Palmer High School

The History of Palmer High School

Palmer (population 248) is located in central Illinois about 20 miles southeast of Springfield and 6 miles southwest of Taylorville.  The town is situated in the southwestern portion of Christian County.  Illinois Route 48 is the main roadway to and from Palmer.  The Norfolk Southern Railroad runs along-side Route 48 and also travels through the town.

The history of the town of Palmer is given nicely on the Wikipedia web address of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmer,_Illinois .  In summary the article states the

following:

Palmer was platted in 1869 along the new railroad line which was laid through the county.  Palmer soon established its first businesses with a post office erected in 1870.  The town was incorporated in 1873. The town was named after then-Illinois Governor John M. Palmer, who had also served as a major-general in the Union Army during the Civil War.  Several businesses, including a coal mine, have served the town over the nearly 140 years it has existed.

The history of the Palmer School District is in need of research.  We believe that a school was established in the late 1800s.  A high school for the District was probably started in the late 1800s to early 1900s.  It is possible that Palmer High School was never more than a three-year high school, but four years may have been offered.

Our guess is that along with many high schools of the 1940s that were the size of Palmer High, the enrollment did not meet state standards of the time.  Palmer High School was likely closed in the late 1940s.  The kids of Palmer were bussed to nearby Morrisonville to continue their educational needs.  This arrangement continues through today.

The Palmer school building has been razed.

Palmer High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                      late 1800s / early 1900s?

Year closed:                       late 1940s?

Consolidated to:                  Morrisonville High School

Palmer HS team nickname:  unavailable

Palmer HS team colors:       unavailable

Palmer HS Fight Song:         unavailable

Athletics

We have been told there was a basketball program for boys at Palmer High.  It is quite possible that baseball and track may have been offered as well.  We are currently in search of the school fight song, team records, and coach’s names of the teams that graced the courts and fields of Palmer High’s storied past.

Extra-Curriculars

We know that sports were not the only “game” in town at Palmer High.  It is probable that class plays, FFA, FHA, GAA, Band, and Chorus were all a part of the PHS experience.  If you have ANY information on these or other activities offered at Palmer High School please contact us at the address listed below.

We Need Your Assistance

If you have any further information regarding the town of Palmer and its former High School please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.  A photo of the former high school building and other activities offered at PHS are welcome.  You can send items to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva Street

Chicago,  Il.  60631

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