William H. Hatch was superintendent of the Oak Park Elementary Schools from 1892 to 1917. When he began his term, the population of Oak Park was 5,582 . By 1917 our town had grown to 34,876 . Mr. Hatch oversaw the construction of 7 of our present schools . He was a man of unusual executive ability and untiring energy and helped to establish the reputation of the Oak Park Schools as the best in the country .
William Hatch was born on October 8, 1845 in Indianapolis, Indiana . At the age of 16 he enlisted in the Field artillery for service in the Civil War . He made the renowned march to the sea with General Sherman. At the close of the war he returned to his home and prepared for his work as an educator.
Mr. Hatch was present at the dedication of the K-8 school named after him on November 17,1923. He was honored for his 25 years of service to Oak Park and accepted the keys to Hatch School . The building was designed by the architectural firm of Childs and Smith, Chicago . It was erected by the Schmidt Brothers Construction Company of Chicago at a cost of $225,000 . On this date, one half of the building was completed . The plans provided for the addition of more rooms as separate building projects
In accepting the keys for the new school, Mr. Hatch was deeply touched by the occasion . He spoke feelingly of the honor which had been conferred upon him and said that he knew of nothing in his long life that could give him more joy and gratification.
Today Hatch School houses 300 students of many colors, sizes and shapes in Kindergarten to grade 5. We function as a big family where staff and students know each other and work together to make Hatch the fun and exciting place it is.