The History of Highland Park Northwestern Military Academy
Highland Park (population 31,365) is located in far northeastern Illinois in the southeastern corner of Lake County. The town is located on the shore of one of the “Great Lakes”, Lake Michigan, about 25 miles north of Chicago. U.S. Route 41 is the main roadway to and from Highland Park. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad trravels through town as well.
According to history found on the town’s official website, http://www.highlandpark.org/index.htm , the area was first settled in the mid-1830s. The first school was established in 1846. The town was officially chartered as Highland Park in 1869. The increase in population over the next few years brought about the creation of a few private schools. Included among these was the Northwestern Military Academy.
“…numerous private schools have been established within the limits of the city, of which the largest, the Northwestern Military Academy, was opened in September, 1888, by Colonel H. P. Davidson in the old Highland Hall. This structure burned down during the same autumn, but in 1889 a new building was constructed which the Military Academy continued to operate until May 1, 1915. At that time the main structure was again destroyed by fire and the institution has since been removed to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.”
The following information is copied from the 1911 Northwestern Military Academy Yearbook. The yearbook belonged to former Northwestern Military Academy student Russell J. Cameron, the grandfather of Sue Cameron who submitted this excellent information. “Left click” on any article for a larger version making it easier to read.
From the 1911 Yearbook
Submitted by Sue Cameron
Submitted by Sue Cameron
Submitted by Sue Cameron
West Hall
Submitted by Sue Cameron
Submitted by Sue Cameron
Submitted by Sue Cameron
Submitted by Sue Cameron
Submitted by Sue Cameron
Highland Park Northwestern Military Academy Quick Facts
Year opened: 1888
Year closed in Highland Park: 1915
Moved to: Delafield, Wisconsin
Drill Hall and Gymnasium
Courtesy of Sue Cameron
Athletics & Academics
Northwestern Military Academy of Highland Park offered competitive, inter-scholastic sports while it was open. According to research by historian Robert Pruter, we are aware that the school was a member of the North Shore League during the early 1900’s, but did not win any titles.
It is certain that the school was extremely military oriented. Marching, weapon use, and military uniforms were all part of the NMA experience.
Impressive Alumni
For a list of accomplished alumni and more history information on the Academy, check out:
…regarding the history and types of activities offered at Northwestern Military Academy in Highland Park please do not hesitate to write to us. You can contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or via real mail at:
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, Il. 60631
The photos below (and many above) on this page were submitted from a 1911 Northwestern Military Academy booklet owned by Russell J. Cameron, submitted by Sue Cameron. Sue tells us:
“While going thru my mom’s basement, looking for old pictures, I came across my Granpa’s book, dated 1911. It has numerous pictures and is still in pretty good shape. I checked online and got your email address and thought I’dwrite.The book talks about courses of study and alot of info in it.
I have a whole book, not sure what info you may want. Here’s the front, I thought at first it was a year book. But looking thru it, it may just be a “catalog” for interested students. I found a piece of paper inside that seems to be an order form, I’ve attached that too. Seems pretty fancy for a catalog, but who knows. As far as I can tell, I do not see any pics of my Granpa, nor is he listed in the “Catalogue of Students for 1910-1911”. But as you can see he wrote his name on the book, front and back. No family members alive that may know if he did attend or not. There are 159 pages, with alot of pics and info about the school, Courses of study, Outline of Instruction, Attendance, Prizes given, Hygienic and physical culture, Religious and moral training, Military department, Amusements and Requirement of students admission.“
We hope you enjoy these vintage photos as much as we do. ‘Left Click’ on any photo to view a larger version.
