Latham (population 371) is located in central Illinois in the southeastern corner of Logan County. The town is about 10 miles northwest of Decatur on Illinois Route 121. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad cuts through the middle of Latham. The town was platted in 1871 and officially incorporated in 1884. It was named after Civil War Colonel Latham.
The history of the school system in Latham is in need of research. It is probable that a high school was established in Latham by the late 1800’s. Latham High School served the community for at least five decades. We believe that it was in the mid-1950’s that the towns of Latham and its neighbor to the southeast, Warrensburg, agreed to consolidate their educational efforts. The consolidation took place after the 1949-50 school year. The effort resulted in the creation of the Warrensburg-Latham School District.
Latham HS Bldg Inscription “LCHS”
Submitted By Dennis Downey
The high school for the new district was located in Warrensburg. A grade school was located in Latham. The fate of the original Latham High School building is is a good one. The building is still in use today as an apartment building.
Latham High School Class of 1946
Submitted by Justin Lee
Latham High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late 1800’s
Year closed: 1950
Consolidated to: Warrensburg-Latham School District
Latham HS team nickname: the “Rabbits”
Latham HS team colors: Blue & White
School Fight Song: unavailable
Athletics
Latham High School definitely offered boys basketball (www.ihsa.org). It is probable that the boys competed in baseball and track as well. School team nickname, school colors, fight song, team records, and coaches’ names are all items we are seeking.
Boys’ Basketball
The boys’ basketball team won the only IHSA Tournament hardware for the Latham High School athletic program. A total of THREE District titles were earned by the LHS boys. One of these came when winning the District title was equal to winning a Regional (1920’s). Unfortunately, the team records of these and other great Latham HS teams are currently unavailable.
Scores and records prior to 1927-28 season unavailable
1927-28 District Champions Coach’s name and record needed.
Logan County Tourney Runners-Up
Sectional Tourney
Lost to Chandlerville 30-23
Chandlerville lost in Sectional title game
Scores and recoreds for 1928-29 through 1932-33 unavailable.
1933-34 Lincoln District TourneyCoach’s name and record needed.
1st Rd. – Lost to Hartsburg 34-23
Hartsburg lost in 2nd Rd.
1934-35 Lincoln District TourneyCoach’s name and record needed.
1st Rd. – Lost to Chestnut 29-22
Chestnut lost in 2nd Rd.
1935-36 District Champions Coach’s name and record needed.
1st Rd. – Beat Armington 47-24
Title Game – Beat Atlanta 40-24
Regional Tourney
1st. Rd. – Lost to Lincoln 40-23
Lincoln lost in Reg. title game.
1936-37 Lincoln Regional TourneyCoach’s name and record needed.
1st Rd. – Lost to Hartsburg 43-16
Hartsburg lost in semi-final.
1937-38 Scores and recoreds unavailable.
1938-39 Lincoln Regional TourneyCoach’s name and record needed.
1st Rd. – Lost to Elkhart 46-26
Elkhart lost in semi-final.
1939-40 District Champions Coach’s name and record needed.
District scores unavailable
Regional Tourney – 2nd Place
Regional Scores unavailable
PeoriaSectional Tourney
1st Rd. – Lost to Rushville 56-39
Rushville won Sectional title
Rushville lost in Sweet 16 round.
1940-41 Scores and recoreds unavailable.
1941-42 Lincoln Regional TourneyCoach’s name and record needed.
1st Rd. – Lost to Delavan 38-37
Delavan lost in semi-final.
1942-43 through 1947-48 Scores and recoreds unavailable.
1948-49 Niantic District TourneyCoach’s name and record needed.
1st Rd. – Lost to Illiopolis 61-36
Illiopolis lost in semi-final round.
1949-50 Buffalo District TourneyCoach’s name and record needed.
1st Rd. – Lost to Warrensburg 46-36
Warrensburg lost in title game.
1949-50 was the last season and the loss to Warrensburg was the last game for Latham High School. The school became part of the Warrensburg-Latham School District in the fall of 1950.
Latham High School Boys Basketball Team 1933-34
Submitted by Michael John Rafferty, Jr
Extra-Curricular Activities
We are certain that the kids of Latham High School participated in band and choir. It is also likely that student government, FFA, FHA, school dances, and many other activities were available for the students to take part in.
Latham High School Band – 1933-34
Submitted by Michael John Rafferty, Jr
Need Your Help
We are hopeful an area “buff” will fill in the open areas regarding the history and accomplishments of Latham High School. If you have any information you can offer please complete a Guest Commentary Form. We would really like to share a photo of the old school building and tell more about the students of the Latham High School historic past. You can also e-mail us photos at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us at:
