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The History of Elvaston High School
Elvaston (population 152) is located in Hancock County in the western Illinois. Elvaston sits on US Rt. 136, 30 miles west of Macomb, or 7 miles east of Hamilton along the Mississippi River. The village was established in 1858. It was named after a young girl named “Elva Stone” who died near the area while traveling west with her family.
A high school was in place by the late 1800s, as an on-line book titled “Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2” listed a graduate of Elvaston High School in 1882. That same book states that Elvaston was the first consolidated school in Hancock County. Elvaston School District 128 consolidated with rural school districts 124. 126. and 136. In 1920 kids from the outlying areas near Elvaston were transported by “auto-trucks” to attend classes at the Elvaston School. The book listed the enrollment for Elvaston school, which in 1920 included grades 1 – 12, as 78 students.
We are not certain the exact year that Elvaston High School closed, however it is likely this occurred in the late 1940s. It is known a consolidation effort took place at some point resulting with the children of Elvaston now attending school in nearby Hamilton. The Elvaston school was used as a grade school for the Hamilton School District through the late 1970s, possibly even into the early 1980s.
The above photo of the Elvaston school was taken in March of 2005. The school building is used for businesses and apartments.
Elvaston High School Quick Facts
Year opened: 1880s
Year closed: late 1940s / possibly 1948
Year all school functions ceased: late 1970s/early 1980s
Consolidated to: Hamilton School District
School nickname: “Blackhawks”
School colors: Black & Orange
School fight song: unavailable
Athletics
We were able to locate one item regarding Elvaston High School and athletics. According to the IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org). Elvaston HS won two District Championships during its existence. If you have any information regarding these teams or any other sports offered at Elvaston please submit a form and share the information with others. EHS’ basketball successes are listed below. Some scores involving Elvaston High School in the IHSA State Tournament were found on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.” These scores are listed below as well.
Boys Basketball
1920-21 Monmouth District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Alpha 18-16
2nd Rd lost to Woodhull 27-9
Macomb Academy beat Woodhull in title game.
1922-23 Hancock Cty. Tourney Champs Coach’s name & record needed
1924-25 Hancock Cty. Tourney Champs Coach’s name & record needed
1935-36 Carthage District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to Bowen 31-18
Bowen lost to Burnside in title game
1942-43 Fountain Green District Champs Coach’s name & record needed
Semi-Final Beat Nauvoo 28-21
Title Game Beat Plymouth 32-21
Carthage Regional Tournament
1st Rd Beat Warwaw 35-28
Semi-final lost to Carthage 31-19
Carthage lost to Dallas City in title game
1945-46 Fountain Green District Champs Coach’s name & record needed
Title Game Beat Bowen 42-40
Carthage Regional Tournament
1st Rd Beat Carthage 29-26
Semi-final lost to LaHarpe 34-24
LaHarpe beat Warsaw in title game
1947-48 Fountain Green District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
*1st Rd lost to Nauvoo 32-31
Nauvoo lost to Nauvoo Sts Peter & Paul in title game
*Possibly last game played by Elvaston High School.
Seeking More Information
We are seeking further information regarding the town of Elvaston and its high school. If you are able to provide information please complete a School Submission Form or a Guest Commentary Form. You may also write us at:
or
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, Il. 60631
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