Part 1: The History of the Eagle Inn at TAHS

By Sadie Jackson and Karah Postreich

Dr. Janette Kelly began the culinary arts program at TAHS. Kelly ran the program from September of 1975 until January of 1990.

The program took two years to implement in 1976.

“Dr. Miller, superintendent, was instrumental in finding the funding for the program,” Kelly indicated.

When the Eagle Inn first began, Mr. Neil Smith was the TAHS principal. Smith really liked the class and thought that it benefited students. He is sad that they are cutting the program, but understands that they have to due to financial issues.

“Learning to feed yourself is a skill you’ll use all the time,” Smith assured.

In 1990 Mrs. Paula Binus was asked to take over that program as Kelly became vocation wing director.
“It was a daunting task at first, but a great move for me,” Binus stated.

At that time the Eagle Inn was referred to “The Faculty and Staff Restaurant” and served approximately 25 meals a week.

The classroom was upstairs in room 236 and was converted from a “Home Economics Family Suite” to a commercial kitchen. The classroom had a built-in restroom for teachers and a locker room/restroom for students. There were also two Home Economics classrooms. All rooms were internally connected to each other.

“During half of my senior year the program was upstairs and then the program was moved to the current location… my most memorable cooking lesson in her class was making Baked Alaska. I remember being amazed that we could actually bake ice cream!” Mrs. Anderson, learning support teacher, commented.