Riverside-Brookfield High School, which has loomed large on the corner of Ridgewood Road and First Avenue in Riverside for 90 years, has undergone many changes over the years.

Large cranes and construction equipment on the school’s property are evidence that the building is undergoing yet more changes since it was originally built in 1918.

Additions and changes over the years became necessary as student enrollment and curriculum needs increased. From the years 1932 to 1938 expansion took place through a WPA grant and a bond issue in the years following World War II saw the addition of more facilities, including the pool, main gym and classrooms.

But did you know the first high school classes for Riverside students were held in the Riverside Township Hall in 1878? Riverside high school age students also attended Lyons Township High School for a period of time.

When classes were discontinued after two years in Riverside, accommodations were then made at Central School. As Riverside’s population grew, so did the number of students.

At the suggestion of A.F. Ames, School District 208 was formed and approved in April of 1909. Eventually, the district grew to include not only Riverside and North Riverside, but parts of Brookfield, LaGrange Park and Broadview.

The long history of RB is being chronicled by former RB teacher Betty Moca, who has spent considerable time researching the subject. Moca will be making a presentation to the Brookfield Historical Society on Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grossdale Train Station, 8820½ Brookfield Ave.

Moca plans to continue expanding on the history with plans for it to be broadcast over RBTV Channel 16 in the future. The program is free and open to the public.

Goin’ to the car wash

The RB class of 2010 will be holding a car wash on Saturday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hauser Junior High parking lot, 65 Woodside Road (the parking lot actually is off Akenside Road on the other side of the school).

The event is a fundraiser so a donation will be requested. Everybody’s car needs a good wash now and then, even if we almost can’t afford to put any gas in it.

At least the car will look good and you will be supporting the class of 2010.

Grads on TV

The 100th commencement exercise at Riverside-Brookfield High School can be viewed live over RBTV Channel 16 on Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m.

Additionally, it can be viewed on the Internet by logging on to www.RBTV.tv and clicking on “Watch RBTV.”