Arsenal Technical High School is celebrating it’s 100 year Centennial this school year. Many of you know that it was an arsenal during the Civil War. The Arsenal itself was built in 1865 and still stands in all its glory. One of the campus gems that you might not be aware of is the West Residence building, which was the quarters for the commanding officers back when Tech was an arsenal. This beautiful brick residence has been completely renovated this past year. There are exquisite fireplaces, carved crown moldings, and tall draped windows that overlook the beautiful Tech campus full of trees and winding paths. The wrap-around porch was rebuilt during the restoration, so even if you’ve seen it before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It is used by the culinary students who run a restaurant called the Colonel’s Cupboard. It has been a teaching restaurant since 1979, where culinary students can learn about the food industry. Chef Snorton said “we have high expectations and we get high results from our students.” It is a two year culinary program starting with sophomores. They earn a Certificate and can go on to a 3rd year with internships in prestigious restaurants. They average 80 to 100 students each year.
Inside the Colonel’s Cupboard. Drop by for lunch sometime, or for the special Valentine’s Day Tea.
For Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. the Colonel’s Cupboard will be open for a special High Tea. Guests will be served an assortment of tea and ribbon sandwiches, concluding with the decadent taste of afternoon desserts which include tarts, scones, and English trifle. Each guest will be able to select from a variety of domestic and foreign teas. The price is $20; please RSVP to 693-5431 by February 11th. All the guests are invited to experience the history of Tech High School by visiting the Centennial Museum before or after High Tea. The museum is located on the second floor of the Arsenal (elevator available) and will be open Valentine’s Day from 2:00 to 7:30 p.m. The museum is full of memorabilia from Tech’s 100 years of history. Mrs. Bogard (Director of the Career Technology Magnet) has put together an amazing display. Tours of the five historic buildings will be available from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. If you are a history buff, especially the Civil War era, then this is a must see (please call for reservations at 693-5431).
The Colonel’s Cupboard is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the school year. The menu changes daily but there are always soups, salads, sandwiches, and full course meals offered. Coffee, tea, and lemonade are the beverages served and are included in the price of the meal. Go online at www.716.ips.k12.in.us to check out the week’s menu.
The Colonel’s Cupboard is easy to find. You just drive through the main gate at 1500 E. Michigan Street and drive straight back. You’ll run right into it. Parking is just beyond down a little hill.
It’s a perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day — enjoying High Tea, dining on wonderful delicacies, a museum tour and historic campus tour.
