The History of Bible Grove High School
Bible Grove (population approximately 125) is located in southeastern Illinois in the northeastern portion of Clay County. It is situated on County Highway 8 just east of County Highway 2. U.S. Route 45 passes by about 4 miles to the west as well. The town is about 20 miles south (and a little east) of Effingham. According to www.mapquest.com the town is about 5 blocks from east to west and 3 blocks from north to south.
The area was first settled in 1835. The township was given its name when a band of hunters found a Bible in a grove in the area. The book titled “The History of Wayne and Clay Counties Illinois“, which was written in 1884, tells us that the town of Bible Grove may have originally been named Georgetown. A post office was established in town in 1854.
The history of the school system in Bible Grove is in need of research. We know that in the 1880s there were several small school districts in Bible Grove Township. It is likely that a two or three-year high school was established in the early 1920s. It is probable that Bible Grove High School was active through 1947. Today the kids of Bible Grove attend school at the county seat of Louisville in the North Clay School District.
Bible Grove High School Quick Facts
Year opened: 1920s?
Year closed: 1947
Consolidated to: Louisville North Clay High School
Bible Grove HS team nickname: “Bees”
Bible Grove HS team colors: Unavailable
Bible Grove HS fight song: Unavailable
| ATHLETICS
We only know of the existence of Bible Grove High School through the efforts of a website located at http://sites.google.com/site/xtmi2000/ . The website lists some of the early District and Sectional tournament scores from the IHSA. We know that Bible Grove High School lost to Iola High School in the 1935 District Tourney held in Effingham by a score of 38 – 17. Therefore basketball was a part of the Bible Grove High School athletic program. It is possible that baseball and track were played as well. We are searching for team records, coaches names, school team colors, nickname and fight song. Boys Basketball The following information was located on a website titled “Illinois postseason Basketball Scores.” If you have any further information including season records and coach’s names please contact us. 1933-34 Flora District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed 1st Rd lost to Odin 24-15 Odin lost in 2nd Rd. 1934-35 Effingham District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed 1st Rd lost to Iola 38017 Iola lost in 2nd Rd 1935-36 Flora District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed 1st Rd lost to Iola 30-15 Iola lost in semi-final 1936-37 through school’s closing scores, records, and coaches’ names are needed. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES With athletics being offered, it is likely that other activities such as FFA, FHA, GAA were offered as well. Dances, student government, and plays were also probably a part of the Bible Grove experience. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION TO SHARE If you have information to share regarding Bible Grove High School please send us an e-mail at IHSGDWEBSITE@COMCAST.NET . We are also looking for photos of the school building. Our mailing address is: IHSGD Website 6439 N. Neva Ave. Chicago, Il. 60631 |
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