Monroe Historical Archives
Yearbooks
Glimpses into the lives of Monroe High School students
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The Monroe Monitor searchable archives from 1899 to 1979.
Yearbooks are a great way to learn about the lives and events of Monroe students. Inside these books, visitors might glimpse handwritten notes and messages left behind by fellow classmates, news stories, remembrances, and more.
Today, the Society’s Research Library continues to collect yearbooks. If you are interested in donating a yearbook not currently in our collection, or would allow our staff to make a copy, please contact us at (360) 217-7223 or info@monroehistoricalsociety.org
Monroe High School
Monroe Union High School formed by a special levy vote in September with interim classes held in the Austin Building on South Lewis Street, with the first class graduating in 1911. In 1965, the high school was severely damaged by an earthquake and torn down. The New Monroe High School complex on Hill Street opened in 1968. In 1999, a new (the fourth) Monroe High School opened on Tester Road.
Monroe High School’s mascot is “Benny the Bearcat”. The term “Bearcat” was originally the nickname of the amateur turned semiprofessional boxer, Dode “Bearcat” Bercot. In the 1920s and 30s, this boxer from Monroe fought in over 100 main event fights and won 42 by knockout. However, before turning pro, Bercot’s career was cut short after an opponent put a thumb in Bercot’s eye, leaving him partially blinded for life. He was given the nickname “Bearcat” because he was said to be strong as a bear and fast as a cat. The school colors are orange and black.
Click on the links below to view the yearbook in PDF format.