The History of Chicago Kinzie High School
Chicago (population 2.8 million) is located in northeastern Illinois in eastern Cook County. Lake Michigan, the Chicago and Des Plaines Rivers are the main waterways to and from town. Interstates 90, 94, 55, and 57 will all lead you to the “Windy City,” as will numerous US and state routes, which at one time included the legendary Route 66. From what started as a small village in the early 1800’s, Chicago has grown to the nation’s third largest city and one of the most famous places in the world.
Kinzie High School began on Chicago’s southwest side near Midway Airport, Interstate 55 (better known as the Stevenson Expressway), and Archer Avenue (Route 66) in 1962, admitting one class at a time until it had students in all four classes. Its’ history is short due to the fact that on November 16th, 1965, the name was changed to Kennedy High School on account of the 35th President of the United States, the late John F. Kennedy.
Kinzie was named for John H. Kinzie, who was the son of Chicago’s first caucasian settler. He later ran in the first mayoral election of Chicago after it was incorporated as a city in 1837. A street and an elementary school are named for him today in Chicago.
FACTS ABOUT CHICAGO KINZIE HIGH SCHOOL
Year opened: 1962
Year closed: 1965
School colors: unknown
School nickname: unknown
School song: unknown
| ATHLETICS
In researching the history of Kinzie High, we were unable to find any information about which sports might have been offered at the school. It would have been possible that they may not have had varsity sports, given that they added one class at a time, but probably fielded teams in football, basketball, baseball, and track at the lower levels. We are in need of an alumnus or friend of the school to let us know more about the schools’ athletic program as well as its extra-curricular activities offered to the students at Kinzie. |
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| As you can see…
our work is cut out for us about the short history of Kinzie High School in Chicago. If you have anything that help us tell the story about the school, facts, photos, or other pieces of information, please contact us. We can be reached by clicking on this Guest Commentary link, or email us at dr.veeman@gmail.com, Also, we will accept information via the USPS at: IHSGD Website 6439 North Neva Chicago, IL 60631 |