The History of Exeter High School Exeter (population 70) is located in west central Illinois in the north central portion of Scott County. County Highway 1 is the main roadway to and from Exeter. County Highway 14 also travels to the western edge of town. Exeter sits about 17 miles due west of Jacksonville. According to the Wikipedia web address of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exeter,_Illinois Exeter is named after a town of the same name in England. Future LDS leader Brigham Young once lived a 1/2 mile east of Exeter. There was a well on his property, “It is related that he first received spiritual appointments by gazing into the waters of this well where he observed the letters ‘PC’ , which he interpreted as a sign that he should ‘Preach Christ’, Others said the mysterious apparition meant ‘Plow Corn”. Excellent research by our good friend John Bybee brought us the information for this page. John found the information and photos for this page in a book titled “Scott County 1976 Bicentennial”. Included in John’s research are the following facts about the Exeter School building: The building was still standing in 1976 and was owned by Paul Herring. The Masonic Lodge was located on the 2nd Floor. The building was erected in 1860 by Rudcil Arnold, a local farmer, and was called the Exeter Hotel. When it was built it was the largest building that stood between Quincy and Decatur. The building was well known for the “Rude’s Balls”, dances that were held at the building because of its springy floor in the dance hall. The “Rude’s.Balls” drew dancers from as far away as St. Louis. Dances continued through the 1920s. It is said that General Ulysis Grant forbid his Troops to use the Hotel in 1861. William Anderson bought the hotel in 1870. We only know that Exeter offered high school classes by the writing on one of the photos which was taken in 1889. The writing specifically reads “High School”. If you have any further information about Exeter High School please write to us via the means listed below. Exeter High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800s Year closed: 1940s? Consolidated to: Bluffs High School Exeter HS team nickname: unavailable Exeter HS team colors: unavailable Exeter HS fight song: unavailable |
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