| The History of Logan High School
Hanaford (population 55) is located in far south-central Illinois in the southeast portion of Franklin County. County Road 20 is the mnain roadway through Hanaford as Illinois Route 34 passes by the northeast side of town. The website of www.mapquest.com lists a small hamlet of Logan on the northeast side of Hanaford too. We are told that Hanaford is also known as Logan and at one time was called Smothersville. The 2000 Illinois Census only lists the town of Hanaford however. The population of 55 is disputed as well, there may be about 200 actual residents of Hanaford . The history of the Logan School in Hanaford is in need of research. We do know that K – 8 classes were held at the school at one time. If high school classes were offered, we believe it was probably no more than a two-year high school. We are in need of your assistance to verify any of this information. A good fan of the Glory Days site and former pastor of the Logan Baptist Church (1998-2003) Steve Dunford offered the following information on the former Logan High School of Hanaford: “The village name is Hanaford but the post office schools, churches, and the name that the local residents refer to the town is Logan. From talking with some old timers while I was the pastor of the church there, that Logan High School consolidated with Benton in the early 1950’s. I am not sure but I believe Logan was a three-year high school. They used the same building for all grades (K-11). After the high school closed they raised the second floor of the building and added a gymnasium. Logan existed as a k-8 school until it closed its doors at the end of the 2004-2005 school year. Most graduating 8th grade classes while I pastored the Baptist church were under 10 students. I believe the K-8 enrollment for 2004-2005 was around 50, with only four teachers and one administrator. The town took great pride in their school and kept it from consolidation for several years. Most students became part of the Benton Grade School system while some in the southeast part of the district went to nearby Thompsonville. While I was pastor, even though I did not live in Logan, I attended school events whenever possible. Because of the small size and the appearance of the building, it was like stepping back in time. You also expected Jimmy Chitwood to be shooting hoops in the gym.” We are searching for as much information as possible on the Logan School District. We understand that the school building is still standing and used for a good purpose. The kids of Hanaford now attend school in nearby Benton. Logan High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800s / early 1900s Year HS closed: late 1940s? Year grade school closed: 1980s Consolidated to: Benton High School Logan School team nickname: possibly the “Rams” Logan School team colors: unavailable Logan School Fight Song: unavailable |
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