I.C. Norcom Alumni Association History Page

After World War I, the Chestnut School at Chestnut and Clifford streets opened in a building that cost $133,680. The first class to be graduated from this building did so in June, 1915. Nine students graduated in a ceremony held at Zion Baptist Church. The school was named after its distinguished first supervising principal, Israel Charles Norcom. Serving beside Mr. Norcom was the principal William E. Riddick and eight teachers.

A second I. C. Norcom High School was built in 1937 at South and Chestnut streets. The building later became Riddick-Weaver. The first two floors were George Peabody Elementary School, while the third floor was reserved for the high school. According to Rachel Norcom Smith, granddaughter of Israel Charles in an interview with Sydney Trent for The Virginian Pilots' Currents,February 15, 1987, "I. C. Norcom was first-class as far as upkeep"

A $3,016,834 structure on 22 acres at 2700 Turnpike Road opened February, 1953 during the 24 year principalship of Mr. William E. Waters. Mr. Waters did not merely copy existing educational models, but rather tailored the school's operations to meet the special needs of its students. Mr. Waters was very proud of the school, claiming that it was the best in the South. The month after his death, Mr. Waters was awarded the Liberty Bell Award for community Service from the Portsmouth-Norfolk County Bar Association. On Mr. Waters citation was :

In an era when the concept of civil disobedience was growing by leaps and bounds, Mr. Waters instilled in his students the idea that civic responsibility must accompany civil rights.

In 1966 Albert T. Edwards succeeded Mr. Waters as the principal of I. C. Norcom which by that time had grown to an enrollment of 1,920 students housed in a facility built to accommodate 1,400 students. Upon his retirement, Mr. E. Blair was appointed principal. Mr. L. Wallace and Mr. V. Randall served as principals after Mr. E. Blair's tenure. Mr. V. Randall was succeeded by Dr. DeWayne Jeter. Mr. Walter Taylor became principal of I. C. Norcom High School in the fall of 1996.

For new residents or visitors to Portsmouth, many Portsmouth schools have relocated to other school sites. Therefore, the current I. C. Norcom edifice at 1801 London Boulevard is located on land originally occupied by Harry Hunt Middle (Junior High) School. Hunt-Mapp Middle School is now at the site formerly occupied by Woodrow Wilson High School on Willett Drive. Wilson High School, after merging with Manor High School is now on Elmhurst Lane.

The Chestnut Street School was renamed I. C. Norcom in 1953 in honor of its first supervising principal, Israel Charles Norcom. Physically, he stood tall (6-feet-1 or 6-feet-2)and erect. The multi-faceted Mr. Norcom was described as a pioneer educator, leader of his people, churchman, civic leader, businessman, fraternalist, guidance counselor, and an outstanding citizen. A newspaper article from the 1950s said of the man:

This educator was many-sided yet in all endeavors he was the cultured, dignified gentleman without frigid affectation or repellant presumptuousness. Both races recognized his genius.

Israel Charles Norcom, was born in Edenton, North Carolina on September 21st, 1856, one of John and Lucy Norcom's ten children. He attended school in North Carolina. The Virginian Pilot has said Mr. Norcom attended Yale preparatory school in Hartford, Connecticut. He studied at Yale and Harvard Universities. The Journal and Guide for November 2, 1957 stated that he graduated from Andover, Massachusetts Preparatory School, took a business course at Howard University, and attended summer school at Hampton Institute and the University of Virginia.

After teaching for two years in Bedford County, Virginia, Israel Norcom became both teacher and principal at the Chestnut Street School (built 1878), the precursor of I. C. Norcom High School. He served there from 1883 until 1916, the year of his death.

The Norcom home was at 206 N. Green Street, Portsmouth.

Besides his dedication to education, Mr. Norcom was involved with the Emanuel AME Church, of which he was secretary of the trustee board. He was a founder of the Southern Aid Society. He was secretary of the Tidewater Building and Loan Association, involved with the Negro Organization Society and the Tidewater Teachers Association as well as being a Mason, and a member of Norfolk's Acme Club.

It is said that Mr. Norcom guided with intelligence and wisdom, led with firmness, dignity and understanding, aimed high, and visualized expanding educational facilities for his race in Portsmouth. Mr. Norcom's contributions to Portsmouth's educational heritage are acknowledged by all facets of the community. Norcom also inspired seven of his descendents to follow him into the field of education. He has been honored as part of the Portsmouth Heritage Series bookmarks.

Mr. Norcom's grandson, James Jr., a third generation educator, has remarked that I. C. Norcom would have been "amazed" by the the school system today. "There are some leniencies he would frown upon" . But he would be pleased to see the school integrated.

Helen E. Edge, a 1957 graduate of I. C. Norcom High School, had a unique vision to form an organization that would promote and provide a positive impact on the students at I. C. Norcom High School. In the fall of 1982 a meeting was held at her home with the following classmates: Phyllis Moody Angus, Willard Bowser, Harriet Brown, Freda Cromwell, Wendell Christian, William Crocker, and S. Douglas Hall. After several informal discussions, the group decided to establish an alumni association. The response was overwhelming. Meeting were held at the former I.C. Norcom High School on Turnpike Road. Those members who joined the first year were considered charter members.

A constitution was adopted in October 1983, which was written by Charles B. Whitehurst, Sr., and the late Alonzo B. Fane. The first activity took place during homecoming weekend, October 7, 1983. Ruth Weston Brown, a Norcom graduate and prominent rhythm and blues singer, was the guest for the homecoming game. After an exciting game, the alumni association and its guest attended a homecoming dance, which was held at the National Guard Armory.

The association realized a profit of $2,000 in its first formal activity and was therefore on its way toward accomplishing its main goal - support of the school.

David C. Sanford served the association from 1989-1998. Under his leadership the association awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to deserving students. In addition, a band drive held in 1992 resulted in a contribution of over $16,000 for new uniforms. The association has had a continuous library fund ($5,000), purchased new chorus robes in 1999 ($10,000), and has made several financial contributions to the school. The association became a 501C3 non-profit organization. Solomon Asby, Esq. worked diligently in filing legal documents on behalf of the association.

The I. C. Norcom High School Alumni Association, Inc. is continuously seeking support of the graduates to join our association. The alumni association played a major role in ensuring the completion of the construction of our beloved school.