Submitted by Don Claypool (From “Alvin Centennial Book 1976”)
Alvin HS Building Corner Stone 2013
Alvin High School Memorial 2013
“Class – 24″ Written on Archway/”1919-1997” Written on Stone
Alvin High School Archway Entrance
Submitted by Don Claypool (From the book “Alvin Centennial 1976”)
The History of Alvin High School
Alvin (population 316) is located in far eastern Illinois. The town sits just north of Illinois Route 119 about 3 miles west of the Indiana/Illinois state line. This places Alvin about 10 miles north of Danville in upper-eastern Vermillion County. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad also travels through Alvin. A branch of the North Fork of the Vermillion River flows in and around Alvin as well.
The following history of Alvin was provided by Don Claypool:
“In 1872 the C&EI railroad came down from Chicago passing through the already established village of Rossville. As it went on south it spawned the towns of Gilbert and Bismarck. Gilbert, named after Alvan Gilbert, was about a mile north of Bismarck.
In 1876 the Illinois Central established a track east and west interlocking the C&EI about a mile north of Gilbert. The people of Gilbert simply closed their town and moved north to the new interlock renaming the town as ALVAN Thus 1876 is the establishment date of modern day Alvin. By 1900 Alvan had two hotels, two grain elevators, a union train station and numerous businesses. Through an error the name was listed as Alvin by the Post Office. It was not changed by the railroads until the early 1900s. Sources: Alvin Centennial Book “Bits & Pieces of Alvin’s Past, 1876-1976” and “Place Names of Vermilion County, Illinois” by the Illiana Genealogical & Historical Society.”
The following history of the Alvin High School district was provided by Don Claypool as found in the Alvin Centennial Book of 1976.
History of Alvin High School
Submitted by Don Claypool (From the book “Alvin Centennial 1976”)
Alvin School Bldg 1899-1931 / Alvin HS 1912-1919
Submitted by Don Claypool (From the book “Alvin Centennial 1976”)
As stated in the article, it was in the late 1940s, the townspeople of Alvin and nearby Rossville began consolidation talks. The year was 1948 when a new school district was established between the two towns. The district was appropriately named Rossville-Alvin.
The high school for Rossville-Alvin was located in Rossville. It is not known if possibly the original Alvin High School building was used as part of the Rossville-Alvin School District. The fate of the original Alvin school building is a familiar but sad one as it has been torn down in 1997.
Rossville-Alvin High School District closed in 2005. The Alvin kids now have the option of attending Bismarck-Henning or Hoopeston Area high schools.
Alvin High School Quick Facts
Year opened: 1912
Year closed: 1948
Largest Enrollment: 53 students (1921-22)
Largest Graduating Class: 13 students (1924-25)
Enrollment 1912-13: 4 students (first year of operation)
First Graduate: Lorena Story (1915)
Enrollment 1941-42: 50 students.
Enrollment 1947-48: 28 students (final year for high school classes)
Consolidated to: Rossville-Alvin School District
School nickname: the “Pirates”
School colors: Orange & Black
School Fight Song: unavailable
Alvin School Grounds 2013
Athletics
Alvin High School definitely offered boys basketball. The school also produced a STATE CHAMPION in boys track and field! It is probable that baseball was also offered. However there is VERY limited information on the athletic program If you have any information you wish to share please write to us via e-mail.
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Boys Basketball
The IHSA website shows Alvin High School winning a District title in boys basketball. Unfortunately the team record and coaches names of this and other successful Alvin High School teams are not available.
Scores of games involving Alvin High School in the IHSA State Tournament were located on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.” The scores we found are reprinted below.
Beginning of basketball program through 1926-27 Postseason scores, coaches’ names, and records needed.
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1918-19 Champaign District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Arcola 27-10
Champaign beat Kankakee in title game.
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1920-21 Postseason score, record, and coach’s name needed.
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1921-22 Watseka District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd Beat Bismarck 35-18
2nd Rd lost to East Lynn 24-15
Watseka beat East Lynn in title game
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1922-23 through 1926-27 Postseason scores, records, and coaches’ names needed.
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1927-28 Hoopeston District Champions Coach’s name & record needed
1928-29 through 1930-31 Postseason scores, coaches names, & records needed.
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1931-32 Hoopeston District Runner-Up. Coach’s name & record needed.
Early Round Scores Needed.
Quarter-Final Beat Stockland 25-10
Semi-Final Beat Potomac 22-21
Title Game lost to Armstrong 18-11
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1932-33 Hoopeston District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Rankin 27-16
Rankin lost in quarter-final round
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1933-34 Milford District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Rankin 27-16
Rankin lost in 2nd Rd
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1934-35 Hoopeston District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Wellington 35-16
Wellington lost in 2nd Rd
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1935-36 Westville District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Ridge Farm 26-17
Ridge Farm lost in semi-final round
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1936-37 through 1937-38 Postseason scores, coaches names, and records needed.
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1938-39 East Lynn District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Gifford 23-21 (O/T)
Cissna Park beat East Lynn in title game
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1939-40 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.
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1940-41 Cissna Park District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to East Lynn 32-17
Potomac beat Cissna Park in title game
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1941-42 through 1943-44 Postseason scores, records, and coaches’ names needed.
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1944-45 Wellington District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Wellington 35-32
Wellington beat East Lynn in title game
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1945-46 Potomac District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd Beat Stockland 45-32
Semi-final lost to East Lynn 26-24
Rankin beat East Lynn in title game
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1946-47 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.
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1947-48 Potomac District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
**1st Rd lost to Sheldon 42-26
Stockland beat Sheldon in title game
**Final boys basketball game for Alvin High School “Pirates”. School dissolved and became part of the Rossville-Alvin School District.
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Boys Track & Field
Alvin High School had many good athletes over the years, however only one placed in the IHSA State Track Meet, and he was crowned STATE CHAMPION!. The following was sent to us by Bruce Samoore and is verified on the IHSA website at the web address of
“A student from Alvin High School, believed to beWilliam E. Bivans, in 1919, placed First in the Mile Run, at the Boys State Track and Field, Class B Championships.On the IHSA Records his name is spelled Bevans, with no first name listed. With the school now closed, and possibility that the student records could be in Hoopeston, or Rossville, or even in Bismark, might turn up verification of enrollment. The 1920 US census, shows a William Bivans living with his parents and brother, in the village of Alvin, in Ross Twp., Vermillian CO. There is no surname of Bevans listed for Vermillian Co., 1920.”
1918-19 IHSA Class ‘B’ Championship Meet
William Bivans State Champion 1 Mile Run
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Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball Signee
“Roger W. Brown, 86, of Nashua, NH, formerly of Alvin, IL, passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 19, 2016. He was born on May 23, 1929, in Danville, IL. Roger was the son of the late Hoyt and Florence (Cole) Brown who operated Browns Grocery for thirty-seven years until 1953. Roger was a baseball pitcher, and he signed a professional baseball contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, at the young age of 15, after his sophomore year at Alvin High School, May of 1945. He played for various farm teams in the MLB. Roger was and still is the youngest to ever sign with the Dodgers. His uniform can be seen at the Rossville Historical Society. Roger graduated from Alvin High School in 1947, which was the next to last graduating class before consolidating with Rossville. He then attended Illinois State two years, transferring to and graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.S. degree in Business. Upon graduating from college, he joined the United States Air Force and served as an auditor with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Roger was later discharged on hardship after the loss of his first wife and four month old son in a train auto accident, while he was stationed in Arabia. Roger left Illinois for California in early 1954 to start a career in aerospace and electronics. It was then he was fortunate enough to work with NASA and meet Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Alan Shepard, and Gus Grissom. At the age of 38 he was promoted to Group Vice-President of Industrial Relations, for General Dynamics, Chicago, IL. Roger left General Dynamics to become Vice-President of Personnel, for AMTRAK, in Washington, DC. After seven years with AMTRAK, he left to become Corporate Vice-President of Human Resources at the Sanders Division of Lockheed Martin in Nashua, New Hampshire. While at Sanders, Roger completed his Master’s degree in Business at New Hampshire College. He started work on the degree at Harvard University some seven years earlier. He then joined the part-time faculty at New Hampshire College Graduate School teaching part-time for seventeen years. Roger retired in 1991 Roger’s notable work ethic never kept him from coming home to his roots of Alvin, IL and traveling with his wife of 32 years, Mary (Fennell) Brown. Roger and Mary traveled through Europe, South America and spent their winters in Naples, Florida. Roger’s hobbies of golf, fishing, and hunting, kept him in close contact with many friends. He truly loved bringing Mary, and his son, Roger (Bud) to visit his second family, Robert and Mary Ingram and family of Rossville, IL. Roger thoroughly enjoyed taking his son hunting the prairie of Illinois where he grew up. The Ingram children will cherish his memories of walking them on the ceilings and the stories of the Alvin tornado and mapping out all the businesses once lining the streets of Alvin. Roger was a member of the Rossville American Legion #733 and was a 32nd Degree Mason at the Hoopeston Star Lodge #709. Roger is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary (Fennell) Brown; his son, Roger W. Brown II from his second wife, Iris Dirks Brown; four grandchildren, Lindsay (Ronald “Zippy”) Roberts of AZ, Trevor Chapman of OK, and Ryan and Tyler Brown of Nashua; as well as four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Audrey Watkins Brown and son Jeffery; his second wife Iris Dirks Brown, and his daughter Susan (Brown) Chapman.”
SEE PHOTOS OF ROGER BROWN BASEBALL FIELD IN ALVIN BELOW.
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MEMORIES
**From Don Claypool:
“After Alvin consolidated the building was taken over by the grade school. I went there my 7th and 8th grade graduating in 1950. I had older siblings who attended Alvin High School. My older sister, Thelma Ross, put together the last High School reunion held there. I believe that was about 1970. I knew the Bill Bivans you mentioned. I believe you have that item correct. Bill never married to my knowledge. He use to take vacations out west to add to his large rock collection.”
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If You Wish To Share Any Information…
…regarding the many successes and memories created by Alvin High School pleaseshare them with us. Alvin High School has alumni and carried with it a lot of town pride at one time. Help us recapture that pride on this page. You can e-mail information and, if you have one, a photo of the original Alvin High School building. Our e-mail address is ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.
ALTO PASS HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING SKETCH – SUBMITTED BY DONNA HUBBS
Alto Pass High School Building
Courtesy of Dean Thompson
Alto Pass Grade School Bldg – 2011
Submitted by Dean Thompson
The History of Alto Pass High School
Alto Pass (population 388) is located in far southern Illinois about 30 miles north of Cairo and 10 miles east of the Mississippi River. This location also places Alto Pass about 15 miles southwest of Carbondale in northern Union County. Illinois Route 127 passes though town as does a county road known as Skyline Drive. The Cave Creek and a branch of Cedar Creek flow through town. There is also an unnamed railroad line and a lake on Alto Pass’ west side. This information was found on www.mapquest.com .
Alto Pass was established in 1882 and first named Quetil as a station along the Cairo & St. Louis Railway. This name was in honor of Julian Quetil who donated the land for the village in 1870. The railroad soon changed the name to Alto due to the high elevation of the land. The word Pass was later added to avoid confusion between Alto and Alton. (Place Names of Illinois by Edward Callary).
The history of the Alto Pass school system is in need of research. It is believed that Alto Pass’ educational history extends back to the late 1800s. A high school was likely established by the late 1800s. It was 1969 when the Alto Pass High School was annexed into the Cobden School District.
Donna Hubbs (Alto Pass High School Class of 1969) provided the following information about Alto Pass High School:
“This is a drawing (top of page) of Alto Pass High School which closed in 1969. I was in the last class of 10 graduates. The gym, locker rooms, and restrooms were in bottom level. The second level included the entry to bleacher seats for gym, a class room, and a room with vending machines. The top level included classrooms, study hall, principal’s office and library. Our mascot was the “Apaches” basketball team. Our uniform colors were scarlet and gold. We were small but our education was as good or better than many larger schools.”
The fate of the Alto Pass High School building was a sad one in that the building has been torn down. If you have any of the information regarding the history of Alto Pass and its former high school please write to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.
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Alto Pass High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late 1800s
Year closed: 1969
Consolidated to: Cobden High School
Alto Pass HS nickname: the “Apaches”
School colors: Scarlet & Gold
School Fight Song: unavailable
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Athletics
Alto Pass High School offered boys basketball. It is probable that baseball and track were offered as well. We are missing information regarding the history and success of Alto Pass High. The school fight song is needed. Information on the athletic program such as conference affiliation and foes are needed as well.
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Boys Basketball
The boys basketball program brought home a total of four District Championships. Two were won in the 1940s and two were won in the early 1950s. Unfortunately the records and coaches names of these and other great Alto Pass teams are not available.
1930-31 Murphysboro District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Cambria 12-11
Murphysboro beat Elkville in title game.
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1931-32 Herrin District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Royalton 29-22
Johnson City Beat Herrin in title game.
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1932-33 Anna District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Cairo 34-12
Cairo beat Ullin in title game.
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1933-34 Johnson City District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Carbondale Teachers College H.S. 27-24
Herrin beat Marion in title game.
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1934-35 Anna District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Ullin 30-14
2nd Rd lost to Cobden 20-18 (O/T)
Mound City beat Cobden in title game.
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1935-36 Dongola District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to 17-15
Buncombe beat Mounds for title.
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1936-37 Dongola District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Dongola 24-20
McGuire beat McClure in title game.
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1937-38 District Results Needed.
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1938-39 Dongola District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Wolf Lake 50-26
Wolf Lake beat Mound City in title game.
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1939-40 Carbondale District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.
Title Game lost to Vergennes 26-15.
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1940-41 Vergennes District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Grand Tower 28-22
Title Game Beat Vergennes 28-26
Carbondale Regional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Carterville 35-34
Carbondale beat Carterville in title game.
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1941-42 Post season results, coach’s name & season record needed.
1942-43 Post season results, coach’s name, & season record needed.
1943-44 Post season results, coach’s name, & season record needed.
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1944-45 Gorham District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.
Semi-Final Beat Ava 41-35
Title Game Beat Gorham 28-26
Carbondale Regional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Carbondale University HS 46-38
Carbondale beat Herrin in title game.
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1945-46 Hurst Regional Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.
Title Game lost to Royalton 48-41
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1946-47 Vergennes District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Vergennes 31-27
Semi-Final lost to Royalton 54-50
Hurst-Bush beat Royalton in title game.
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1947-48 Hurst District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Vergenes
Semi-Final lost to Royalton 51-50
Hurst-Bush beat Royalton in title game.
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1948-49 Dongola District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Cairo St. Joseph 41-40 (O/T)
Semi-Final Beat Dongola 41-36
Title Game lost to Goreville 39-30
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1949-50 Dongola District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.
Semi-Final Beat Wolf Lake 51-48
Title Game Beat Dongola 31-29
Cairo Regional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Mound City 55-47
Anna-Jonesboro beat Cairo in title game.
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1950-51 Dongola District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.
Semi-Final Beat Goreville 55-42.
Title Game lost to Dongola 62-58 (O/T)
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1951-52 Dongola District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Wolf Lake 52-40
McClure beat Dongola in title game.
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1952-53 Dongola District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.
Semi-Final Beat Dongola 55-54 (O/T)
Title Game Beat Goreville 54-35
Anna Regional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Cobden 61-52
Anna-Jonesboro beat Cobden in title game.
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1953-54 Carbondale District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.
Title Game lost to Carbondale Attucks 68-54
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1954-55 Post season results, coach’s name & record needed.
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1955-56 Elkville District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Elkville 98-61.
Carbondale Attucks beat Hurst-Bush in title game.
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1956-57 Carbondale District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Gorham 61-49
Carbondale Attucks beat Hurst-Bush in title game.
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1957-58 E;lkville District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Elkville 51-45
Semi-Final lost to Royalton 65-55
Carbondale Attucks beat Royalton in title game.
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1958-59 Carbondale District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Vergennes 63-50
Semi-Final lost to Hurst-Bush 77-56
Carbondale Attucks beat Hurst-Bush in title game.
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1959-60 Carbondale District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Gorham 66-39
Carbondale Attucks beat Gorham in title game.
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1960-61 Carbondale District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Gorham 59-46
Hurst-Bush beat Elkville in title game.
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1961-62 Elkville District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st lost to Carbondale Attucks 74-37
Elkville beat Carbondale Attucks in title game.
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1962-63 Cobden District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Goreville 89-75
Cobden beat Goreville in title game.
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1963-64 Post season results, coach’s name & record needed.
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1964-65 Dongola District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
Semi-Final lost to Gorham 110-56.
Gorham beat Dongola in title game.
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1965-66 Dongola District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.
Semi-Final lost to Gorham 75-57
Gorham beat Goreville in title game.
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1966-67 Post season results, coach’s name & record needed.
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1967-68 Cairo Regional Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1968-69 Meridian Regional Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
*Alto Pass did not compete in District Tournament this season.
1st Rd lost to Meridian 96-28
Cairo beat Meridian in title game.
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*Alto Pass did not compete in District Tournament this season.
1st Rd lost to Meridian 97-25
Meridian beat Dongola in title game.
**Final game for Alto Pass High School boys basketball.
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SEEKING MORE INFORMATION
We are in need of a lot of research in order to do justice to the former students, faculty, and townspeople who made Alto Pass High School a success for so many years. You can e-mail items to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.
Altona (population 570) is a village located in upper-western Illinois in the north-central portion of Knox County. The main roadway leading to and from town is U.S. Route 34. The town sits along the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad tracks, which was a prime factor in the village’s early growth. Altona is situated about 15 miles northeast of Galesburg. Altona was first settled as La Pier in 1834 and later changed to Reno in 1863. The name was changed for good to Altona in the late 1860s in honor or Altona, N.Y. which was named after Altona, Germany.
The history of education in Altona is long and storied. The following information is found in a document at the Ransom Library. It has been summarized as follows.
The first school buiding in the town of Altona was built in 1863. The school housed grades 1-8 and supported a three-year high school course. The first graduating class of Altona High School was the class of 1874. The class consisted of three graduates, Emmerson Shade, Nellie Colburn, and Fannie Hillerby. The three-year Altona High School continued through 1915, with the largest classes to graduate consisting of eleven students.
A four-year high school course of study began in 1916. Being newly established, there were no graduates that particular year. A new brick school building was built in 1916 to accommodate the new agenda. It was also voted at that time to become a school for the entire township in which Altona was located. The name of the new high school district would become the Walnut Grove Township High School District. A new grade school building for the district was erected in 1917. The grade school was named after its biggest donor, Mary Riner Kufus.
Walnut Grove Township High School would flourish for several years to come. Classes of 25 students in 1931 and 23 students in 1937 were the school’s biggest in enrollment. In 1931, the school added a gymnasium to the grounds. The district established a bus system in 1946.
Talks began in 1945 regarding the potential consolidation of several school districts in Knox County. Ultimately the suggestion was made to consolidate the high schools of Rio, Oneida, Victoria, and Altona. After a couple of years of planning the school boards of the four school districts put the suggestion on a ballot for the voters to decide. The vote was held in the spring of 1948. All districts agreed to establish one combined school district to be effective beginning with the 1948-49 school year. The Altona Walnut Grove High School class of 1948 would be the last to graduate from the school.
Altona School Cornerstone
Photo by Roberta VanBriesen
Altona School Bldg Entrance 2012
Photo by Roberta VanBriesen
The Altona High School building was active as part of the ROWVA school system and was utilized as the ROWVA East Grade School through 2013. As Sharon Karpinski tells us, this changed in a sad way for the residents of Altona:
“Altona High School (Walnut Grove Township High School) building is no longer utilized as a school. The ROWVA district is consolidating all its facilities to Oneida, building a new elementary school in the process. Very sad since the Altona building is in excellent repair.”
Altona Walnut Grove Township High School “Quick Facts”
Altona School Rear View
Photo by Roberta VanBriesen
Altona School Inscription “TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL”
Photo by Roberta VanBriesen
Year High School Opened: late 1910’s
Year High School Closed: 1948
School nickname: the “Vikings”
School colors: Maroon & White
School Building Today: ROWVA East Grade School
School Fight Song: “Altona High School Fight Song”
Altona Walnut Grove HS District Champions 1944-45
R. Olson, N.S. Johnson, F. Nelson, G. Johnson, R. Rylander
Athletics
Through most of the 1930’s and 1940’s, Basketball was the premier sports at Altona Walnut Grove Township High School, like other high schools in it’s day The Vikings won five district championships in ten years, including three years in a row.
Boys Basketball
The following excerpt is copied word for word from an article found in the Ransom Library. As you will read, the Altona Walnut Grove High School boys could play with anybody!
“Altona had for years been known for a fine basketball team. The 1943-44 and 1944-45 basketball teams were two of the finest in the history of Altona High School sports. The 1943-44 team compiled a 26-3 won/lost record. The team won the District Tourney and defeated Galesburg Corpus Christi and Monmouth high schools in the Regional Tournament before losing to a Champaign-bound Galesburg High team in the Championship game.
The 1944-45 team compiled a 23-6 record, won the District Tourney, and defeated Victoria and Galesburg Corpus Christi in the Regional Tourney before losing to state-ranked Galesburg High School in the championship game.
The 1942-43 team had a fine 18-5 record and also won the District Championship before losing to Princeville in the Galesburg Regional.
The coach of most of the fine teams in the 1930’s and 1940’s was Jack Kelly. Wallace Davis coached the 1944-45 team.”
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1918-19 Galesburg District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Carthage 40-19
2nd Rd Beat Abingdon 32-16
Semi-final lost to Rock Island 30-21
Rock Island Beat Galesburg in title game
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1919-20 Galesburg District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Wethersfield 39-15
2nd Rd lost to Elmwood 36-5
Galesburg beat Rock Island in title game.
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1920-21 Galesburg District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Wyoming 28-21
Galesburg beat Wyoming in title game.
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1921-22 Galesburg District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Gilson 20-17
Galesburg beat Williamsfield in title game. Coach’s name & record needed.
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1931-32 Galesburg District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Victoria 12-10
2nd Rd lost to Rio 25-14
Galesburg Beat Abingdon in title game.
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1932-33 Galva District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Galva 32-24
Alpha beat Geneseo in title game.
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1933-34Galesburg District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Little York 38-15
2nd Rd lost to Galesburg 47-19
Galesburg beat Knoxville in title game.
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1934-35 Galesburg District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Oneida 24-21
2nd Rd lost to Knoxville 19-14
Galesburg beat Knoxville in title game.
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1935-36 Galesburg District Champions Coach Jack Kelly
1st Rd Beat Gilson 54-18
Semi-Final Beat Victoria 31-13
Title Game Beat Avon 20-18
Galesburg Regional Tournament Qualifier
1st Rd Beat Maquon 27-21
Semi-Final lost to Abingdon 22-21
Galesburg beat Abingdon in title game.
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1936-37 Knox Co. Tourney Champs Coach Jack Kelly
(Did participate in District Tournament)
Galesburg Regional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Knoxville 17-16
Galesburg beat Knoxville in title game.
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1937-38 Maquon District Champions Coach Jack Kelly
1st Rd Beat Wataga 28-26 (O/T)
Semi-Final Beat Oneida 38-28
Title Game Beat Victoria 22-19
Galesburg Regional Tournament Qualifier
Altona scores needed.
Galesburg beat Knoxville in title game.
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1938-39 Maquon District Tournament Coach Jack Kelly.
Semi-Final lost to Yates City 27-23
Victoria beat Yates City in title game.
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1939-40 Postseason Scores & Record Needed. Coach Jack Kelly.
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1940-41 Oneida District Tournament Coach Jack Kelly
1st Rd Beat Wataga 27-22
Semi-Final lost to Oneida 36-32
Maquon beat Oneida in title game.
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1941-42 Postseason Scores & Record Needed. Coach Jack Kelly.
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1942-43 18 – 5 Oneida District Champions Coach Jack Kelly.
1st Rd Beat LaFayette 54-23
Semi-Final Beat Maquon 49-36.
Title Game Beat Oneida 31-30
Galesburg Regional Tournament Qualifier.
1st Rd lost to Princeville 37-35
Galesburg Beat Knoxville in title game.
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1943-44 26 – 3 Oneida District Champions Coach Jack Kelly.
Early Round Scores Needed.
Title Game Beat Victoria 44-30
Galesburg Regional Tournament Runner-Up.
1st Rd Beat Corpus Christi 44-38
Semi-Final Beat Monmouth 42-29
Title Game lost to Galesburg 49-29
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1944-45 23 – 6 Oneida District Champions Coach Wallace Davis
1st Rd Beat LaFayette 40-25
Semi-Final Beat Wataga 43-37
Title Game Beat Woodhull 42-40
Galesburg Regional Tournament Qualifier
1st Rd Beat Victoria 40-35
Semi-Final Beat Corpus Christi 41-40
Title Game lost to Galesburg 81-33
(Galesburg lost in Elite 8 Round to eventual State Champ Decatur in O/T)
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1945-46 Oneida District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Maquon 37-24
Semi-Final Beat Wataga 60-26
Title Game lost to Oneida 58-36.
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1946-47 Oneida District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat Victoria 38-32
Semi-Final lost to Oneida 55-29
Oneida beat Woodhull in title game.
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1947-48 Oneida District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd Beat LaFayette 50-30
*Semi-Final lost to Oneida 57-50
Oneida beat Wataga in titloe game.
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*Final boys varsity basketball game for Altona High School “Vikings.”
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**A January 10, 1930 game pitting Altona and Toulon went into two overtimes because the defenses of the teams were both very impressive. The final score? Altona 5 – Toulon 4. The nine points scored in the game is ranked 15th in fewest points scored in a game in the state of Illinois.
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Track & Field
Altona Walnut Grove Township HS also had a Track and Field program that was well known in the school’s early days. In the 1918-19 school year, AHS placed fifth and placed seventh in 1919-20. A student named MEYER wasa real stud for Altona for these two seasons He was a four time gold medal winner winning the Discus and Shotput events in consecutive years. His accomplishments are listed below,
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1919 Elder Meyer (possibly Myers) Shot Put 1st
Discus 1st
1919 Final ‘B’ Meet Standings
1 Chicago (University) 19
2 Georgetown 16
3 Lockport (Twp.) 15
4 Atwood 12
5 Edwardsville (H.S.) 10
5 ALTONA HIGH SCHOOL 10
7 Auburn 9
8 Elmwood 8
9 El Paso 7
9 Olney (H.S.) 7
9 Delavan 7
1920 Elder Meyer (possibly Myers) Shot Put 1st
Discus 1st
1920-21 Final ‘B’ Meet Standings
1 Marion (H.S.) 15½
2 Hinsdale (Twp.) 15
3 Carrollton 13
4 Carlinville 12
4 El Paso 12
6 Elmwood 10½
7 ALTONA HIGH SCHOOL 10
8 Girard 9 1/5
9 Auburn 7½
10 Virginia 7 1/5
MEMORIES
From Dorothy Thomson (Class of 1948):
ALTONA HIGH SCHOOL
“Altona High School was located on Route 34 in Altona. It was originally called Walnut Grove Township High School. It was built in 1916 and a 3 story addition, consisting of a gym and additional classrooms, was added in 1931. The 1948 Class was the last to graduate there. After that, it was consolidated with Rio, Oneida, and Victoria, and called ROVA, located in Oneida, IL. Later, Wataga joined them and the name changed to ROWVA. The Altona school building now houses 5th and 6th graders of the district and is known as ROWVA East, so it is still being put to good use.
Altona was known for their athletics, winning many awards, especially in basketball. Team colors were maroon and white and the team was called the “Vikings”. Football was not common in small schools, – it was mostly basketball, baseball, and track. We also had a well rounded schedule of classes available, such as English, Math, Physics, General Science, Biology, Commercial subjects, (Typing, Shorthand, Bookkeeping) Social Studies, etc and also Band and Chorus. We had F.F.A. and F.H.A. (Future Farmers and Future Homemakers of America) which previously were called “Ag” and “Home Ec”. A “hot cup lunch” (soup) was started as a project of the F.H.A. girls. They prepared and served the lunch and washed the dishes. We never had the lunch program of today.
Principal William A. Pyle
Sometime during the 1946-47 school year, if memory serves me right, our first school bus was purchased and used for the two routes, one going east and south, the other, west and north. Students had study halll time either an hour before classes started, or after school, depending on your route. Later a second bus was purchased and that made for a much better schedule!
We were blessed with very good teachers and a Principal that was very well liked and respected, even though the kids could not pull stunts on him! He was always ahead of the game! Invariably, stories of those “ruined pranks” makes for entertainment at our Alumni Banquets which are still held every year in May. He also kept in touch with all past teachers, so if we ever wanted an address for one, we could contact him and obtain it. The Banquet attendance has dropped now due to our ages, but until a few years ago, we averaged around 100.
-From a “1948” graduate.”
Seeking Further Information
Including the school colors or great teams you would like to share, and expecially a photo of the school building, please complete a School Submission Form, a Guest Commentary Form, contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net, or write us at:
Alton (population 30,496) is located in southwestern Illinois about 15 miles north of St. Louis, Mo. Alton sits in the northwest corner of Madison County. U.S. Route 67 and the Illinois Routes of 143, 111, and 3 all lead to and from Alton. Alton is a true river town, being platted on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Several railroad lines including the Southern Pacific, Burlington Northern, and Gateway Western all travel through Alton.
Alton was established in 1837 according to the town’s official website address of http://alton-il.com/. According to the website address of http://www.villageprofile.com/illinois/alton/alton2.html Alton has an incredibly historic past. It was the site of where Lewis and Clark left for their journey to explore the west. It was also home to Illinois’ first state penitentiary.
Alton has a great educational history as well. Included in that history was the establishment of the Western Military Academy First known as the Wyman Institute which got its start in 1879, the school became Western Military Academy in 1895. It served as a prestigious military school in Illinois for many decades, and was located on the corner of Edwards and Seminary streets. It was in 1971 that the financial woes and dwindling enrollment took their toll and the school closed its doors; and today is home to Mississippi Valley Christian School.
Most of the barracks have been razed, but the administration building and the gymnasium are still standing proudly.
More great photos and information regarding Western Military Academy can be found at www.cadetweb.net/gallery/album237/western . An very well-written history of the Academy can be read at the web address of .
Like most schools of its type, Alton Western Military Academy stressed discipline, academics, and physical fitness. In its prime Western Military Academy offfered a wide variety of sports. IHSA success (www.ihsa.org) was achieved in swimming, golf, and wrestling. In addition the school competed in baseball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, as well as the intra-mural sports of boxing, bowling, and fencing. Western Military prided itself on allowing all of its students to participate regardless of size or ability.
Two great books by local author C.B. Jackson were written about the history of athletics at Western Military Academy, and can be read at the Hayner Public Library in downtown Alton: one about the history of the Thanksgiving Day Classic (2008), and “Western Military Academy Athletics, 1879-1971” (2007). Historical artifacts of WMA athletics and other activities are also on display in the Illinois Room of the Hayner Library.
Western Military Academy Football Team – 1907
FOOTBALL
Western Military Academy existed prior to the IHSA State Playoffs began. However, the boys of WMA had some great seasons on the gridiron. One such season occurred in 1907 with the team pictured to your right going 7-1 with its only loss to the St. Louis University Undergrad team by a score of 8-7. All tolled the WMA Cadets of 1907 outscored their opponents 294-27!!
The boys are recorded as far back as 1892, taking on Smith Academy of St. Louis. In 1899, the Red Raider had a tight contest with nearby Hillsboro High which ended in a tie with a score of 5-5!! Western Military was also known for their Thanksgiving Day games against cross-town rival Alton High, which started in 1912, and rivalry contests with nearby Principia in the 1920’s where the winner received “The Flag” as a travelling trophy.
WMA was a charter member of the St. Louis Preparatory League beginning in 1925, and also held membership with the ABC Conference as well as the Interscholastic League in the early part of the 1900’s.
WMA players, pre-1900
courtesy of Don Greco from “Legends of the Gridiron” (notice the noseguards around players’ necks)
1907 7-1 Tied for 2nd in Interscholastic League
1913 6-1 Defeated Alton in annual Thanksgiving Day game
1913 Western Military Red Raiders (6-1)
Undefeated 1914 Red Raider football team
1914 8-0 Outscored opponents 304-18
Recorded six shutouts
1923 6-4 All wins came by shutout over college schools
1925 8-1-1 St. Louis Preparatory Champs Coach Major Garetson
1926 7-1-1 St. Louis Preparatory Champs Coach Major Garetson
1926 St. Louis Preparatory League Champs
1925 St. Louis Preparatory Champs
Inaugural season champions
1927 Loses to St. Louis University High in conference playoff game
1928 Joins and wins ABC Conference title
1930 2nd place in St. Louis Preparatory League
1932 ABC Conference Champs
1933 7-1 ABC Conference Champs
1935 4-4 Tied for ABC Conference championship, 2nd in Preparatory League
1937 2nd place in Preparatory League
1938 3-2-1 ABC Conference Champs
1940 ABC Conference Champs
1941 ABC Conference Champs
1944 ABC Conference Champs
1946 8-1 ABC Conference Champs Coach Gus Pitts
1947 9-0 ABC Conference Champs Coach Major Favre (Pappy) Gould
Outscored opposition 214-35
1953 Tied for 2nd place in ABC Conference
NOTE: The ABC Conference when Western Military Academy was a member was set up to players’ experience, weight, and size. Each school graded its own players based on those three criteria then assigned them to either the school’s A, B, or C teams. This practice was introduced on the West Coast.
1932 ABC Champs
#99 is Butch O’Hare, #79 is Paul Tibbets—both WWII heroes (see below)
Western Military Academy Swimming Pool
SWIMMING
The WMA Cadets were good on land and sea for sure! A total of FIVE medals were won at IHSA State Swim Meets, three were earned in 1943! This effort led the team of 1942-43 to a SEVENTH PLACE overall finish!
1940-41 Bob Barker Diving 5TH Place
1942-43 Team Finished SEVENTH in STATE MEET Competition!!
Individual Medalists
?? Raphael 200 Free Style 3RD Place
?? Lyman 100 Free Style 5TH Place
Relay Team200 Free Style 5TH Place
Final Team Standings
1) Chicago (Lane) 43
2) Winnetka (New Trier) 41
3) Oak Park (O.P.-River Forest) 23
4) Des Plaines (Maine) 10
5) Rockford (East) 9
6) Chicago (Hyde Park) 8
7) ALTON WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY 6
7) Rockford (West) 6
7) Danville (H.S.) 6
10) Evanston (Twp.) 2
10) Chicago (Taft) 2
1951-52 William Kieck Diving 3RD Place
GOLF
One linkster earned an IHSA Medal for his efforts on the golf course. As a team Western Military had one TOP-TEN finish and three District titles in IHSA Competition!!
1949-50 Team Finished EIGHTH in STATE MEET Competition!!
District Champions
Final Team Standings
1) Champaign (H.S.) 625
2) Des Plaines (Maine) 641
3) Rockford (West) 646
4) Winnetka (New Trier) 649
5) Peoria (H.S.) 666
6) West Frankfort (Frankfort) 669
7) Chicago (Lane) 670
8) ALTON WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY 673
9) Moline (H.S.) 676
10) Joliet (Twp.) 677
1951-52 Brad Godfrey Individual Medalist 8TH Place
1952-53 Team Qualified for State Match Play
District Champions
1953-54 Team Qualified for State Match Play
District Champions
WRESTLING
One grappler of WMA earned a medal in State Meet Competition. Some nice team records were recorded as well in the early 1940s while the program was under the guidance of Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt.
1946-47 6 – 5 Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt
Individual Medalist Harry Clark 165 Lbs. Weight Class 4TH Place
1947-48 7 – 4 Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt
1948-49 8 – 3 Coach Bill “Red” Schmitt
BASKETBALL
The boys played basketball as well. The only information we currently have was supplied by Mark Jurenga and is regarding two games the team played against Collinsville. In 1942-43 the team lost a first round Regional game and in 1948-49 they lost the championship game of the Regional to Collinsville. If you have any further information it would be greatly appreciated.
1948-49 2nd Place in Regional Tourney
Great Alumni
This article was submitted by Frank Hedrick about one of Western Military’s great alumni:
The text is lifted from Tibbets’ book “The Enola Gay”
“Paul Warfield Tibbets, Jr. was born in Quincy, Illinois on February 23rd, 1915. Later his parents moved to Florida where, at the age of twelve, Paul had his first airplane ride. As part of an advertising stunt, he threw Baby Ruth candy bars, with paper parachutes attached, from a biplane flying over a crowd gathered at the Hialeah horse track near Miami. From that day on, Paul knew he had to fly.
“His teen years were spent attending Western Military Academy. Later he attended the Universities of Florida and Cincinnati in pursuit of a career in medicine, but his determination to fly was greater than that of a career both parents wanted for him. So, on February 25th, 1937, Paul enlisted as a flying cadet in the Army Air Corps at Fort Thomas, Kentucky. A year later he got his pilot wings at Kelly Field, Texas and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant.
“In February 1942, Paul became the Squadron Commander of the 340th Bomb Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group, destined for England. He flew 25 missions in B-17s, including the first American Flying Fortress raid against occupied Europe. In November of that year, he was in Algeria leading the first bombardment missions in support of the North African invasion.
“In March 1943, he was returned to the states to test the combat capability of Boeing’s new Super Fortress, the B-29, an airplane plagued with problems. He taught himself to fly the airplane and subsequently flew it about 400 hours in tests. This eventually gave him more experience as to the capabilities and limitations of a B-29 than any other pilot at that time.
“In September 1944, Paul was briefed on the Manhattan Project, the code name for the development of the atom bomb. It was to be his responsibility to organize and train a unit to deliver these weapons in combat operations. He would also determine and supervise the modifications necessary to make the B-29 capable of delivering the weapons, and for this, the unit had to be self-sufficient. Secrecy was paramount. The unit would support Los Alamos with flight test airplanes to establish ballistics and detonator reliability to explode the bombs. Paul was told, “You are on your own. No one knows what to tell you. Use normal channels to the extent possible. If you are denied something you need, restate your need is for “SILVERPLATE” (a codename) and your request will be honored without question.”
“Paul requisitioned 15 new B-29s and specified they be stripped of turrets and armor plating except for the tail gunner position; that fuel-injected engines and new technology reversible-pitch propellers be installed; and the bomb bay re-configured to suspend, from a single point, ten thousand pounds. Such an airplane would fly higher, faster, and above the effective range of anti-aircraft fire.
“A B-29 bombardment squadron, the 393rd, in its final stage of training, and Wendover Army Air Base located on the Utah/Nevada border were selected by Paul for “starters.” The 393rd was fully equipped and the base had a fully manned “housekeeping” group. Wendover was isolated but close enough to Los Alamos to work together. The Salton Sea was an ideal distance for bombing practice.
“Then on December 17th, 1944, formal orders were issued activating the 509th Composite Group, consisting of seven subordinate units. In March 1945, the First Ordnance Squadron, a unit designed to carry out the technical phases of the group responsibilities, became part of the 509th. The personnel count now exceeded 1500 enlisted men and some 200 officers. Then, quietly, the group started moving overseas to Tinian Island in the Marianas chain.
“On the afternoon of August 5th, 1945, President Truman gave his approval to use the weapons against Japan. By the time the plane left, it’s familiar arrowhead tail motif had been changed on both sides to the letter “R” in a circle, the standard i.d. for the Sixth bomb group. The idea behind the change was to confuse the enemy if they made contact, which they did not. At 02:45 A.M. August 6th, the Enola Gay lifted off North Field with Paul Tibbets and his crew en route to Hiroshima. At exactly 09:15 plus 15 seconds the world’s first atomic bomb exploded. The course of history and the nature of warfare was changed.”
**Lt. Commander Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare
Lloyd Moses advises of another World War II hero that graduated from Alton Western Military Academy. That man’s name is Lt. Commander Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare.
Colonel O’Hare was born in St. Louis and attended Alton Western Military Academy, graduating in 1932. He then attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. He eventually gained fighter pilot status and is most well known for a mission he flew in World War II. On February 20, 1942, he shot down five Japanese war planes attempting to bomb the U.S. carrier “Lexington.” He was awarded the United States highest honor for this feat, the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Colonel O’Hare was killed during a bombing mission in World War II on November 27, 1943. He was considered a great man not only as a fighter pilot, but as a war hero and leader. More information can be read about Colonel Edward “Butch” O’Hare at http://www.acepilots.com/usn_ohare.html .
Colonel O’Hare’s fame affected those in Chicago so much that its famous airport, and one of the busiest airports in the world, is named after him, O’Hare International Airport!
More Distinguished Alumni
*William Paley – An executive with CBS News was an alumni. Lloyd D. Moses tells us; “It was Paley that got the final graduation exercises that marked the end of the school on the CBS Evening News with Roger Mudd on June 2, 1971.”
Please forward any further information regarding the successes of Alton Western Military Academy High School to ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us at:
Alton (population 30,496) is located in southwestern Illinois about 15 miles north of St. Louis, Mo. Alton sits in the northwest corner of Madison County. U.S. Route 67 and the Illinois Routes of 143, 111, and 3 all lead to and from Alton. Alton is a true river town, being platted on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Several railroad lines including the Southern Pacific, Burlington Northern, and Gateway Western all travel through Alton.
Alton was established in 1837 according to the town’s official website address of http://alton-il.com/. According to the website address of http://www.villageprofile.com/illinois/alton/alton2.html Alton has an incredibly historic past. It was the site of where Lewis and Clark left for their journey to explore the west. It was also home to Illinois’ first state penitentiary. Alton is named after one of the original founder’s sons, Alton Rufus Easton.
Alton Ursuline Academy was established by the Ursulne sisters in 1859. It continued in operation as learning institute for aspiring nuns until it was closed in 1927. The school then became a part of the newly established Alton Marquette Catholic High School which is still going strong today.
Alton Ursuline Academy Quick Facts
Year Opened: 1859
Year Closed: 1927
Consolidated to Alton Marquette Catholic High School
If You Have Any Additional Information
If you have any additional information regarding Alton Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic High School please contact us at:
he History of Alton Saints Peter & Paul Catholic High School
Alton (population 30,496) is located in southwestern Illinois about 15 miles north of St. Louis, Mo. Alton sits in the northwest corner of Madison County. U.S. Route 67 and the Illinois Routes of 143, 111, and 3 all lead to and from Alton. Alton is a true river town, being platted on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Several railroad lines including the Southern Pacific, Burlington Northern, and Gateway Western all travel through Alton.
Alton was established in 1837 according to the town’s official website address of http://alton-il.com/. According to the website address of http://www.villageprofile.com/illinois/alton/alton2.html Alton has an incredibly historic past. It was the site of where Lewis and Clark left for their journey to explore the west. It was also home to Illinois’ first state penitentiary.
“On August 29, 1859, property south of Ss. Peter and Paul Church extending back 444 feet to a stone quarry was purchased as a location for the Bishop’s residence and a school. The school for boys began at once. It contained two classrooms and four small living rooms for the Brothers of the Holy Cross (Notre Dame, Indiana) who came the following year to teach. The Brothers of the Holy Cross continued to conduct this school for boys from 1860 to the summer of 1888 when, at their request, they ceased their labors in Alton.
Meanwhile, the Ursuline Sisters from St. Louis arrived in Alton in March, 1859. At once they opened an Academy and Boarding School and the Parish School for girls at 506 State Street. It is known as the Mansion House and still stands today. Their parish school continued until 1862, when they moved to their new residence on Fourth Street where they conducted both a “pay school” and a “free school” for girls.
Then in September 1888, the Ursulines came to Ss. Peter and Paul School and made it a free school for all boys and girls of Alton who wished to attend. A high school, better known as the Cathedral High School, was also begun and continued until 1927 when the last class transferred to the new Marquette High School.
On March 3, 1907, the parishioners decided to build a new school. On October 8, 1908, the cornerstore of the present structure was laid, and on September 9, 1909, classes began in the new building. In 1929-30, the present building which houses the gym and cafeteria was completed.”
Alton Saints Peter & Paul Catholic High School Quick Facts
Year Opened: 1888
Year Closed: 1927
Also Known As: Alton Cathedral High School
Consolidated to: Alton Marquette High School
If You Have Any Additional Information
If you have any additional information regarding Alton Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic High School please contact us at:
Decatur (population 81,860) sits in the middle of the state of Illinois, linked by U.S. Route 51, Interstate 72, and Illinois Routes 105 and 121. The city is known for its production of soybeans, as evidenced by the location of the world-wide offices of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and the A.E. Staley Company. Lake Decatur sits on the east and south sides of the city, where the Chicago Bears football franchise was born in 1920. The city is named for War of 1812 naval hero Stephen Decatur (1779-1820) who captured the British Macedonian in a desperate fight near Madiera Island.
“By 1859, the old church was now the school. For years the children sat on the kneelers and used the pews for desktops. One big classroom served the school except for one additional room in the sacristy.
The sisters left Decatur in 1870 because of hardship and distance from their motherhouse in Montreal. In 1871, Ursulines from New York came and they too left because of difficulties and distance. The pastor, Fr. Hickey requested Ursulines from Alton, Illinois. The Ursulines in Alton were contacted and responded. Beginning in 1873, Ursulines served at St. Patrick School for more than one hundred twenty years.
Boys and girls were now taught at St. Teresa Academy. In 1880, the high school department opened. In 1882, Fr. Mackin had a four-room brick building erected on the east side of St. Teresa. This new building on Eldorado, across from the present rectory, opened for boys and girls in 1882 and was named St. Patrick School. Their first graduation was in 1884.
Fr. Jeremiah Murphy built the present St. Patrick Church in 1909. Our present St. Patrick School, built in 1912, had “eight large rooms.” In 1918, the high school was discontinued.”
Alton St. Patrick High School Quick Facts
Year Opened: 1880
Year Closed: 1918
Consolidated To: St. Teresa Academy for Girls
If You Have Any Additional InformationIf you have any additional information regarding Alton St. Patrick Catholic High School please contact us at:
The History of St. Mary Catholic High School of Alton
Alton (population 30,496) is located in southwestern Illinois about 15 miles north of St. Louis, Mo. Alton sits in the northwest corner of Madison County. U.S. Route 67 and the Illinois Routes of 143, 111, and 3 all lead to and from Alton. Alton is a true river town, being platted on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Several railroad lines including the Southern Pacific, Burlington Northern, and Gateway Western all travel through Alton.
Alton was established in 1837 according to the town’s official website address of http://alton-il.com/. According to the website address of http://www.villageprofile.com/illinois/alton/alton2.html Alton has an incredibly historic past. It was the site of where Lewis and Clark left for their journey to explore the west. It was also home to Illinois’ first state penitentiary.
The web address of http://www.4sullivans.com/jtsgeneralstore/historyaltonp5.html tells us that St. Mary’s Catholic Church was established in 1858. The first church building was destroyed by a tornado in 1860. A new church was built to replace it. We know through limited research that St. Mary’s at one time offered high school courses to girls of the area. One obituary we read listed the person graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Alton in 1938.
We are uncertain if St. Mary’s High School was a two, three, or four-year institution. We only know that today the parish supports a grades K – 8 grade school. If you have any further information you would be willing to share on this page regarding St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Alton please contact us via the means listed at the bottom of this page.
Alton St. Mary’s High School Quick Facts
Year opened: early 1900s?
Year closed: 1940s?
An all-girls school, athletics likely not offered.
Can You Help Us Out?
If you would like to share information please complete a School Submission Form or a Guest Comentary Form. We are especially appreciative of sharing photos of the old high school building of the former St. Mary’s Catholic High School. You can e-mail items to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write us at:
Courtesy of Gary Palmer (Taken from a 1941 AHS Yearbook)
The History of Alsey High School
Alsey (population 246) is located in lower-western Illinois about 12 miles (as the crow flies) southwest of Jacksonville. Illinois Route 106 is the main roadway though Alsey. The At & St Railroad also winds its way through this south-central Scott County village. Branches of the Big Sandy Creek flow to the north side of town.
The history of Alsey and Alsey High School are in need of research from a local fan. Our estimation is that Alsey High School was probably established in some form by the late 1800s. We know that Alsey High served the town and the surrounding area into the late 1940s. We believe the year was 1949 that the residents of Alsey agreed to close their high school in favor of sending their children to neaby Winchester for their educational needs. Confirmation of this information is needed.
Alsey School Board of Directors – 1942
Courtesy of Gary Palmer
The Alsey High School building is still standing. Gary Palmer tells us that the section of the building on the left has a tavern in the basement. The main section of the building is used as a community center for the town of Alsey. The gymnasium, located on the far right of the photo, is still used for baskeball games.
Alsey High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late 1800s?
Year closed: 1949?
Consolidated to: Winchester High School
Alsey HS team nickname: “Red Devils”
AHS team colors: Red & White
School Fight Song: unavailable
Athletics
In our research of the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org) we are certain that Alsey High competed in boys basketball. We are very confident that baseball and track were offered as well. School team nickname, colors, fight song, team records, and coach’s names are all items being sought.
Boys Basketball
Four District Championships were the AHS basketball program’s hi-lites. Coach John Robinson led the AHS squads to three of those titles.
1932-33 White Hall District Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Kane 37-28
Jerseyville beat Murrayville in title game.
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1933-34 Greenfield District Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Hettick 42-8
Jerseyville beat White Hall in title game
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1934-35 Jacksonville District Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Winchester 35-19
Murrayville beat Jacksonville in title game
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1935-36 Jacksonville District Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to New Berlin 44-15
New Berlin beat Franklin in title game
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1936-37 Greenfield District Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Rockbridge 33-23
Hillview beat Medora in title game
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1937-38 Jacksonville District Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.
1st Rd lost to Franklin 26-25
Bluffs beat Pleasant Plains in title game
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1938-39 23 – 5 Alsey District Champions Coach John Robinson
Semi-Final Beat Woodson 47-12
Title Game Beat Hillview 42-14
Virginia Regional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Ashland 34-25
Jacksonville beat Bluffs in title game.
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1939-40 Chapin District Champions Coach John Robinson
Early Rd Scores Needed.
Title Game Beat Chapin 41-20
Virginia Regional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Virginia 24-23
Bluffs beat Jacksonville in title game
SEE PHOTO OF THIS TEAM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
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1940-41 18 – 11 Eldred District Touanment Coach John Robinson
1st Rd Beat Kane 49-28
Semi-Final lost to Eldred 36-32
Eldred beat Kampsville in title game
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1941-42 23 – 9 Eldred District Champions Coach John Robinson
Tri-County Tourn. Champs
District Tourney Results:
Beat Grafton 36-34
Beat Eldred 33-18
Beat Hillview 25-24
Regional Tourney Results:
1st Rd lost to Roodhouse 56-37
White Hall beat Roodhouse in title game
Alsey High School District Champions – 1941-42
Submitted by Gary Palmer
1942-43 Milton District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to Nebo 45-22
Nebo beat Milton in title game
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1943-44 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.
1944-45 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.
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1945-46 Milton District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to New Canton 34-25
Kinderhook beat Milton in title game
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1946-47 Milton District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to Pearl 58-38
Milton beat Pearl in title game
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1947-48 Nebo District Champions Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd Beat Nebo 45-29
Semi-Final Beat Pearl 63-43
Title Game Beat New Canton 61-48
Pittsfield Regional Tournament
1st Rd Beat Milton 44-42 (O/T)
**Semi-Final lost to Winchester 43-39
Pittsfield beat Winchester in title game
**Final game for the Alsey HS “Red Devils” varsity basketball team.
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TRACK & FIELD
The team of 1941-42 brought home a 5th place finish from the Tri-County Track & Field Meet.
Track Team of 1941-42
Submitted by Gary Palmer
Alsey Grade School “Patrol”
Courtesy of Gary Palmer
Extra Curricular Activities
As the photo to the right of the Alsey Grade School “Patrol” team of 1942 shows, there were a lot of activities offered at Alsey schools. We have identified Jean Palmer Coleman standing in the front row of the photo standing to the left of the banner.
We are confident were many more activities offered at the school. Dances, clubs, and activities such as speech and band may also have been offered.
Need More Information
We are looking for more information regarding the many successes of the Alsey School System. We are especially interested in photos of the school building and great teams. You can e-mail the photos and information to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You may also write to us at:
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, Il. 60631
“My name is PAT WALSH and my family recently found an 84 year old picture of the Alsey High School Basketball District Champions of the 1939-1940 school year. My father, CLEM WALSH, is on the far right, front row. The people of Alsey were proud of their District Championship teams as they only went through the 11th grade but competed with plenty of schools that went through the 12th.“
The town of Alpha, Illinois is located in the southwestern portion of Henry County on US Rt. 150 and Il. Rt. 17 approximately 17 miles north of Galesburg.
The residents of Alpha (population 726 today) started a school in 1857. A new building was built in 1884 and was replaced in 1909. This building housed the first Alpha High School, which has its first commencement in 1895 with 12 graduating pupils. The 1909 building became the grade school in 1924 when a newer, Oxford Township High School, building was built next door specifically for the high school grades. The 1909 building (grade school) was destroyed by a 1941 fire. It was replaced by the brick structure pictured above.
Alpha supported their school proudly until consolidation talks with nearby Woodhull became a reality. This took place in 1948 when the school districts of Alpha and Woodhull formed Alwood School District #225.
The Alpha High School building from 1924-1948 has since been torn down. The “new” building now serves as the grade school for the Alwood school district.
Alpha Grade School
Alpha, Illinois
Alpha High SchoolQuick Facts
Year opened: 1895
Year closed: 1948
Consolidated to: Alwood School District
School nickname: the “Bulldogs” (sometimes the “Miners”)
School colors: Red & White
School Fight Song: unavailable
Athletics
We know that the Alpha boys competed in basketball and football. It is believed the Alpha High School students also participated in baseball and track. If you have team records or conference champions from other teams, as well as those listed below, that you would like to share please forward the information to us.
The official name of the Alpha High School athletic teams was the Bulldogs. However the Alpha teams were sometimes referred to as the “Miners” because of the coal mines which once existed around the area.
Boys Basketball
The Alpha High School Bulldogs boy’s basketball team could play with the best of them, a tradition which continues at Alwood HS today. The Alpha roundballers brought home one District title and five Regional titles in their existence. As stated on other pages, IHSA hardware is only one measuring stick for athletic or school successes.
Alpha’s first basketball facilites were upstairs in a two-story building, according to the town’s centennial publication. A gym was built in 1923-24. Several scores involving Alpha High School in the IHSA state tournament were located on a site titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.” These scores are listed below.
1926-27 N.R.A. Henry County Champions Coach Duke Rumble
**In addition to its 1927 Henry County championship, they won it in another unknown year between 1924-26. From 1924 to 1929, Alpha won 72 percent of its games!
1931-32 21 – 5 good record Coach’s name unavailable
1932-3319 – 7 IHSA District ChampionsCoach Robert Douglas
District Scores Needed
Peoria Sectional Tournament
1st Rd lost to East Peoria HS 24-17
East Peoria lost to Canton in title game
1933-34 19 – 8 Galva District Tournament Coaches name needed
1st Rd lost to Cambridge 23-16
Cambridge beat Kewanee in title game
1934-35 22 – 6 Galva Invite champions Coaches name needed
Galva DIstrict Runner-Up
1st Rd Beat Annawan 46-16
Semi-final Beat Galva 47-30
Title Game lost to Kewanee 28-23
1935-36 20 – 5 Kewanee Regional Tournament Coaches name needed
Early Rd Score Needed
Semi-final lost to Wethersfield 26-24
Wethersfield lost to Kewanee in title game
1936-37 28 – 4Galva Regional Champions Coaches name needed
1st Rd Beat Aledo 26-16
Semi-final Beat Lafayette 26-23
Title Game Beat Kewanee 33-28
Moline Sectional Tournament
1st Rd Beat Roseville 28-20
Semi-final lost to East Moline 37-25
East Moline lost to Moline in title game
1937-38 16 – 2 Aledo Regional Champions Coaches name needed
Early Rd Scores Needed
Title Game Beat Viola 41-22
Moline Sectional Tournament
1st Rd lost to East Moline 35-26
East Moline lost to Fulton in semi-final
Fulton lost to Moline in title game
1938-39Aledo Regional Champions Coach Robert Andreen
Season Record Needed
Regional Scores
1st Rd Beat Aledo 48-26
Semi-final Beat Alexis 48-19
Title Game Beat Sherrard 36-25
Moline Sectional Runner-Up!
1st Rd Beat Savanna 40-21
Semi-final Beat Mendota 25-20
Title Game lost to Moline 40-38
Moline lost in Sweet 16 Rd.
1940-41 16 – 11 Postseason scores needed Coaches name needed
1941-42 Joy Regional Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd lost to New Boston 36-21
New Boston lost to Viola in title game
1942-43 Aledo Regional Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd Beat Alexis 47-24
Semi-final Beat Seaton
Title Game lost to Aledo 34-31 .
1943-4426 – 3IHSA Regional Champions Coach’s name & record needed
Early Rd Scores Needed
Title Game Beat Aledo Roosevelt Military 28-24
Moline Sectional Runner-Up!
Early Rd Score Needed
Semi-final Beat Morrison 44-34
Title Game lost to Kewanee 59-30
Kewanee lost to eventual State Champ
Taylorville in Elite 8 Round
1944-45Aledo Regional Champions Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd Beat Sherrard 50-28
Semi-final Beat Aledo 45-28
Title Game Beat Aledo Roosevelt Military 35-30
Moline Sectional Tournament
1st Rd lost to Moline 47-36
Moline beat Kewanee in title game
Moline place 4th in state tournament
1945-46 Joy Regional Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed
1st Rd Beat Joy 39-27
Semi-final Beat Sherrard 45-41
Title Game lost to Aledo 59-46
1946-47 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.
1947-48 Joy Regional Tournament Coach’s name & record needed
**1st Rd lost to New Boston 49-27
New Boston lost to Joy in semi-final
Joy lost to Aledo in title game
**Final game for the Alpha High School “Bulldogs.” Consolidated with Woodhull in the summer of 1948 to form the Alwood School District.
Noteable Roundball Athlete
Dean Kelly – Led the Bulldogs to a 16-11 record in 1940-41 and was among the area’s leading scorers with 270 points.
Football
Football was offered at Alpha beginning in 1939. They won a conference championship in 1943 and was runner-up in 1944.
1943-44 N.R.A. Conference Champions Coaches name unavailable
1944-45 N.R.A. Conference Runner-Up Coaches name unavailable
Information needed
If you have any information on the Alpha High School district or the town of Alpha itself please complete a “School Submission Form” or a “Guest Commentary Form”. You can also write us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or via real mail at:
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