The History of Macedonia High School Macedonia (population 51) is located on the Hamilton-Franklin County line, midway between McLeansboro and Benton. Modern-day Macedonia consists of the crossroads of two county roads, with one “loop” street, known as Benton Street. The 2000 census states that there were 17 households remaining in Macedonia. The Big Muddy River runs one mile to the north of the village. The following information is from the Hamilton and Franklin County “Rootsweb” sites, and from the book “Hamilton County – 175 years of History”. Thanks to Mr. Joel Lasswell for transcribing a long section of that book regarding Macedonia. Macedonia was platted in the 1858, but was not incorporated until 1894. The Johnson, Vise and Fisher families were prominent early settlers. The village flourished for a number of years; Macedonia in 1910 is described as bustling village of 400, situated on a hill with a beautiful view of the countryside. The H.C. Vise Mercantile occupied three 2-story buildings (which included a funeral parlor), and the local grist mill produced “Snowflake” brand flour. The Vise family also operated the Bank of Macedonia. What happened to Macedonia? During the farm depression of the late 20’s and ’30’s, many marginal farms in southern Illinois were simply abandoned. The small flour mills and blacksmith shops that were tied to the horse-farmers soon disappeared too, as did the stores and other businesses. Many towns that did not have a rail line, such as Macedonia, became virtual ghost towns. Macedonia had a 3-year high school from 1928 to 1936. Under the rules of the time, any elementary district which was not included in an established high school district could operate a high school of 3 years or less, and draw state elementary funds to pay for at least part of the program. Many small rural villages, particularly in the southern half of the state, took advantage of this. A number of laws were changed in 1940’s, resulting in the virtual elimination of 2 and 3-year high schools by 1948. In Macedonia, most of the high school classes were held in the IOOF Hall on Benton Street. It is not known if this building is still standing. A nearby blacksmith shop was also converted for use as a gymnasium. A total of 194 students attended Macedonia High during it’s short existence. Macedonia maintained a grade school until 1946, when it and 10 other rural districts consolidated into the old Ewing College facility nearby. Macedonia High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1928 Year closed: 1936 Consolidated to: McLeansboro School District Macedonia HS team nickname: unavailable Macedonia HS team colors: unavailable School Fight Song: unavailable
Athletics We are not certrain, but we believe that the boys of Macedonia High School may have competed with other schools in the area in the sport of basketball. As stated in teh history section, there was a gymnasium available for sports. We are in need of any information available on the Macedonia High School athletic program. A photo of the Macedonia HS basketball team of 1930-31 can be found at the web address of http://genealogytrails.com/ill/franklin/macedonia_school.html . Thank you to Adam Rosoho for this informaiton. Noteable Resident One notable Macedonia resident is Richard Riley Johnson, who spent his teenage years on the grandfather’s farm near Macedonia and graduated from McLeansboro High in 1940. Richard became a B-17 bomber pilot in WWII, flying 32 combat missions over Germany. He wrote a book about his experiences entitled “25 Milk Runs (and a Few More)”. This book, which has a chapter about Macedonia, is available from Amazon.com. Sincere Appreciation Thank you to Gerry Halpin for the research and information provided for this page. Seeking Your Assistance If you have any information on Macedonia High School please contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. A photo of the school building facilities is being sought. You may also contact us via USPS at: IHSGD Website 6439 N. Neva St. Chicago, Il. 60631
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