Glen Ellyn High School

Glen Ellyn H.S.
A large building with a fountain in front of it

Description automatically generated
High School located on top floor
The History of Glen Ellyn High School

Glen Ellyn, Illinois is one of the west central suburbs of Chicago, with a population of 27,000. It is accessible through the Interstate 88 exit onto Illinois 53, and the Interstate 355 exits onto Routes 38, 56 and 64. The Metra Union Pacific West line runs through Glen Ellyn.

First settled in the 1840s, the name Glen Ellyn came to be in 1891. Schools were organized during the turn of the century.

Talks of creating a high school in the Glen Ellyn district began during the 1910s. The Glen Ellyn and Lombard school districts wanted to combine efforts to build a high school for both communities. The idea was shelved in favor of a high school for Glen Ellyn students, which was founded in 1915. The school became a four-year one in 1917.

Teachers in the school during the inception were Arthur Holtzman and Erin McMechan. The first class graduated in 1917 with 16 students. By 1918 enrollment in the high school was at 150 students.

Glen Ellyn High School survived on its own until 1922. By then a decision to take in students from the Lombard district was put on the ballot. Two-thirds of the residents approved. The high school moved into a new building, and renamed Glenbard High School.

The Glenbard District has four high schools, two of which (West and South) are located in Glen Ellyn.

The DuPage County Bank Building, pictured above, housed Glen Ellyn High School on the top floor.

Glen Ellyn High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                               1915

Year closed:                                 1922

Students now attend:                   Glenbard West HS or Glenbard South HS

School Building:                           In use (commercial)

Glen Ellyn HS team nickname:    unavailable

Glen El;yn HS team colors:          unavailable

School Fight Song:                      unavailable

Athletics and Extra-Curriculars

Glen Ellyn High School did offer athletics. According to Robert Pruter‘s research, Glen Ellyn was a member of the DuPage County League, competing against various high schools in the county. Coaches names and team records are sought as well. Also needed are the team colors, fight song, and team nickname.

Other activities such as proms, dances, class plays, and various clubs may have been a part of the experience as well.  We are hopeful an area fan or alumni can help us with this information.

Do YOU Have Any Further Information?

If you have any information you would like to add to the Glen Ellyn High School page please send it to us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.  An older photo of the high school building would be greatly appreciated.  You can also write to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631

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