Ransom High School “Pirates”

Ransom High School Building
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Photo found at Jerry’s Tap in Ransom, Il.
Former Grounds of Ransom High School – Now a Park
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Ransom Grade School 2013
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The History of Ransom High School 

Ransom (population 409) is located in the north-central portion of Illinois about 10 miles northeast of Streator.  The town is platted in the southeast portion of LaSalle County.  Illinois Route 170 is the main roadway to and from town. The At & St Railroad runs through town while an Industrial Railroad runs to the north of town.

The history of Ransom and its former high school are in need of research.  At this point we are merely guessing as to the history of the school.  A high school was likely established in Ransom by the late 1800s.  It served the community for many years and was the pride and joy of its residents. We believe that Ransom High School closed in the late 1940s, though it is possible the school existed well into the 1950s. This information is needed. We do know that upon closure the high school-aged kids of Ransom began attending the Streator High School District.

Ransom High School was located on Illinois Route 170 in Ransom. The school building was utilized as a grade school for some time after the high school closed. A new grade school building was erected on the south side of town in the early 1960s. The grade school is still going strong and continues to serve grades K – 8.

Ransom High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                                     late 1800s

Year closed:                                      unavailable (late 1940s?)

Consolidated to:                                Streator School District

Ransom HS team nickname:              “Pirates” (?)

RHS team colors:                              Blue & White (?)

School Fight Song:                            unavailable

Ransom School Scoreboard
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On Display at Jerry’s Tap, Ransom, Il.

Athletics

             

We believe that Ransom High School competed in basketball, baseball, and track.  Band and chorus may have also been part of the curriculum.  Team nickname, colors, fight song, records, and coach’s names are all items being sought.

The current grade school in Ransom utilizes the nickname of “Pirates”. The school uniform colors are blue and white.

Ransom Baseball Field 2013
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Ransom Baseball Field 2013
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Extra Curricular Activities’

Ransom High School likely had many other activites besides athletics. Band, chorus, FFA, FHA, and other club activities were probably a part of the students’ experience at Ransom High. School dances, bon fires, and other activities made for an enjoyable student life.

Need Your Help

There are a lot of holes to fill regarding the history of the Ransom High School athletic program and school accomplishments in general.  If you have any information you can share, ESPECIALLY a photo of the old school building and great teams, you can forward them to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.  You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.  60631

Former Grounds of Ransom High School 2013
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Ransom Oil Pushing Station Office Building
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Ransom Oil Pushing Station 2013 (now closed)
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