The Original Hatchet House: Where Tradition Began
In 1925, in the heart of Washington, Indiana, a lasting symbol was built—one that would come to define generations of pride, perseverance, and small-town spirit. Known today as the Washington JH Gym, or the “old gym,” the Washington Community Gym was the original Hatchet House, a place where Washington’s love of basketball and community truly came alive.
The Washington Community Gym was built in 1925 at the cost of $65,000 with a seating capacity of 5,200.
History of the Hatchet Mascot
In the early years, Washington High School teams were known simply as The Old Gold and Black, until they became to be called the “Undertakers” after star player James (Bud) Gill’s father loaned the team his business’s hearse to travel to games. As fans began calling the team the Undertakers, some felt the name didn’t fully reflect the school’s proud spirit.
In 1925, a local sportswriter noted that Washington had “cut through its opponents just like George Washington’s hatchet cut through the cherry tree.” The name quickly caught on, and beginning with the 1925-26 season, all Washington athletic teams proudly bore the name Hatchets.
A Foundation is Laid
With a new gym, a new coach, and a new mascot, the Washington Hatchets began to build their legacy. Before the modern Hatchet House opened in 1966, this gym witnessed some of the most memorable moments in Washington’s basketball history.
On November 6, 1925, the Hatchets played their first game in the new facility, falling 47–33 to Martinsville. Among the opposing team’s reserves that night was a young John Wooden, who would go on to become one of the most legendary figures in basketball history.
The Washington Hatchets, with player Robert David "Big Dave" DeJernett, won the Indiana state basketball championship in 1930, defeating the Muncie Central Bearcats.
The Hatchets were the first integrated high school basketball team to win a state championship in the United States.
In the spring of 1931, before a crucial regional matchup against the Vincennes Alices, star player DeJernett received a threatening letter from the Ku Klux Klan, warning that if he played, he could meet the same fate as the two young Black men lynched in Marion, Indiana, the previous summer.
DeJernett refused to be intimidated. He took the court and led Washington to a hard-fought 22–19 victory, scoring 14 points.
Notre Dame’s legendary coach Knute Rockne visited Washington as the featured speaker at a unity banquet honoring both the Hatchets and the Washington Catholic Cardinals. As Rockne greeted players, DeJernett hesitated, unsure if the famed coach would shake his hand. But Rockne reached out first, clasping DeJernett’s hand firmly—a simple, powerful gesture of respect and equality. Just a few days later, Rockne was killed in a plane crash in Kansas.
In 1941, the Hatchets captured their second state title with a hard-fought 39–33 victory over the Madison Cubs in the championship game. The following year, they continued their remarkable run, claiming their third state championship and securing their place among the state’s most storied programs.
Over time, the Washington Community Gym became more than a sports venue—it was a stage for community events, school celebrations, and milestones that marked the life of Washington. Dances, graduations, and concerts shared space with tournaments and pep rallies, all under the same arched roof.
The scent of popcorn, the sound of the band, and the thrill of Friday nights created memories that still live on in the hearts of those who were there.
At our freshman pep session my classmates and I wore black suits and wigs and lip synced to "She Loves You" by the Beatles! Blackouts - The band performed skits and musical numbers in reflective outfits under black light. The senior boys always placed the large wooden Hatchet on the court during pregame." Tony Potts, Class of 1967
The Tradition Continues
Today, a century after it was built, the Washington Community Gym stands as a symbol of heritage and hometown pride. Its walls tell the story of a community bound by tradition, teamwork, and an enduring love for the game that helped shape its identity.
A century later, the gym still echoes with that same spirit. Though its bleachers have aged and its floors have seen countless games, it remains a proud home for the next generation. Today, it serves as a training ground for our younger Hatchets—instilling the same fundamentals, teamwork, and love for the game that remains alive within these walls—a timeless reminder that in Washington, basketball isn’t just a sport. It’s a legacy.
Some photos courtesy of the Daviess County Historical Society