Noble High School “Wildcats”

The History of Noble High School

Noble (population 746) is located in southeastern Illinois about 35 miles southeast of Effingham and 5 miles east of Olney.  Noble sits on U.S. Route 50 and Illinois Route 250 in east-central Richland County. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad travels through town.  The Hog Run Creek flows through town as does a branch of the Big Muddy Creek.  Noble was incorporated in 1862 (http://www.iltrails.org/richland/townbio’s.htm) .

The history of the Noble school system is in need of research. It is probable that Noble had at least a grade school in place by the late 1860s.  It is also probable that a high school was in place by the late 1800s.  Noble High School served only the people of Noble for probably 5 decades.  We believe it was in the late 1940s that several small school districts in western Richland County consolidated with the Noble School District.  We are not certain if any other high school districts were involved.  We believe it was either 1948 or 1949 when this took place.  This effort created the Noble West Richland School District making the Noble School District defunct.

The Noble West Richland School District still serves the area today. The fate and history of the Noble school buildings is being sought.

Noble High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                         late 1800s

Year consolidated:                 late 1940s?

Consolidated to:                     West Richland School District (Noble)

Noble HS team nickname:      the “Wildcats”

Noble HS team colors:           Black & Gold

School Fight Song:                unavailable

Athletics

We know that the Noble boys competed in basketball (www.ihsa.org). We believe the sports of baseball and track were offered as well. Noble school team nickname, colors, fight song, coach’s names, and team records are all items we are seeking.

Boys Basketball

The Noble boys of pre-1949 won one District Championship.  Unfortunately this is the extent of the current information we have on Noble High School athletics.

1931-32          District Champions

Further Information Being Sought

We are seeking further information regarding other sports and facts you would like to share about the original Noble High School.  We are especially interested in a photo of the high school building.  If you are interested in providing more information about Noble HS please complete a School Submission form.  You can also write to us at the following address ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.      60631

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