#158: Sumner High School

The cake was at one time an 'indoor cake', but I believe because of high demand from cake-hunters that this was moved outside. The reason may have been because of the school being closed during the summer (when obviously not in session). Placed in the middle of the staircase, the cake was a bit hard for me to get my typical center shot, but this was better than nothing. Still, this was a thrill to stand in such an institution, which has some rich history.

Sumner High School was established in 1875, as the first high school for African-Americans west of the Mississippi River. It was one of two schools (other being Vashon) that was racially segregated in St. Louis. In 1928, Sumner moved to its current location. Today, classes are still in session...and last year's (2012-13) enrollment was 576 students. The school was named after abolitionist Charles Sumner.

The school boasts several famous alumni (see below).

Notable alumni listed on the cake:
On Bottom: William 'Pop' Beckett, Lester Bowie, Alvin Cash, William Clay, Billy Davis, Jr., Robert Guillaume, Luther Bogan, Robert McFerrin (Sr.), Marshall Rogers, R. Robinson, Jr., Wendell Pruitt, Oliver Lake, Julius Hunter, Lucye Belue, Baikida Carroll and Harry Rogers

Entrance behind the building

Wikipedia link
Official website (from St. Louis Public Schools)

4248 Cottage Ave., ST. LOUIS, MO, 63113
Cake artist: Theresa Hopkins

UPDATE (8/24/2016): The cake is still there.