Allison Hill in Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Bishop McDevitt High School

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 30, 2008

1. Bishop McDevitt High School Marker

Inscription. Standing picturesquely upon a slope rising to the summit of Reservoir Park and at the apex of Market Street's climb from Center City is Bishop McDevitt High School, primary parochial secondary school serving the City of Harrisburg and the Harrisburg East Shore. The School's roots are traced to the Catholic Diocese's first high school, which opened in 1918 at Cathedral Hall, now known as the CYO Building, at North and Church Streets behind Saint Patrick Cathedral. By 1925, dramatically increased enrollment prompted planning for a new, permanent facility that would accommodate the youth of an expanding region. Designed with landmark twin towers of neo gothic design and elaborately trimmed arched windows, what was originally known as the Catholic High School was completed in the fall of 1930. The original building, designed by Harrisburg architect Bernard E. Starr (1892-1969) and known as Marian Hall, was as wide as the breadth of the towers from one another. Tracy Hall, named as a result of a bequest by Harrisburg businessman David Tracy, co-founder of the enterprise that would eventually become Harsco, Inc., was the school's

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first addition completed in 1950. Aquinas Hall, dedicated on October 6 1957, would follow. At that time, the name of the School would change to honor the Most Reverend Philip R. McDevitt (1858-1935) fourth Bishop of Harrisburg and founder of the original school. By 1962, Saint John Hall would be constructed fulfilling the need for a chapel and science laboratories. The school has enjoyed an enduring reputation of excellence in education, having graduated many distinguished alumni who have gone on to become achievers in their respective careers throughout the world.
Top Left Photo
Depiction of present high school complex by artist Roberta K. Davis, with Tracy Hall far left and Aquinas Hall far right.
Bottom Left Photo
High School athletic field under construction c. 1930.
Bottom Right Photo
Front of Marian Hall in 1942, prior to addition.

Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series

Bishop McDevitt High School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 30, 2008

2. Bishop McDevitt High School

list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1740.

Location. 40° 16.222′ N, 76° 51.275′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Allison Hill. It is on Market Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is between 22nd and 23rd Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2200 Market St, Harrisburg PA 17103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Camp McClellan (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The National Civil War Museum (about 700 feet away); Moment of Mercy (about 700 feet away); Bellevue Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Breeze Hill

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Explore the Capital Area Greenbelt (approx. ¼ mile away); Mansion at Reservoir Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Reservoir Park (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,181 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.