Magnolia High School “Pirates”

Magnolia High School – 1998

Photo Courtesy of Gerry Halpin

The History of Magnolia High School

Magnolia (population 279) is located in southeastern Putnam County at the intersection of Il. Routes 18 and 89. The Little Sandy Creek runs by the northwest side of town. A town of reference in the area is LaSalle which is located 15 miles northeast of Magnolia. The town of Magnolia was the first permanent settlement in Putnam County. The town of Magnolia was named by its early settlers in 1827, William Haws and James & Stephen Willis, named the settlement Magnolia due to the great number of magnolia trees they discovered upon their arrival. Magnolia was the first county seat of Putnam County.

The school system in Magnolia was established in 1837. The first High School serving the children of the town was established in 1870. The brick school building was built in 1912. The State of Illinois recognized Magnolia Township High School as school district # 732 in 1916. This School District served the students of Magnolia well until consolidation talks with nearby (McNabb) Swaney High School surfaced in the mid 1940s. At first the Magnolia students attended Swaney High School on a trial basis beginning in 1946. In 1948 an official vote was taken by the residents of Magnolia and the consolidation/annexation of Magnolia High School was complete.

The Magnolia school building was used for several years as a grade school before closing. Magnolia’s former high school building finally met an all-too-familiar and sad fate. We were informed by “jazzeroni” that the building was demolished in 2006. You can read about the plans for the demolition at the following web address:

http://www.epa.state.il.us/community-relations/fact-sheets/magnolia-school/magnolia-school1.html

Magnolia High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1870

Year brick high school building built: 1912

Year high school closed: 1948

Consolidated to: McNabb Swaney High School

School nickname: “Pirates”

School colors: Maroon & Gold

School Fight Song: unavailable

Magnoila High School Students (1933-34)

50 students and four teachers

Magnolia HS Basketball Team

A group of men posing for a photo

Description automatically generated

1936-37 School Year

Athletics

Unfortunately no mention could be found regarding the athletic program at Magnolia Township High School on the IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org). It is a fact that MTHS offered boys basketball and was quite competitive in its area. Magnolia High School may have also offered track and baseball like many other small schools of its day.

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Boys Basketball

The Magnolia boys were known as tough competitors. Though no IHSA hardware was won, they had some very successful seasons.

One game in particular is recognized by the IHSA and the National Federation Basketball Record Book. It was played on November 20, 1929 between the Magnolia and nearby (Granville) Hopkins High School. In a fierce defensive struggle, the Magnolia boys prevailed by a score of 1 – 0. You can see a photo and newpaper caption of that game below.

Several IHSA Tournament scores involving Magnolia were located on a website titled “Illinois High School Postseason Basketball Scores.” These scores are reprinted below.

1921-22 Ottawa District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to McNabb 18-9

DePue beat Rollo in title game

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1931-32 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Putnam 29-13

2nd Rd lost to Varna 20-12

Wenona beat Minonk in title game

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1932-33 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Tonica 44-15

Long Point beat Henry in title game

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1933-34 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Lostant 32-17

Granville Hopkins beat Minonk in title game

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1934-35 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Lacon 32-6

Lacon beat Henry in title game

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1935-36 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Dana 27-14

Dana beat Lostant in title game

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1936-37 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Long Point 18-12

2nd Rd lost to Dana 44-23

Lacon beat Tonica in title game

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1937-38 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to McNabb Swaney 30-23

Rutland beat Varna in title game

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1938-39 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Long Point 30-11

Wenona beat Lostant in title game

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1939-40 Record and postseason scores needed. Coach Euell Lindsey

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1940-41 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Dana 26-23

Sparland beat Dana in title game

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1941-42 Record, postseason scores, and coach’s name needed.

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1942-43 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to McNabb Swaney 26-21

Lostant beat Dana in title game

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1943-44 Record, postseason scores, and coach’s name needed.

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1944-45 Varna District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Sparland 32-31

2nd Rd lost to Lostant 31-30

Rutland beat Varna in title game

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1945-46 Varna District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat McNabb Swaney 26-21

*2nd Rd lost to Lostant 44-25

Rutland beat Tonica in title game

*Final boys varsity basketball game played by the Magnolia High School “Pirates.”

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Great Player

One great player in Magnolia High School history was Richard B. Johnson. After completing a very successful high school career Mr. Johnson continued playing basketball in independent leagues in the area. He then served his country in the Army during World War II.

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Seeking More Information

If you have more information you would like to share regarding Magnolia Township High School please take the time to write to us. We especially enjoy photos of the school building, great teams, players, and coaches. You can e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net

Magnolia High School Basketball Team – 1929-30