The History of LaRose High School The village of La Rose (population 98) is located on the busy Il. Route 89 at County Road 1 in south central Marshall County. The AT & ST Railroad runs just southeast of town. This places LaRose approximately 25 miles northeast of Peoria. The town name is based on the French words “la rose” meaning the rose or beautiful place. According to U.S. Census figures La Rose peaked in population in 1960 with 192 residents. In 2000 there 159 residents. In 1881 there were 3 churches and several businesses located in La Rose. La Rose residents began a school system for grades 1-8 in the late 1800s. A new, modern, brick school building was erected in 1911. In 1913 it was decided to add high school courses of study to the school. One room of the school was dedicated for this purpose. From 1913 through the next 24 years the grade school and high school at La Rose were housed in the same building. In 1937 it was decided to erect a brand new school building dedicated specifically for high school studies. The building was erected along Illinois Route 89 on a five acre plot of land on the towns north side. This building was a grades 9-12 facility. La Rose High School became one of the first in the area to offer an agricultural program. La Rose High School was well supported by the community. The school’s athletics program included baseball and basketball for the boys. The basketball team of 1958-59 advanced to the District title game beating Lostant and Hennepin before losing to Cornell by a score of 56-48. The students were also offered band, chorus, and student government. School activities included picnics, “weenie roasts” and other fun get togethers. For the next 24 years La Rose High School held its own and provided a great education for the kids of the area. In 1960 concerns came to a tipping point over the financial issues posed to the small school. At the conclusion of the 1960-61 school year, the graduating class of 9 seniors became the final graduates of La Rose High School. It was then decided to no longer hold high school classes in La Rose. Students began having their choice of attending Low Point-Washburn HS or Toluca High School for their education. The La Rose High School building was utilized as La Rose Grade School from 1961 – 1965 until it, too, was deactivated. The La Rose High School building served for various purposes over the past 4 decades, most recently as a part of a trucking company. Today (2025) it sits in a dilapidated state, though still hanging on to its once prominent status in the community. A nice history of LaRose High School, as noted by Roberta VanBriesen, can be viewed at the web address of https://genealogytrails.com/ill/marshall/LaRose_Schools.html . This page includes further photos and information about the La Rose school history. The school-aged children of LaRose now have their choice of attending school as part of the Lowpoint-Washburn School District, the Minonk Fieldcrest School District, or in nearby Midland School District in Varna. LaRose is technically included in the Fieldcrest School District however.
LaRose High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1913 Year closed: 1961 School nickname: the “Warriors” School colors: Blue & Gold School Fight Song: “Cheers, Cheers for Old LaRose High” Sung to Univ. of Notre Dame Fight Song tune – words needed
Cheer, Cheer for old LaRose High, Wake up the echoes, Cheering her name, Send a loyal cheer on high, Shake out the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small, Old LaRose High will win over all. While her loyal sons are marching Onward to victory!! |
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