History
Our BuildingOn June 20, 1924, our building was completed but it was not until the following September that it was occupied. When completely furnished the cost of the school plan exceeded half a million dollars.
Originally planned to care for a student body of one thousand, the building is now nearing a capacity enrollment. There are thirty three classrooms distributed by its location. All rooms in the one hundred group are on the second floor and those in the three hundred room numbers start at the front room on the south end of the building and end with the room opposite.
The auditorium, with a seating capacity of 1200, is located in the central part of the building opposite the main entrance. Adjoining the auditorium on the north is the gymnasium, which measures seventy by fifty feet, affording a excellent basketball floor with two balconies for the spectators.
History of HatchOur school is named for Cooper B. Hatch, who was one of the outstanding political figures during the past decade. Born and reared in Camden in the farmhouse now occupied by the Historical Society across from the school. Mr. Hatch early entered political life, serving as a member of the Board of Freeholders and then on the City Council.
In 1898, he was elected Mayor and served until the expiration of his term in 1902. From 1908 to 1911, he served Camden County as Sheriff, During his term as Mayor, the high school at Haddon and Newton Avenues was built. Other municipal projects fostered by Mayor Hatch included the first Asphalt paving to be laid in Camden and the improvement of water service.
Mr. Hatch, who never married, spent the later years of his life with his mother and sisters at their home at 206 North Sixth Street. He died in February, 1922.
School History courtesy of Ms. Zakiyya Shabazz-Abdullah.
