The History of Loraine High School
Loraine (population 363) is located in north-central Adams County in western Illinois. Loraine is located just north of Illinoiis Route 61 on County Highway 336. The South Fork of the Bear Creek flows to the west of town. Loraine sits about 15 miles northeast of Quincy.
A nice history of the town of Loraine is found on the internet web address of http://history.rays-place.com/il/adams-mendon.htm. In summary, the town was platted in 1870 by a railroad company laying tracks through the area. The town enjoyed steady growth during its early years. At the time the article was written in 1919, Loraine had a bustling population of over 700 residents.
Loraine started an educational system for its children in 1843. The high school may have been established in the late 1800s in a two-story brick building that had one classroom on each floor. That building was later torn down & replaced by a new two-story frame building in 1892-93 that had four classrooms, but it burned down in 1901.
Rather than starting in new ground, the folks in Loraine decided to clear the rubble and erect a new high school in 1903, which is when a three-year school opened. Additions were made to the building in 1910, 1915, and 1920 with a second story added.
Loraine High School served its children for over four decades. In the late 1940’s, consolidation talks began with nearby Mendon as well as Lima and Ursa. These conversations became reality in 1948, when the four towns pooled their resources and consolidated their schools to form the Unity School District (http://www.fourstar.lib.il.us/community/cusd4/who/).
Loraine kept a grade school in her town including the building of a new elementary school building in 1965. This school still serves the Unity School District today. The fate of the original Loraine High School building is being sought.
Loraine High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late 1800’s
Year closed: 1948
Consolidated to: Unity High School (Mendon)
School nickname: unavailable
School colors: unavailable
School Fight Song: unavailable
| ATHLETICS
We believe that the Loraine HIgh School boys participated in athletics against kids from other schools. Basketball, baseball and possibly track may have all been offered at one time. School team nickname, uniform colors, and fight song, as well as coach’s names and season records, are all items we hope add to this page. BOYS BASKETBALL The Loraine boys definitely competed in basketball. Scores located on the website titled “Illinois High School Postseason Basketball Scores” involving Loraine are reprinted below. 1933-34 Quincy District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed 1st Rd lost to Quincy 92-6 Quincy beat Hamilton in title game 1934-35 Quincy District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed 1st Rd lost to Golden 38-14 Quincy beat Camp Point in title game 1935-36 Camp Point District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed 1st Rd lost to Mendon 59-7 Augusta beat Timewell in title game 1940-41 Golden District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed 1st Rd lost to Golden 35-20 Golden beat LaPrairie in title game 1942-43 Golden District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed *1st Rd lost to LaPrairie 38-3 Golden beat LaPrairie in title game *Final varsity boys basketball game score found on this site. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES We would bet that school dances, chorus, band, “weiner roasts,” and other activities played a big part in the experience of attending Loraine High School. Please contact us via the means listed below if you have any of this information to share on this page. Please Help Us With Our Research On Loraine High School If you have any information to share regarding the history of Loraine and its former high school, please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. A photo of the school building would be a great addition also. Items can be mailed to us at: IHSGD Website 6439 N. Neva St. Chicago, Il. 60631 |
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