History of Cass Technical High School

In 1905, Ben Comfort, principal of Cass Primary School, appealed to the
Detroit Superintendent of Schools to be allowed to form a technical school to
train the 90% of students who did not continue to college. Comfort believed
that Detroit students should be taught a marketable skill so that when they
left high school they would have technical knowledge and practical experience
to be qualified for good jobs within the community.

Ben Comfort, the dreamer, was Cass’ first principal. Eldred Allen, Comfort’s
assistant principal, was called the builder as he was given the task of
developing the curriculum system that makes Cass so unique.

Lewis Cass, first territorial governor of Michigan, former Secretary of State
and presidential candidate, gave both his land and name to Cass Technical
High School. Cass Tech opened its doors as a technical school in January
1907. The school provided for the training of skilled artisans, technicians,
scientists and business people.

From 1907 to 1921, there were 11 campaigns for funds to enlarge and extend
the plan of Cass Tech. In 1918, four million dollars was appropriated to
build a gigantic eight-story building. By 1922, the structure became a
reality at its present site.

The building often referred to as the “Pickle Factory” remained essentially
the same throughout the history of the school. In 1984, a 170,000 square
feet addition was added to the school that included three (3) English lecture
halls, a 150 seat forum, music practice rooms, a new kitchen and lunchroom
facility, a dance practice room, a new gymnasium and a new pool. ugust 2005
will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Cass Tech.
Students will attend class in the new $100 Million Dollar, air conditioned
facility located directly next door to the original building. Some of the
highlights of the new building include a 1,100-seat auditorium, a theater and
dance rehearsal studio, state-of-the-art science laboratories, a media center
and upgraded athletic facilities, including an indoor running track with an
outdoor view.

Cass Tech, a nationally known high school, consistently produces graduates
who win top awards in all academic fields, are highly sought after by
colleges and universities throughout the nation, and become leaders for
future generations to come.