von Kanel.
After the program, those attending are invited to the Madison County Historical Museum for a social hour.
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| London High School’s 1937-38 football team included:
Front row, from left—John Dillion, Eugene McKenzie, Dick Hackett, Charles Kell, Jennings Reed, Bob Eckstein, Donald Byers, and Ralph Brady. Second row, kneeling—Bill Jenkins, Charles VanHorn, Raymond Carter, Phil Conway, Donald Laird, Bill Byers, Jack Holloway, Charles Richmond, and Everett Tingley. Back row, standing—Coach Jake von Kanel, Jim Gorry, Joe Dwyer, Walt Adams, Bob Denyes, Ray Myers, Bill Andrews, Danny Keifer, Ray Mabe, Bob Slaughter, Bud Putnam, and Coach Joe Hartley. This picture was taken at von Kanel Field on West High Street. The field’s namesake was was a popular coach and school administrator. The photograph was donated by Charles VanHorn to the Madison County Historical Society. Earl Ballenger is a resident of London. To share old photos, call the Madison Messenger at 740-852-0809. |
