H.B Plant High School

H. B. Plant High School was built in 1927 in the Palma Ceia section of Tampa, Florida. It is named for the railroad pioneer Henry Bradley Plant who helped make Tampa a travel destination with his railways and steamships, and opened the Tampa Bay Hotel (now the University of Tampa). This school was constructed at a cost of $450,000 to hold 1500 students. Since its opening it has been a highly regarded institution for both academics and sports. The football field (then called a gridiron and now called Dad’s Stadium) was finished before the school opened with much anticipation of developing high school sports teams. The music programs, which include marching band, orchestra, and choir, have long been revered and consistently place at the top in state competitions.

Imagine all of the first loves and heartaches, the success and the tragedy, and the lessons learned and ultimately forgotten in the nearly 100 years of H.B. Plant High School. Thousands of students have passed through these doors leaving to face the precipice of adult life.

The images on this page were taken by commercial photographers The Burgert Brothers and Robertson and Fresh. Thanks to the Hillsborough County Public Library System and The University of South Florida Digital Collections for allowing public access to these images and for their preservation of Tampa history.

Architectural drawing of H. B. Plant High School by architect Franklin O. Adams. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Plant High School, construction nearly completed, front and side facades, 1927. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Henry B. Plant High School at 2415 South Himes Avenue, two story brick building showing front facade, 1929. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Plant High School on 2415 South Himes Street, sprawling brick building and side wings, 1933. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Front facade of Henry B. Plant High School, South Himes Avenue, 1941. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Henry B. Plant High School,South Himes Avenue, front view with students walking on sidewalk and lawn, 1933. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Henry B. Plant High School, east facade obscured by mature landscaping and lawn, view from northeast, 1948. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

[The Plant High School Glee Club], 1940's, Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

[The Prom King And Queen In Their Thrones At Plant High School] 1940. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Class and club group [in chemistry class] , 1946. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Class and club group, 1946. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Girls' basketball team, 1946. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Plant High And Hillsborough High Players During A Football Play. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

The Graduating Class Of Plant High School, 1943. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Plant High School Pantherilla 1943. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Halftime ceremonies at football game between Plant and Hillsborough High Schools with marching band, majorettes and spectators in stands. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Three basketball players of Plant [High School]. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy, University of South Florida Digital Collections

Want to see more photos of Tampa then and now? Check out Burgert Brothers: Another Look