The original 1923 building first used as the West Side Union High School --- later named Fremont High School --- was primarily a wooden structure.

As the school expanded and new buildings were added to the campus, the original building was
moved near to where the 70s wing currently is and designated as a student center which quickly became the social hub of the campus.

In 1946 FHS students Betty Spolyar Rowland and Eugene Ravizza thought that 'Wigwam' was just the right name for the new FHS student center and the name stuck.

The aerial photo from 1946 shows the Wigwam (next to the tennis courts). Students congregated in the Wigwam to meet and talk with other students, enjoy snacks, play games, and to dance. In fact, the April 27, 1956 edition of ‘The Fremont Chief’ school newspaper reported, “The dance floor is literally swamped with shuffling feet and swinging arms.” There was a jukebox in the Wigwam and a member of the Class of 1956 remembers that “You never had to put a coin into the jukebox, merely press down on the dozen or so assorted tabs in front and you would soon be dancing to the Midnighters, The Platters, or Fats Domino.” Students enjoyed playing ping-pong in the Wigwam and the TV was especially popular during sporting events such as the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Yankees World Series.

Refreshments were sold in the Wigwam. Students could purchase milkshakes for twenty cents, and popsicles, candy, and soft drinks for five cents each. The Wigwam was so crowded during lunch and school breaks that instead of taking the time to make change, a Wigwam token was made and sold for five cents. 

FHS, Wigwam, 1959

Subsequently all food and beverage items were priced in five cent increments so that students could quickly purchase their items using the new tokens. Many Fremont alumni fondly recall their time at the Wigwam and remember it as a highlight of their Fremont experience.

FHS Wigwam token

With the advent of the new 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s wings the Wigwam was reinvented in a different part of the campus. But that is a story for a future Blast From The Past.

From the "Fremont Chief" 1956

From the Fremont High School Web Page