Illinois High School Glory Days

Toulon Township High School “Trojans”

Posted on March 4, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Toulon High School

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Toulon, Illinois

The History of the Toulon Township High School “Trojans”

Toulon (population 1,400) is located in north-central Illinois in the center portion of Stark County. Illinois Route 17 and Illinois Route 91 intersect in Toulon. The town of Toulon is located about 25 miles northwest of Peoria and approximately 13 miles south-southeast of Kewanee. Toulon is the county seat of Stark County.

The origin of the school system is has been thoroughly researched by John Ballentine. The current high school building in Toulon was built in the 1920s by a man by the name of Oscar Schneider. The research conducted by John Ballentine is reprinted with John’s permission and is as follows:

The History of Toulon Township High School

by John Ballentine (TTHS Class of 1970)

The origins of the Toulon High School system dates to 1847 when a public educational program was established. Various locations around Toulon have served as the school between 1847 and 1875. In 1874, a new school building was constructed and opened in February, 1875 which housed both the elementary and high schools of Toulon until 1912.

Toulon High School Building 1912 – 1922

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Courtesy of John Ballentine

The Toulon Academy was organized in 1883 which offered college preparatory classes beyond the high school courses. In 1884, the Academy and Toulon High School merged, but separated again 1 year later. In 1896, the Academy Association purchased 6.67 acres of land at Prairie Avenue and Franklin Street for the purpose of constructing a new Academy building and sports facilities for football and track. This structure opened in february, 1897 and continued as the Academy until 1912, when the Academy permanently closed.

The Franklin Street property and building was offered by the Academy Association to the Toulon High school board which accepted in mid-1912. The high school transferred locations from the 1875 school building to the Academy building, leaving the entire use of the 1875 school for the grade school’s use. During this transfer, the high school was reorganized and renamed Toulon Township High School and its’ first class graduated in 1913.

Toulon Twnshp HS’s Graduating Class of 1913

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Courtesy of John Ballentine

T.T.H.S. Class of 1913 (Photo Above)

front Pauline Chase, Faye Bradley, Pauline Murray, Gertrude Washburn, Hazel Packer, Dayle Buskirk, Maude Murray

back Leslie Hodges, Walter Hall, Will Carter, Harold Trimmer, Robert Green

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Left Click on Photo for Larger Version

By 1922, increased enrollment at the high school precipitated the construction of a new and larger high school building which was located next to the 1896 Academy structure. The new facility was first occupied in February, 1923 and continues in use today as Stark County High School.

On June 2, 1970 Toulon Township High School graduated its’ fifty-eighth and last class. Toulon Township and LaFayette Highs were consolidated beginning with the 1970-71 school year. Toulon-LaFayette High continued utilizing the Township High school building in Toulon until 1992 when Stark County High School was formed from the Toulon-LaFayette, Wyoming, and elective students from Bradford High schools.

The transformation of the current school facilities in Toulon began one hundred and thirteen years ago in 1896. The desire for a new Academy school building was expressed during a June 18, 1896 graduation ceremony. Three weeks later, the Executive Committee of the Academy Association chose a site at the intersection of Prairie Ave. and Franklin St. as the location.

An agreement between the Association and landowners Mrs. R. A. Turner and son, Chester M. Turner (first Toulon High graduate 1879), exchanged 6 2/3 acres for $667. The Turners then donated $350 of this amount to the Academy for the land purchase with the $317 balance provided by community citizens.

Quick funding for this project allowed construction to begin immediately on the new Academy building. By Jan. 1897, plans were in place to transfer school locations. A ‘for sale’ ad appeared in the Jan. 1, 1897 issue of The Stark County News for the old Academy building and lot. The transfer was completed and a dedication ceremony performed on Feb. 4, 1897.

The Academy, organized in 1883, discontinued operating in the spring of 1912. Discussions about the property transfer from the Academy to Toulon High School continued for several weeks prior to a 1912 vote on the issue. A favorable vote in July enabled the transfer and Toulon High was renamed Toulon Township High School. Speculation occurred in early September about the possibility of an athletic program.

Toulon High School Bldg. – 1922

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Submitted by John Ballentine

The Academy building became overwhelmed for classroom space when enrollment at TTHS increased. Downtown buildings supplemented for the required classrooms which emphasized the need to construct a new high school building. In 1922, the new Township High School building was completed and classes began in Jan. 1923. A dedication was held on May 31, 1923 as the school year finished. Demolition of the 1896 Academy building of only twenty-seven years began the next month and by July was nearly completed.

In early 1948, William E. Lehman [1886-1970], grandfather of Jeanne (Al) Harland, Mary (Tim) McMillen, Carol (Sam) Rice, and the late William C. Lehman, sold 9.9 acres of farmland to the high school for $5,000. This land runs from Franklin St. on the west to the fence line east of the present school facilities, and from the fence line south of same to the north conjoining with the original 6.67 acres.

Mr. Lehman’s decision to sell this land initiated a sequence of events and construction that altered Stark County’s and Toulon’s school history. One result was a proposal to eliminate many of the rural one room schoolhouses in surrounding townships. Township voters passed this consolidation measure with the exception of West Jersey township.

Construction plans began for a Toulon Consolidated Elementary School to be located adjacent to the high school at Franklin Street. The high school sold 4 acres east and north of its building for $1.00 and the exchange of the then grade school property. West Jersey township residents procurred funding for construction of their new consolidated grade school a month later. The chosen site was across from the West Jersey Methodist church on Route 78.

Completion of Toulon’s grade school occurred in Feb. 1950. Classes commenced Feb. 20, 1950 and the previous school building which had served as the combined high school and grade school prior to 1912 was closed. It was located at the intersection of N. Olive and E. Thomas streets until it was demolished in late 1956.

West Jersey’s new grade school neared completion 2 months later and on April 23, 1950 a dedication was performed. This building was the West Jersey 1-8 grade school from 1950-70, then the 5th and 6th grades of Toulon-LaFayette consolidated during 1970-79, and finally the Toulon-LaFayette Junior High from 1979-85. The 35 year use of this building ended in June 1985 when it permanently closed as a school. Bryton Technology, Inc. now utilizes the structure ”

The Schools at S. Franklin St. in Toulon
Part 2 : 1950-2007

by John A. Ballentine (TTHS Class of ’70)

As part of the 4 acres sold to the grade school board, Toulon High School’s football field, dirt track, and baseball field had to be relocated. Construction began on the new sport arenas in Aug. 1948 with availability expected in 1 year. The new baseball field was ready in May 1949. The football field and cindered track were completed during that summer and dedicated on Sept. 30, 1949.

Paul Unruh (TTHS Class of ’46) and Jack Winans were speakers at this ceremony. Asked about the track having been under construction again in 1957, Carl Bland stated ” It wasn’t reconstructed, but the original 1949 cinders were of such poor quality they had to be replaced. ” New cinders were put down in early ’57 and allowed to settle for a year. The track was usable the following spring of ’58 for the new track and field season.

In Feb. 1950, with the new grade school being utilized, the next construction project discussed was a gymnasium to be located between the high and grade schools. It was noted that the new gym should be larger than the one inside of the 1923 high school which had a limited capacity for spectators. Additionally, strategically located entrances would allow both schools access, thus reducing the need and cost of separate gyms.

These discussions and plans did not come to fruition and for decades there remained an open space of unused land between the schools. This failure to agree upon a singular facility generated plans to build separate gymnasiums.

The grade school gym was completed in late 1955 and the ‘all-purpose’ (gym) room at the grade school was first used on Dec. 9, 1955. This additional structure to the grade school became derisively known as “the cracker box” due to its approximate 3/4 size of a standard gym. A cafeteria hot lunch program was also begun at this time according to Chris McMillen. An annex room off of the gym served as the first kindergarten beginning in January, 1958 with Mrs. Jeanette (Johnson) Slygh (TTHS Class of ’35) as the new teacher.

The high school’s first add-on construction since 1923 began in 1959 with its new gym. It was completed in time for the 1960-61 school year. The spectator capacity increased to twelve hundred from the old gym’s several hundred. This new gym and agricultural shop were located on the ground where the Academy building had stood from 1896 to 1923.

Major additions to both schools stagnated for nearly 35 years, although there were numerous reconfigurations of existing rooms. An example was modifying the 1923 gym into a band-music room. A tennis court was installed south of the high school parking lot during the mid-1960s, but has since been removed to extend the parking lot.

In the past decade, an above ground ‘tunnel’ was added which connected both schools. It was located between the 2 gyms to allow students dry passage from building to building. Unfortunately, a recurring leak prone roof bombarded students with a gauntlet of drops as they travelled its length. This problem made the tunnel expendable for a recent project.

Relocation of the 1949 baseball field, made possible through community volunteers of time and services, commenced in 2003. The field has been offset approximately 20 yards to the northeast. This extensive project was completed in 2005 and 1 game in May inaugurated the updated facility. Its first full season of use occurred in the spring of 2006. Added ammenities included infield grass, raised pitching mound, a warmup bullpen, a fence enclosing the outfield, and a scoreboard behind it in left field.

One of the latest construction ventures at the schools began in the 2005-06 school year. The void between the 2 gyms has been filled by a 2 story brick structure which functions as the new cafeteria and music room. It was ready for use in the 2006-07 school year. The 2 schools are now merged into 1 contiguous conglomeration. This addition replaced the leak plagued tunnel. Plus, the old grade school cafeteria has been converted into a library. The 1923 high school continues as Stark County High, while the grade school building is now the Junior High. The grade school is currently located in Wyoming.

Toulon’s school facilities at Franklin Street have gone through many changes during the past one hundred and thirteen years. The pasture land of 1896 and 1948 has nearly reached its capacity for more additions to the school property. As these structures age, additional land will be sought or demolition will be required to construct the new buildings of the future.

When this future change does occur, perhaps the diagonal sidewalk, which runs from the street corner to the high school’s north entrance, will be preserved. Photos show this section of sidewalk traversing to the 1896 Academy building’s front entrance. If it remains, this would be a tribute to our ancestors who realized the values of education and provided us with the means to obtain that knowledge in suitable surroundings.

Contributors: TTHS graduates: John Cover (’45), Jack Winans (’50), Carl Bland (’58), Galen Ballentine (’61), Chris McMillen (’61), Don Schmidt (’61), Jeanne Harland (’70); LaFayette H.S. graduate and TTHS/T-L educator Al Harland (’60) ; Stark County High administration- Michael Domico, Jay Melton, and Scott Paxton.”

In 1970 Toulon Township High School was consolidated with La Fayette High School. This resulted in the renaming of Toulon High School to Toulon-LaFayette High School (located on a separate page on this site). It does not appear that any other information about the school changed.

Several years later (1992) Toulon-LaFayette HS and Wyoming HS consolidated to form Stark County High School which is currently the only high school in the county. High school-aged students from Bradford are also a part of this consolidation effort.

Stark County High School is situated today in the Toulon Township High School building.

Toulon Township High School Quick Facts

Year of first HS graduating class: 1879

Year name changed: 1912 (Toulon Township High School)

Year consolidated: 1970

Consolidated to: Toulon-LaFayette High School

School nickname: the “Trojans” (originally the “Tigers”)

School colors: Red & Black

School Fight Song: (Excellent Research Below Provided by John Ballentine!)

Prior to the consolidation of Stark County schools that began in the 1992-93 school year, Toulon High (renamed Toulon Township High 1912, renamed Toulon-LaFayette 1970) utilized the ‘ TROJAN MARCH ‘ for approximately 5-1/2 decades as the school’s fight song. Yet, 2 songs existed before it became the long time standard.

The first song is ‘ THE SCARLET AND THE BLACK ‘, and its verses can be found on page 48 of the 1924 Tolo, the school yearbook. It’s uncertain how it is sung. The lyrics are :

The Scarlet and Black we’ll wear,
Aloft the flag we’ll raise,
We’ll sound our shouts and sing our song,
For dear old Toulon’s praise.

Let every heart with joy be filled,
And flash with fire, each eye;
We’ll do our duty man by man,
For dear old Toulon High.

Then hail to the Scarlet and Black boys,
The colors we love so well,
Thy loyal sons now salute thee,
As thy folds on the breezes swell.

Then hail to the Scarlet and Black boys,
No homage shall she lack,
May the flag of dear old Toulon wave,
The Scarlet and the Black.

The second song which replaced the first is found on page 21 of the March, 1930 Tolo. It’s uncertain as to what the title is for it.

[ To the tune of “On Wisconsin” – push play button above left]

On to Victory, on to Victory,
For old Toulon High,
We will beat them, we won’t cheat them,
When the end draws nigh ;

RAH ! RAH ! RAH !

We’ll be leading, we’ll be leading,
It won’t be a tie,
Fight boys and make those points,
For Toulon High.

The third song was the fight song of Toulon Township and then Toulon-LaFayette Highs from 1937 until 1992 when Stark County High School was formed from the high schools of Toulon, LaFayette, Wyoming, and elective students from Bradford.

The original copyrighted version was shortened by removal of the first 4 lines. From The Stark County News, Wed., April 24, 1940 : “Certificate of copyright registered from the Library of Congress for the “Trojan March”, official song of Toulon Township High School, was received this morning, according to Superintendent A. R. Wetzel. Words and music were written by Robert A. Leigh in 1937 (TTHS Class of 1937) and the song was first sung at commencement that year, with arrangements being worked out for all band instruments later for its adaption as the official school song. Copyright is in the name of Robert A. Leigh and Toulon Township High School.”

The musical arrangements were accomplished by Miss Jimmae Fisher, English teacher at TTHS during that period.

From page 50 of the 1937 Tolo :

TROJAN MARCH (original)

Eleven men with hearts on fire,
Plunge down the field with one desire.
To win the game in a fighting way,
And do their best on every play.

Come on, you crashing Toulon Trojans,
Go in and fight to win that game.
You’re fighting for the fame of Toulon,
And all the glory of her name.

All Toulon High School stands behind you,
So do your best on every play.
Come on and fight, you Toulon Trojans,
Win that game today.

Within a few years, a shortened version with word changes ( because: 1. football games were played at night after field lights were installed in 1938, for example, and 2. the revised wording then covered all sports, not just football) became the song that many of the TTHS/Toulon-LaFayette students sang, and was usually followed by a standard cheer :

TROJAN MARCH (revised)

Come on you crashing Toulon Trojans,
Come on and fight to win that game.
You’re fighting for the fame of Toulon,
And all the glory of her name.

All Toulon High School stands behind you,
So do your best on every play.
Come on FIGHT!, you Toulon Trojans,
Win that game tonight !

(Cheer):

T-T-TOU, L-L-LON
TOU — LON

Toulon TOULON TOULON !!

Toulon High School Gymnasium

Home of the

Athletics

The Toulon Trojans competed in the Blackhawk and Lincoln Trail Conferences, bringing home many titles. The boys offered football, basketball, and track. The girls competed in volleyball, basketball and track.

An early history of the Toulon Township High School athletic program was provided to us by John Ballentine:

“A high school athletic association was formed (in 1912) starting organized sports at the high school which continues today at Stark County High. In the fall of 1912, a football team was formed and uniforms ordered. Mr. Carl Dille McClenahan [1877-1961], long time local Toulon pharmacist, purchased and donated a football which enabled the players to practice and play games.

The first football game in Toulon Township High’s history was at Wyoming. TTHS won 18-0 over Wyoming High on Oct. 4, 1912. The next week on Oct. 11, TTHS hosted its first home game defeating LaFayette High by a 45-3 decision. Charles E. Griffith [1880-1952] was TTHS’s first coach. He served as an educator and principal at the school and later as Stark County school superintendent from 1922-47.

The first TTHS baseball game was played at Wyoming with Toulon winning 21-6 on April 16, 1913. On April 25, 1913, Kewanee and Toulon held a dual track meet at Toulon with Kewanee winning. This was TTHS’s first track meet. Obviously, these sport facilities pre-existed and were part of the Academy’s property.

Were these sports fields the same TTHS utilized until 1949 ? Historical photos indicate the Academy building was just east and slightly offset north of the high school that was built in 1923. The fact is, there would have been no additional land in which to relocate these sports arenas, so they probably were the same ones.”

John also provided a newpaper article from the Stark County News published on Wednesday, November 18, 1936 which explains how the nickname Trojans came about for Toulon Township High School:

WE are the TROJANS !

” YES TROJANS !”

“That is what football fans will hear Friday at Galva where Toulon and Galva will battle for the Blackhawk Conference championship. The name “TROJANS” was chosen this week by the students of Toulon Township High School to represent all their athletic teams — football, basketball, and track.

One of the largest caravans of football fans ever trailing a local athletic team to another city will follow Coach W. J. Metzger and his Trojans to Galva Friday afternoon. Toulon followers will be pulling not only for the Blackhawk Conference championship trophy, but also for the first undefeated and untied football record in the history of Toulon Township High School.

Opening kick-off will be at 2:30 p.m.”

(Toulon would win the game 26 – 0 to capture the Blackhawk Conference championship.)

Toulon High’s Historic 1930s

by John A. Ballentine

Toulon Township High School instituted many changes during the decade of the 1930s, some of which became traditions. Additionally, improvements at and around the school influenced the progression of events held at the campus. A few of these remain a part of Stark County High.

A need for pavement became apparent as the horse and buggy era fell way to motorized vehicles. The dirt roads surrounding the school became rutted due to increased and repetitive grooving by vehicle tires. Rains transformed the ruts into miry traps, so the city streets were paved at the school in order to alleviate this problem.

In the spring of 1930, the original Academy’s three-sixteenths mile track was expanded to one-quarter mile in conforming to the State sports regulations. Records set on this and other schools’ dirt tracks become more impressive because faster times would have occurred on harder surfaced courses. A complete cindered track was not installed at T.T.H.S. until 1949.

Homecoming at Toulon High premiered on November 17, 1933 with Aledo as the opponent on the field. Toulon won their first homecoming football game with a 14-0 shut out. T.T.H.S. also won its’ final homecoming game October 24, 1969 by a 28-12 score over Walnut. After the Blackhawk Conference became established in 1933, the 5 charter members of Bradford, Galva, Toulon, Wethersfield, and Wyoming commenced league competition during the fall of 1934.

Toulon’s only undefeated teams in school history were the 1936-37 and 1937-38 football squads. These teams achieved identical 9-0 seasons, with 4-0 conference records. In those 2 years, Toulon swept the Blackhawk in football, basketball, and track for 6 championships. Baseball did not become a Blackhawk sport until 1956.

The T.T.H.S. 1936-37 basketball team compiled an 8-0 conference record while finishing at 16-4 for the season. One year prior in 1935-36, the basketball squad had 4-4 Blackhawk standing during their 19-8 season. This team won in the State tournament play, the district tournament, placed second in regional play, and won their first sectional game. At one point that year, Toulon Township High held a 64th State ranking of all Illinois schools.

” WE ARE THE TROJANS ! ” was the column headline in a 1937 issue of The Stark County News. T.T.H.S. adopted the official team name which the voting student body chose that fall. The copyrighted TROJAN MARCH was soon written and performed as the new school fight song. It remained the song generations of students sang at and for Toulon High and Toulon-Lafayette High through the spring of 1992.

The music department became vastly improved and transformed by Mr. C. P. Patterson, who began his nineteen year tenure at the school in September of 1939. He presented to the public, a uniformed and marching band complete with Majorettes and The (baton) Twirlers. This musical corps first performed under the newly installed football field lights at T.T.H.S. The band competed later in the first Blackhawk conference band festival on April 24, 1940. Mr Patterson’s high school musicians and choruses competed on a State level amassing numerous awards during his years at Toulon.

Toulon’s track and field teams won the Blackhawk conference meet 4 times in a row from 1936-39. Nine Blackhawk championships were won, 7 of those consecutively in 3 sports, during those 4 years. In comparison, the 1970s T.T.H.S. and Toulon-Lafayette High teams captured 8 championships in 4 sports over a 7 year period.

Toulon High’s award cases bristled with medals, silver cups, plaques, and trophies earned during those years between 1929-40. A guideline of measurement which the future Trojan teams and musical bands were inspired to reach, had been established in Toulon High’s historic 1930s.”

For more information on the Blackhawk Conference check out John Ballentine’s article on the GREAT CONFERENCES page of this site.

The better athletic teams at TTHS, according to the IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org), are listed below.

Boys Basketball

The following informaton was provided to us by John Ballentine:

Toulon Township High School’s basketball program began on January 17, 1919 in a rented second floor hall of a downtown building. Basketball was a part of the TTHS history for the fifty-two years through 1970. TTHS won 5 Blackhawk Conference championships in 1936-37, ’37-38, ’38-39, ’44-45, and finally in 1960-61.

In 1935-36, Toulon’s team achieved a 19-6 season record, yet oddly finished third in the conference with a 4-4 mark. This team won district in the State tournament, second in regional, and won the first game of sectional against the Blackhawk Conference champions Wethersfield Flying Geese. The Trojans were defeated in the second sectional game by a strong Moline Maroon squad who eventually lost to State runner-up Danville.

In 1945-46, TTHS’ basketball team put together a winning streak without defeat which earned them a 40th ranking in the State during the first week of January 1946. The Trojans managed a State ranking of 34th before losing a few games which removed them from the State’s list. Quite an accomplishment for a small school which averaged about 200 students.

One of the players on this team was Senior Paul Unruh, who continued his playing career at Peoria’s Bradley University helping that team into the national rankings and tournament. Paul eventually acquired the status of All-American in college basketball and is perhaps one of the best known and revered players from Osceola, Illinois and TTHS.

The 1955-56 season produced Toulon Township High School’s only 20 game winning season in its’ history. Six of the nine losses that season were to conference opponents which placed the Trojans in 3rd place in the conference standings. Post season play brought the 19th and 20th wins of the season, but a loss to the Kewanee Boilermakers for the regional championship playoff game ended a brilliant season.

After the 1961 championship season, TTHS experienced a 43 game losing streak during 3 seasons which thankfully ended on a cold January evening in 1964 against the conference rival Bradford Panthers.

TTHS joined the Inter-County Athletic Conference beginning with the 1968-69 school year, which participated in basketball and track only. Members of the conference included the Brimfield Indians, Elmwood Trojans, Glasford Tigers, LaFayette Panthers, Toulon Trojans, Williamsfield Bombers, and Yates City Eagles .

Several postseason scores involving the Toulon HS Trojans participating in the annual IHSA Tournament were located on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scorers.” These scores are reprinted below. Also listed below are the Trojan’s coaches and team records who hit the hardwoods each Tuesday and Friday night!!.

TOULON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACHES

Year Record Head Coach Assistants

season

1912-13 ——— ——— —————

1913-14 ——— ——— —————

1914-15 ——— ——— —————

1915-16 ——— ——— —————

1916-17 ——— ——— —————

1917-18 ——— ——— —————

1918-19 3-8 W. H. Indra L. A. McKean

1919-20 7-6 ” ”

1920-21 6-7 Simon Benson Roy Davis

1921-22 8-5 R. H. Hultgren Robert N. Wilford

Galesburg District Tourney

1st Rd lost to Cambridge 23-14

1922-23 2-10 R. H. Hultgren Robert N. Wilford

(had to wait for new gym)

Postseason scores needed

1923-24 2-9 Edwin L. Myers

Postseason scores needed

1924-25 5-8 Harold Beckman

Postseason scores needed

1925-26 7-9 Vernon B. Askew

Postseason scores needed

1926-27 6-8 Vernon B. Askew

Postseason scores needed

1927-28 8-10 Vernon B. Askew

Postseason scores needed

1928-29 5-13 Vernon B. Askew

Postseason scores needed

1929-30 9-7 Vernon B. Askew

Postseason scores needed

1930-31 6-16 Vernon B. Askew

Postseason scores needed

1931-32 8-12 Vernon B. Askew

Postseason scores needed

1932-33 5-15 Vernon B. Askew

Postseason scores needed

1933-34 5-15 Vernon B. Askew C. H. Martin

Postseason scores needed

__________________________________________________________________

Blackhawk Conference began in 1934-35 ( * = Conference Champion)

season/conference Head Coach Asst Coach(es)

1934-35 11-12/ 3-5 Willis Harms H. J. Green

Galva District Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 41-28

Kewanee beat Alpha for title

1935-36 19-8/ 4-4 William Metzger Calvin Castle, John Oathout

Princeville District Champs

1st Rd Beat Elmwood 38-30

Semi-final Beat Yates City 42-25

Title Game Beat Bradford 24-22

Princeville Regional Runner-Up

1st Rd Beat Dunlap 32-24

Semi-final Beat Peoria Kingman 36-25

Title game lost to Peoria Central 40-29

1936-37 16-4/ 8-0 William Metzger Calvin Castle, John Oathout

Elmwood Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Wyoming 31-23

Wyoming lost to Dunlap in Semi-final

Dunlap lost to Peoria Manual in title game

1937-38 19-4/ 7-1 William Metzger Calvin Castle, John Oathout

Kewanee Regional Tourney

Title Game lost to Galva 29-25

1938-39 9-10/ 6-2 William Metzger Vernon C. Beier

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Annawan 35-25

Annawan lost to Kewanee in semi-final

Kewanee beat Galva for title

1939-40 5-13/ 4-6 William Metzger Vernon C. Beier

Postseason scores needed

1940-41 8-9/ 4-6 William Metzger Vernon C. Beier

Postseason scores needed

1941-42 6-10/ 4-4 William Metzger Vernon C. Beier

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 48-26

Kewanee beat Geneseo in title game

1942-43 1-12/ 0-10 F. E. Chamberlain/ A. R. Wetzel

replaced by C. P. Patterson

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Cambridge 32-13

Cambridge lost to Kewanee in semi-final

Kewanee beat Galva for title

1943-44 12-13/ 5-5 Harold Ferris

Postseason scores needed

1944-45 16-7/ 8-2 * Keith Bare

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 43-36

Kewanee beat Geneseo for title

1945-46 19-6/ 7-3* Keith Bare William Farr

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Wyoming 50-37

Wyoming lost to Kewanee in semi-final

Kewanee beat Wehtersfield for title

1946-47 10-14/ 3-9* Keith Bare Harold Stogsdill

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 90-29

Kewanee beat Galva for title

1947-48 5-20/ 1-11 Keith Bare Harold Stogsdill

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 60-31

Kewanee beat Galva for title

1948-49 6-18/ 1-11 Robert Wallis Harold Stogsdill

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 66-40

Kewanee beat Galva for title

1949-50 14-8/ 6-6 Floyd Stevenson I. F. Large

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 66-30

Kewanee beat Galva for title

1950-51 9-11/ 4-8 Floyd Stevenson I. F. Large

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Galva 72-39

Galva lost to Kewanee for title

1951-52 11-14/ 3-4# Walter G. Rucks I.F. Large

# — Only counted 1 game against conference foes, vice both games.

Princeville Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Princeville 59-53

Princeville lost to Kewanee in semi-final

Kewanee beat Mineral in title game

1952-53 7-15/ 3-11 Marion Wildhagen Robert Watt

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 68-58

Kewanee beat Wyoming for title

1953-54 0-22/ 0-14 Marion Wildhagen Robert Watt

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 66-30

Kewanee beat Wyoming for title

1954-55 6-19/ 2-12 Earl Chism

Princeville Regional Tourney

1st Rd Beat Bradford 60-56

Semi-final lost to Kewanee 63-24

Kewanee beat Buda for title

1955-56 20-9/ 8-6 Earl Chism Fred Vicini

{ only 20-game winning season for TTHS}

Kewanee Regional Runner-Up

1st Rd Beat Dunlap 67-65 (2 O/Ts)

Semi-final Beat Princeville 78-68

Title game lost to Kewanee 65-50

1956-57 15-11/ 7-7 William (Bill) Boyer Fred Vicini

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Princeville 65-53

Princeville lost to Wyoming for title

1957-58 11-12/ 6-8 William (Bill) Boyer Fred Vicini

Princeville Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Wyoming 42-34

Wyoming lost to Wethersfield in semi-final

Wethersfield lost to Kewanee in title game

1958-59 11-11/ 10-8 William (Bill) Boyer Fred Vicini

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Bradford 59-54

Bradford lost to Kewanee in semi-final

Kewanee beat Dunlap in title game

1959-60 5-16/ 5-13 Roger West Fred Vivini

( No home games due to gym construction)

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Bradford 74-61

Bradford beat Princeville in semi-final

Bradford lost to Kewanee in title game

1960-61 17-6/ 16-2 Roger West Fred Vivini

Bradford Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Annawan 50-45

Annawan lost to Bradford in semi-final

Bradford lost to Princeville in title game

1961-62 2-18/ 2-16 Roger West Richard Switzer

Princeville Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Princeville 100-25

Princeville beat Annawan for title

1962-63 0-21/ 0-18 Richard Switzer Richard Pohar

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 67-39

Kewanee lost to Annawan in semi-final

Annawan lost to Princeville in title game

1963-64 2-19/ 2-11# Gary Keefauver Richard Pohar

# — North & South divisions began : Conf. Games=2 against div. members &

1 against non-div. members of the Conference for 13 total.

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 85-57

Kewanee beat Wethersfield for title

1964-65 10-14/ 5-8 Gary Keefauver Al Harland

Postseason scores needed

1965-66 6-7/ 4-9 Wayne Jenkins Del Pruett, Al Harland

Postseason scores needed

1966-67 8-14/ 3-10 Wayne Jenkins Del Pruett, Al Harland

Kewanee Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Dunlap 66-37

Dunlap lost to Wehtersfield in title game

1967-68 13-12/ 6-7 Wayne Jenkins Ken Bourquin, Al Harland

Bradford District Tournament

1st Rd Beat Atkinson 69-58

Semi-final lost to Neponset 72-66

Neponset lost to Buda Western in title game

1968-69 17-9/ 8-5/5-2 # “Wayne Jenkins Cecil Duffy, Al Harland

# First year as a member of the Inter County Athletic Conference.

Kewanee District Champions

1st Rd Beat LaFayette 62-44

Semi-final Beat Aledo Western Military 69-62

Title Game Beat Neponset 63-60

Princeville Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Kewanee 74-54

Kewanee beat Annawan for title

1969-70 17-9/ 7-6/ 5-2 “Wayne Jenkins Cecil Duffy, Al Harland

Toulon District Runner-Up

1st Rd Beat Neponset 58-54

Semi-final Beat Atkinson 58-47

**Title Game lost to Bradford 73-63

____________________________________________________________________________

**Final basketball game as Toulon Township High School. Toulon Township and LaFayette high schools merged for 1970-71.

Toulon High School Football / Track Field

Football

Toulon High School has a long, storied history of Friday night football games. There is limited information on the IHSA web site that records their successes. The following information was provided to us by ardent Toulon and Stark County schools fan John Ballentine:

“Toulon Township High School’s first football game in its history occurred at Wyoming Highs field on October 4, 1912. TTHS defeated WHS by an 18-0 score. In a unique twist of fate, TTHS’ final football game occurred on November 7, 1969 against WHS in Wyoming. The Trojans won 14-6 over the Indians.

TTHS football continued each fall from 1912 to 1969 for a total of fifty-eight seasons until the consolidation of Toulon and LaFayette Highs. In those fifty-eight years, TTHS captured 3 Blackhawk Conference championships in 1936, 1937, and 1957. Each season and conference records are listed below along with the coaches and assistants who directed their teams on those crisp autumn Friday evenings.

TOULON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHES

Year Record Head Coach Assistant Coaches

Season

1912-13 6-1 Charles E. Griffith

1913-14 4-3-2 Eugene L. Mendenhall Fred Brown

1914-15 7-2-1 L. A. McKean

1915-16 4-4 ” Eugene L. Mendenhall

1916-17 5-3-1 ”

1917-18 4-3 ”

1918-19 1-1 *** ” *** (Influenza epidemic shortened the season)

1919-20 8-2 ”

1920-21 7-1 Simon Benson Roy Davis

1921-22 8-1-1 Robert N. Wilford R. H. Hultgren

1922-23 8-1 ” ”

1923-24 6-1-1 Edwin L. Myers

1924-25 3-5 Harold Beckman

1925-26 6-1-1 Vernon B. Askew

1926-27 7-1 ”

1927-28 4-4-1 ” H. Ray Hartley

1928-29 5-4 ”

1929-30 8-1-1 ”

1930-31 7-1 ”

1931-32 6-1-2 ”

1932-33 2-6-1 ”

1933-34 4-5 ” C. H. Martin

____________________________________________________________________________

Blackhawk Conference began in 1934-35 (* = Conference Champion)

season/conference Head Coach Assistant Coaches

1934-35 1-7-1/ 0-4 Willis Harms H. J. Green

1935-36 4-6/ 2-2 William Metzger Calvin Castle, John Oathout

1936-37 9-0/ 4-0 * ” “

1937-38 9-0/ 4-0 * ” “

1938-39 4-1-3/ 2-1-1 ” Vernon C. Beier

1939-40 2-5-1/ 1-2-1 ” ”

1940-41 0-6-3/ 0-2-3 ” ”

1941-42 2-4-2/ 1-1-2 ”

1942-43 0-7/ 0-5 F. E. Chamberlain

1943-44 1-5-1/ 1-3-1 Harold Ferris

1944-45 3-4-1/ 2-3 Keith Bare

1945-46 4-4/ 2-3 ” William Farr

1946-47 2-6/ 2-4 ” ” , Harry Stogsdill

1947-48 3-5/ 2-4 ” ”

1948-49 6-2/ 5-1 Robert Wallis ”

1949-50 2-6/ 1-5 Floyd Stevenson I. F. Large

The Toulon Torjan Returning Lettermen of 1949-50

A group of men posing for a picture

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Submitted by Jack Winans (left click on photo for larger view)

1950-51 2-6/ 1-5 ” ”

1951-52 0-7-1/ 0-6-1 Walter G. Rucks ”

1952-53 1-7/ 1-6 Marion Wildhagen Robert Watt

1953-54 2-6/ 2-5 Robert Watt Marion Wildhagen

1954-55 2-6/ 2-5 Earl Chism

1955-56 4-3-1/ 4-2-1 ” Fred Vicini

1956-57 4-3-1/ 3-3-1 William Boyer ”

1957-58 5-1-2/ 5-1-1 * ” ” , Elmer Hampton

season=conference record began:

1958-59 1-7-1 ” ” ”

1959-60 2-6 Roger West ” ”

(1959 Wethersfield game canceled due to winter storm)

1960-61 5-4 ” ” ” , Rev. Joseph Clay

1961-62 1-8 ” Richard Switzer, ”

1962-63 1-8 Richard Switzer Richard Pohar, ”

1963-64 1-8 Gary Keefauver ”

1964-65 3-6 ” ” , Al Harland

1965-66 2-6-1 Del Pruett Wayne Jenkins, ”

1966-67 3-6 ” ” ”

1967-68 6-3 Ken Bourquin ” ”

1968-69 1-7-1 Cecil Duffy ” ” ,Elmer Hampton,

1969-70 2-5-2 ” ” ” ,Darryl Sturgill,

__________________________________________________________________________

Toulon Township High and LaFayette Highs merged for 1970-71

*In 1930, in their second week of play, TTHS defeated soon-to-be-state power Geneseo by the score of 2-0. This is according to a 1931 Geneseo yearbook.

Boys Track

The following THS thinclads took home IHSA medals from the state track meet. In addition, conference team championship winners are listed as well.

1935-36 Blackhawk Conference Champions

1936-37 Blackhawk Conference Champions

1937-38 Blackhawk Conference Champions

1938-39 Blackhawk Conference Champions

1941-42 Blackhawk Conference Champions

1943-44 Blackhawk Conference Champions

1944-45 Paul Unruh 440 Yard Dash 4th Place @ State Meet

Blackhawk Conference Champions

1945-46 Paul Unruh 440 Yard Dash 3rd Place @ State Meet

1956-57 Blackhawk Conference Champions

1957-58 Blackhawk Conference Champions

1969-70 Blackhawk Conference Champions

In addition to individual accomplishments, the Toulon High School boys won a few Stark County High School Track Meets over the years. The following information regarding this meet was provided to us by John Ballentine:

“The Stark County track/field and declamatory meet was a major event for decades. It was fiercely fought in order to win that particular year and claim county bragging rights. Businesses and schools, even the grade schools, were closed early in order to attend the afternoon meet. Main streets resembled ghost towns because a majority of the county’s population was at the contest.

Records were kept and trophies, plaques, ribbons, etc. were awarded. Yet, in 1990 the county meet could no longer be held. Castleton High no longer existed, Toulon and LaFayette Highs were consolidated, and Bradford began co-opting with Tiskilwa to form a track team. Since Tiskilwa was not part of Stark County, this eliminated Bradford’s participation leaving only Toulon-LaFayette and Wyoming as the competitors from the original 5 schools. Therefore, the meet was permanently discontinued after 1989.”

Toulon High School boys reigned as champions of this once annual event during the following spring seasons:

1919, 1920, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1930, 1934, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1956, 1958, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970

The Toulon High School boys track program won a total of 27 Stark County Track Meet Championships before consolidating with LaFayette to form Toulon-LaFayette High School!

TOULON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD COACHES

Year Record Head Assistants

1912-13 Charles E. Griffith

1913-14 Eugene L. Mendenhall

1914-15 L. A. McKean

1915-16 “

1916-17 “

1917-18 “

1918-19 “

1919-20 “

1920-21 Simon Benson

1921-22 Robert N. Wilford

1922-23 “

1923-24 Edwin L. Myers

1924-25 Harold Beckman

1925-26 Vernon B. Askew

1926-27 “

1927-28 “

1928-29 “

1929-30 “

1930-31 “

1931-32 “

1932-33 “

1933-34 “

____________________________________________________________________________

Blackhawk Conference began in 1934-35 ( * = Conference Champion)

1934-35 Willis Harms

1935-36 * William Metzger

1936-37 * “

1937-38 * “

1938-39 * “

1939-40 “

1940-41 “

1941-42 * ” /replaced by A. R. Wetzel

1942-43 Clarence Powers Patterson, A. R. Wetzel

1943-44 * Harold Ferris

1944-45 * Keith Bare

1945-46 “

1946-47 “

1947-48 “

1948-49 Robert Wallis

1949-50 Floyd Stevenson

1950-51 “

1951-52 Walter G. Rucks

1952-53 Robert Watt

1953-54 “

1954-55 Earl Chism

1955-56 “

1956-57 * William (Bill) Boyer

1957-58 * “

1958-59 “

1959-60 Roger West

1960-61 “

1961-62 “

1962-63 Richard Switzer

1963-64 Gary Keefauver

1964-65 ” , Al Harland

1965-66 Del Pruett , “

1966-67 ” , “

1967-68 Ken Bourquin, “

1968-69 Al Harland

1969-70 * “

____________________________________________________________________________

Toulon Township and LaFayette Highs merged for 1970-71

BOYS BASEBALL

The Trojans had some nice seasons on the ball diamond too. The conferenece championship team of Toulon High School, listed below, is proof of this success. John Ballentine provided the remaining coach’s names for the Toulon HS baseball program.

TOULON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COACHES

Year Record Head Assistants

1952-53 Marion Wildhagen

1953-54 “

1954-55 Earl Chism

____________________________________________________________________________

Blackhawk Conference competition started ( * = Conference Champion)

1955-56 Fred Vicini # (Southern Division Champions)

1956-57 William (Bill) Boyer

1957-58 “

1958-59 “

1959-60 Roger West

1960-61 “

1961-62 “

1962-63 Richard Pohar

1963-64 * “

1964-65 “

1965-66 Wayne Jenkins

1966-67 “

Division winners played for championship

————————————————————————————————————————————

Best record determined championship

1967-68 “

1968-69 “

1969-70 “

____________________________________________________________________________

Toulon Township and LaFayette Highs merged for 1970-71

Cross Country

It has been noted that the earliest Cross Country meets took place in halftimes of football games as far back as the 1930s.

Music

There is said to have been some excellent performances and accomplishments by the school’s band program in “sweepstakes” competition. The IHSA website only covers this information beginning in 1973. If you have any items you can share about the Toulon Township High School Band that enjoyed many successes in the 1940s and 1950s, please write to us so we can share them on this page.

Mr. Patterson, the music director at TTHS 19 years, started the marching band and the “Twirlers”.

ACADEMICS

Honor Students of T.T.H.S.

by John A. Ballentine

A total of 80 graduation ceremonies were conducted from 1913 to 1992 for Toulon Township and Toulon-LaFayette high schools. Valedictorians and salutatorians of their class delivered speeches during graduation, as well as the featured speaker. The principal speaker for TTHS’ first and last classes were Dr. Benjamin Otto, pastor of Peoria’s Baptist church, who addressed the class and audience in 1913 and James D. Nowlan, a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from Toulon, who spoke to the audience and Class of 1970.

Research has yet to discover if Toulon High recognized honor students between 1879 and 1912, inclusively. Beginning in the spring of 1913, The Stark County News recognized the top 2 students of the graduating class each year with a front page item of interest. In addition to the following lists, Margaret Hazen was the high honor student of the Toulon Academy’s final class in 1912. The Academy merged with Toulon High to form Toulon Township High, beginning with the 1912-13 school year. In 1971, the first class of Toulon-LaFayette High graduated and continued through 1992 until Stark County High was formed for 1992-93.

The 1985 Alumni booklet partially covered the years (1943-1986) and left most years 1913-1942/1987-1992 without the names of the class valedictorian and salutatorian. Maiden names for the ladies are not listed because of possible name changes since 1985, and the dedication of time required involved with collecting/obtaining the corrected last names. If you definitely know someones present last name, please contact Mary and Tim Milroy or The Stark County News office at 309-286-4444 or use email — www.editor@countyenews.com.

TOULON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL

Year Valedictorian Salutatorian

1913 Harold J. Trimmer Pauline Murray

1914 Enolia Worley Miles A. Newton

1915 Jean E. Jackson Elsie Fleming

Helen M. Nicholson

1916 Marilla Dewey Anna Farley

1917 Blanche C. Fuller Sarah A. Chase

1918 Francis B. Kinney Mary L. Sorenson

1919 Miles Hartley Ruth Leigh

1920 Helen Kinney Ruth Oliver

1921 Mary Walker Carolyn Chase

1922 Dorothy Price John R. Jackson

1923 Esther Armstrong Bessie Hankins

1924 Nona D. Miller Melva L. McKee

1925 Florence Bangson Geneva Ham

1926 Alberta Welch Arthur Pierson

1927 Helen Jackson Ruth Schmidt

1928 Lucy Griffith Maude Davis

1929 Ruth Fuller Dorothy McClellan

1930 F. Keith Brown Thelma I. Ward

1931 Elizabeth Tomlinson Eleanor Rist

1932 William McClellan Lucile Fritz

1933 Pauline A. Addis A. Pauline Crow

1934 Marjorie O’Keefe Bernice Heaton

1935 Dorothy Henderson Pauline Durbin

1936 Kathlene Ham Frances Berfield

* Anna Lee Fuller had the highest grade average, but was a transfer student and therefore not allowed to be valedictorian.

1937 Mary A. Berfield Alice Bennett

1938 Ruth Shearer Dorothy Appenheimer

1939 Margaret C. McManus Dale Addis

1940 Dorothy Brian Margaret Edlin

1941 Patricia A. Cover Doris Cobb & Velma A. Eckley

1942 Phyllis Nelson Hazel Cobb

1943 Ruth Hedges Lee Turnbull

1944 John McWilliam Winston M. Murray

1945 Gwendolyn Caverly Jane Trimmer

1946 Phyllis Armstrong Doris Hutchens

1947 Joyce Carter Lillian Gingrich

1948 David Fouts Ellen Milburn

1949 Virginia Whitten Donna J. Kidd

1950 Eloise Franklin Charles Howell

1951 Dean Milburn James Briggs

1952 Diane Elliot Marjorie Dunn

1953 Shirley Berfield Mary Dutton

1954 Margery Heaton Shirley Dunn

1955 Alice Nowlan Keith Failon

1956 Karen Field Kerry Newman

1957 Raymond Thompson Leuetta Schmidt

1958 Ronald Schmidt Ted Hocking

1959 James D. Nowlan Wayne Nowlan

1960 Lee Dutton Michael Newman

1961 Donald Schmidt Lynn Shearer

1962 Mary Luckett Richard Colver

1963 Anne Shearer Barry Warren

1964 Sharon Witten Alexis Schmidt

1965 Nancy Streitmatter David Doden

1966 Theresa Ham Roger Whittaker & Larry Williamson

1967 Martha Creasey David Daum

1968 Mary Matson Beth Witte & Gail Witte

1969 William Ebert Kenneth Jackson

1970 Leila Mowers Eldon Ham

Toulon High School Enrollment (Grades 9 – 12) in the Mid-1950s

1954-55 157

1955-56 156

1956-57 166

Seeking Further Information

We are seeking a photo of the old high school building as well as any other information you would like to share. Please write to us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us via USPS at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Toulon Township High School Class of 1952

A close-up of a person's face

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Submitted by John Borto

Toulon Township HS Football Team of 1914

T.T.H.S. 1914 football team

front Clarence Appenheimer, Traverse Durbin, Roy Walker, coach’s son McKean, Raymond Long, John Walker, Ralph Cover

back Coach L. A. McKean, Williard Eltzroth, Earl Dunlap, Lawrence Foster, Eddis Johnson, Joseph Chase, Harry Lloyd, Neil Leitch, Supt. Eugene L. Mendenhall

Toulon Trojans Basketball 1927-28

A group of men posing for a photo

Description automatically generated

T.T.H.S. 1927-28 basketball team

front Paul Bragg, Paul Walker, John Gibson, Charles Hackwith, Gerald Sweat

back Marion Burcham, Keith Brown, Joseph Claybaugh, Coach Vernon ‘John’ Askew

Toulon Track Team of 1915

T.T.H.S. 1915 track & declamatory team

front Victor Armstrong, Williard Eltzroth, Traverse Durbin, Eddis Johnson

back Supt. E. L. Mendenhall, Florence Anderson (declamatory speaker), Ray Porter, Neil Leitch, Raymond Long, Lawrence Foster, Marvin Linker, Milo Nowlan (declamatory speaker)

Toulon HS Class of 1950 Parade Float

A picture containing text, person, military vehicle

Description automatically generated

Courtesy of Jack Winans

Toulon HS Class of 1950 Reunion

Submitted by Jack Winans (Left click on photo for larger version)

Class of 1950 Reunion September 16, 2000

(Photo is above to the left)

Front row seated left to right:

Bob Turner, David Biba, Jim Eadie, George Eierman, Ann Heaton, Joyce (Behnke) Daehler, Nancy (Chamberlain) Tracy, Mildred Hillard

Second row standing left to right:

Ruth (Egert) Bigham, Joan (Wilson) McMullen, Lois (Elliot) Seger, Eleanor (Peterson) Anderson, Nadene (Porter) Phillips, Martha (Bruning) Finnegan, Gene Webster, Alice King, Juanita (Jackson) Catton, Audrey (Gerard) Stapel

Third row standing left to right:

Jack Winans, Willard Carroll, Eugene Wallace, Joan (Briggs) Gredell, Ardelle (Jones) Giesenhagen

Toulon High School Class of 1958

Photo Taken in 2005 – Submitted by Ruth Talbert

Toulon HS Class of 1957

Photo Taken in 2005 – Submitted by Ruth Talbert

Toulon-LaFayette High School “Trojans”

Posted on March 4, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

The History of Toulon-LaFayette High School

Toulon (population 1,400) is located in north-central Illinois in the center portion of Stark County. Illinois Route 17 and Illinois Route 91 intersect in Toulon. The town of Toulon is located about 25 miles northwest of Peoria and approximately 13 miles south-southeast of Kewanee. Toulon is the county seat of Stark County.

The origin of Toulon High School was made available to us by research conducted by John Ballentine. John’s research showed that Toulon High School was established in 1879, a very early establishment for that time period. Toulon High School continued under this name until 1912. At that time Toulon High School became known as Toulon Township High School. This name continued on for 58 years.

LaFayette (population 227) is located in the northwestern portion of Stark County. LaFayette sits quietly on Illinois Route 17 about 2 miles west of Illinois Route 78. The town sits about 12 miles south-southwest of Kewanee.

The first classes at LaFayette High School were held in 1891 in a building downtown. The high school moved to a location on the southern edge of the town in 1899, where that building still stands today. LaFayette High School served the students of the town for 79 years.

Toulon-LaFayette High School: The school districts of Toulon and LaFayette agreed to consolidate their educational resources in the spring of 1970. This arrangement led to the renaming of Toulon High School to Toulon-LaFayette High School. The LaFayette school served as a grade school for the district until 1978 when all classes were moved to Toulon.

The Toulon High School building became the Toulon-LaFayette High School building in 1970. Toulon-LaFayette High School continued to serve the two communities for 22 more years. It was in 1992 that the school districts of Toulon-LaFayette and nearby Wyoming agreed to consolidate their resources. This effort resulted in the forming of Stark County High School. Stark County High School was located in the Toulon-LaFayette High School building from 1992 through 2022. A new Stark County High School building was erected on the Toulon school grounds and was ready for occupancy in the Fall of 2022. The original Toulon and Toulon -LaFayette high school building was demolished in the summer of 2022. See photos (provided by John Ballentine) of the demolition taking place at the bottom of this page. .

A nice website to visit dedicated to Toulon-LaFayette High School can be viewed at http://toulonhighschool.com/ .

Toulon-LaFayette High School Quick Facts

Year became Toulon-LaFayette: 1970

Year consolidated: 1992

Consolidated to: Stark County High School (Toulon)

T-LHS team nickname: the “Trojans”

T-LHS uniform colors: Red & Black

School Fight Song: “Trojan March”

(Courtesy of Kathy Clifford & John Ballentine)

Come on you crashing Toulon Trojans,

Come on, and fight to win the game.

You’re fighting for the fame of Toulon,

And all the glory of her name!

All Toulon High School stands behind you.

So do your best on every play.

Come on, you crashing Toulon Trojans,

Win the game tonight! HEY!

(Cheer):

T-T-TOU, L-L-LON

TOU — LON

Toulon, TOULON, TOULON !!

Athletics

For information on the Blackhawk Conference check out John Ballentine’s article on the GREAT CONFERENCES page of this site.

FOOTBALL

The following information regarding Toulon-LaFayette High School football was provided to us by John Ballentine:

Toulon-LaFayette High School’s football program began in the fall of 1970 and continued through the fall of 1991 for 22 seasons until Stark County High was formed. Students from LaFayette had in football another sport available to them that LaFayette High had not offered for decades.

T-L had fourteen winning seasons against 8 losing years. A State football tournament became available for the first time in the fall of 1974. In 1985, T-L tied with the Cambridge Vikings for the Lincoln Trail Conference championship, but lost a coin toss to the Eureka Hornets to enter the State tournament that year. In 1990, the T-L Trojans qualified for the State tournament, but lost 24-16 in the opening round to the Manlius-Tampico Red Warriors.

TOULON-LaFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHES

Year Record Head Assistants

1970-71 6-3 Cecil Duffy Darryl Sturgill, Robert Eden, Jim Simpson

1971-72 4-5 ” Mike Minneart, ” , __?__ Jordan

1972-73 5-3-1 Robert Eden Jim Simpson, Al Harland

1973-74 6-4/ 5-4 ” ” “

(Illinois State playoffs began with the fall of 1974)

1974-75 7-2 ” ” “

1975-76 7-2 ” ” “

Blackhawk Conference membership ended

_______________________________________________________________________ Lincoln Trail Conference membership began (8 members)

(*= Conference Champion)

season/conference

1976-77 4-5/ 3-4 Robert Eden Jim Simpson

1977-78 5-4/ 5-2 ” ” , Roger Fox

1978-79 4-5/ 3-4 J. R. Hofman ” , “

(Sophomores Conference Champs

beating Wethersfield for title)

1979-80 5-4/ 4-3 Robert Eden ” , John Cromion

1980-81 2-7/ 1-6 ” “

1981-82 5-4/ 5-2 ” ” , Tim Carstens

1982-83 6-3/ 5-2 ” ” , “

1983-84 3-6/ 3-4 ” ” , “

1984-85 4-5/ 3-4 ” ” , “

1985-86 6-3/ 6-1 * ” ” , “

(Tied 1st Place w/ Cambridge Vikings: Lost coin toss to Eureka Hornets for playoff spot)

1986-87 5-4/ 4-3 Tim Carstens ” , Larry Freeman

1987-88 6-3/ 5-2 ” ” , “

1988-89 5-4/ 3-3 (7 members)” ” , “

1989-90 4-5/ 2-5 ” ” , “

1990-91 7-3/ 5-2 # ” ” , “

# = (Lost playoff 24-16 to Manlius–Tampico Red Warriors)

1991-92 2-7/ 1-6 ” “

Toulon-LaFayette last independently fielded a football team in 1991

____________________________________________________________________________

Stark County High School began for 1992-93.

BOYS BASKETBALL

John Ballentine provided the following information on the Toulon-LaFayette High School basketball program:

In 1970-71, Toulon-LaFayette High School continued the tradition of hitting the hardwoods every Tuesday and Friday evening from November to March. T-L was a combination of 2 separately good teams from both communities who formed an exceptionally strong team in 1970-71. T-L High brought home the Blackhawk championship trophy for the first time in 10 years with an 11-2 conference record.

In 1972-73, T-L was co-champion of the Inter County Athletic Conference with Elmsood having both achieved 4-1 records. T-L once more became co-champion of the ICAC with Brimfield both at 4-1 in T-L’s final year (1975-76) in the ICAC and the Blackhawk Conference. T-L joined the newly formed Lincoln Trail Conference for the 1976-77 school year and competed as Toulon-LaFayette until 1992 when Stark County High was established for the 1992-93 school year.

TOULON-LaFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACHES

Year Record Head Assistants

Season / Blackhawk Conf. / Inter County Athletic Conf.[ */*= Conf. Champion]

1970-71 17-7/11-2*/4-2 Wayne Jenkins Robert Eden, Al Harland

1971-72 16-10/9-4/2-3 ” ” , Jim Simpson

1972-73 10-14/5-8/4-1 * ” ” , Gregg Moutoux

{Co-Champion w/ Elmwood}

1973-74 5-19/2-10/1-4 Robert Eden Al Harland

1974-75 9-17/1-8/3-2 Jim Simpson Robert Eden

1975-76 9-15/2-7/4-1 * ” “

{Co-Champion w/ Brimfield}

Blackhawk Conference and Inter County Athletic Conference memberships ended

___________________________________________________________________________

Lincoln Trail Conference membership began

1976-77 10-13/ 5-9 Jim Simpson Robert Eden

1977-78 7-14/5-9 Gary Blessman Jim Howard

1978-79 5-17/4-10 ” J. R. Hofman

1979-80 10-15/ 5-9 ” John Cromion

1980-81 4-19/3-11 Mike Mandele

1981-82 16-9/8-6 Gary Blessman Jim Simpson

1982-83 10-16/6-8 ” “

1983-84 8-17/6-8 ” “

1984-85 2-21/1-13 ” “

1985-86 8-17/6-8 John Rumley Adam Keenum

1986-87 13-15/7-7 Larry Freeman “

1987-88 18-9/10-4 ” Jim Simpson

1988-89 5-17/2-10 ” David Wallace

1989-90 8-15/5-9 ” “

1990-91 10-14/5-9 ” “

1991-92 7-18/2-12 Al Curry “

____________________________________________________________________________

Stark County High School began for 1992-93

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

The following individuals won medals at the IHSA State Track Meet:

1974-75 Mark Duncan 440 Yard Dash 8th Place

Shane Milroy High Jump 8th Place

Team Won Blackhawk Conf. Championship

1976-77 Shane Milroy High Jump 5th Place

The following history of the Toulon-LaFayette High School track program was sent to us by our good friend John Ballentine:

Toulon-LaFayette High competed in the 10 team Blackhawk Conference from 1971-76. They won the track & field conference championship in 1971, ’73, and ’75. T-L joined the newly formed 8 team Lincoln Trail Conference which also included Alexis, Alwood, Cambridge, Galva, Ro(w)va, Wethersfield, and Winola in 1976-77 competing through 1992. T-L’s best LTC meet occurred in 1983 with a second place finish. T-L won the Stark County Meet dominating 17 times in 19 years. T-L became part of Stark County High for the 1992-93 school year, which continued competing in the LTC.

TOULON-LaFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD COACHES

* = Blackhawk Conference Champion / * = ICAC Champion/

# = Stark County Track Meet winner

Year Record Head Assistants

1970-71 # * Al Harland Cecil Duffy, ___?___ Van Dyke

1971-72 # ” “

1972-73 # * ” ” , Greg Moutoux

1973-74 # ” “

1974-75 # * ” “

1975-76 # ” “

Blackhawk Conference & ICAC memberships ended

____________________________________________________________________________

Lincoln Trail Conference membership began

1976-77 # Al Harland Cecil Duffy

1977-78 # “

1978-79 # “

1979-80 # ” Robert Eden

1980-81 # “

1981-82 # Robert Eden

1982-83 # / (2nd place) ” Tim Carstens

1983-84 # “

1984-85 ” Gary Blessman

1985-86 # ” John Rumley

1986-87 # Jim Simpson Adam Keenum

1987-88 “

1988-89 # “

———————-Stark County Track Meet ended————————————————————-

1989-90 Jim Simpson

1990-91 “

1991-92 Al Curry

____________________________________________________________________________

Stark County High School began for 1992-93

In addition to individual accomplishments, the Toulon-LaFayette High School boys won a few Stark County High School Track Meets over the years. The following information regarding this meet was provided to us by John Ballentine:

Toulon-LaFayette High School boys reigned as champions of this once annual event during the following spring seasons:

1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989.

If you count the 1970 meet won by Toulon High School, the boys from this school swept the 1970s and won a total of 18 Stark County Boys Track & Field Meet Championships as Toulon-LaFayette High School!!

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Lady Trojans earned some IHSA hardware also. More information is need regarding the better seasons enjoyed by the Toulon HS Lady Trojan basketball teams.

1980-81 N.R.A. Regional Champions Coach Sharon Wise

Lincoln Trail Conference Champs

Girls Basketball Hi-Lites – 1980-81

A picture containing text, newspaper, posing, old

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Submitted by Karmella Reining (Left click on photo for enlarged version)

Regional Champs – 1980-81

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Submitted by Karmella Reining (Left click on photo for enlarged version)

From John Ballentine:

TOULON-LaFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES

Year Record Head Assistants

1974-75

1975-76 Gary Jackson

Blackhawk Conference membership ended

______________________________________________________________________________

Lincoln Trail Conference membership began

1976-77 Gary Jackson

1977-78 Sharon Wise

1978-79 “

1979-80 “

1980-81 ” Karen Horman

1981-82 “

1982-83 N. Smith

1983-84 Sharon Wise Donna Henson

1984-85 “

1985-86 ” Donna Henson

1986-87 ” Nicole Fairman

1987-88 ” “

1988-89 ” “

1989-90 Scott Paxson

1990-91 “

1991-92 “

VOLLEYBALL

More information is being sought about the Toluon Volleyball program. They won the Lincoln Trail Conference championship in 1980.

1980-81 Lincoln Trail Conference Champions Coach Karen Horman

TOULON-LaFAYETTTE HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL COACHES

Year Record Head Assistants

1974-75 ___?__ Newman

1975-76 ___?__ Blair

Blackhawk Conference membership ended

_______________________________________________________________________________

Lincoln Trail Conference membership began

1976-77 Al Harland Cecil Duffy

1977-78 Sharon Wise

1978-79 “

1979-80 Karen Horman

1980-81 “

1981-82 Jean Anthony

1982-83 “

1983-84 Donna Henson

1984-85 “

1985-86 “

1986-87 “

1987-88 Nicole Fairman B____ West

1988-89 “

1989-90 __?___ Harmon

1990-91 __?___ Schindel __?__ West

1991-92 Charles Mueller Nancy Zook

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

The Toulon Lady Trojans, led by standout Brandi Mock, finished in the top-ten of the IHSA Class A State Track Meet three consecutive years. In 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989 Brandi Mock established herself as one of the all-time premier performers in Class ‘A’ history by bringing home a total of NINE individual medals from the IHSA State Meet. Brandi’s credentials read as foillows:

1985-86: 400 Meter Dash – 3RD Place

1986-87: 200 Meter Dash – State Champ, 400 M. Dash – 2ND Place

1987-88: 200 Meter Dash – State Champ, 400 M. Dash – State Champ, 100 M. Dash – 5TH Place

1988-89: 400 Meter Dash – State Champ, 200 M. Dash – 2ND Place, 100 M. Dash – 3RD Place

Brandi Mock’s Medal break down:

FOUR Gold Medals

TWO 2ND Place Medals

TWO 3RD Place Medals

ONE 5TH Place Medal

In addition, two Relay Teams of the late 1970s earned IHSA medals and the Lady Trojans of 1981 won the Lincoln Trail Conference championship.

1977-78 880 Yard Relay Team 5TH Place

1978-79 880 Yard Relay Team 5TH Place

1980-81 Lincoln Trail Conference Champions

1986-87 Team Finished EIGHTH in IHSA Class A State Meet!!

Final Team Standings

1 Maple Park (Kaneland) 48

2 Chicago (Luther South) 46

3 Mahomet (M.-Seymour) 41

4 Hoopeston (H.-East Lynn) 39

5 Lexington 34

6 Madison 20

6 Riverton 20

8 Stanford (Olympia) 18

8 TOULON HIGH SCHOOL 18

8 Arthur 18

1987-88 Team Finished SIXTH in IHSA Class A State Meet!!

Final Team Standings

1 Maple Park (Kaneland) 41

2 Chicago (Luther South) 36

3 Stanford (Olympia) 28

3 Carlinville 28

5 Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm) 25

6 TOULON HIGH SCHOOL 24

1988-89 Team Finished SEVENTH in IHSA Class A State Meet!!

Final Team Standings

1 Genoa (G.-Kingston) 39

2 Chicago (Luther South) 37½

3 Manteno 36

4 Gardner (G.-South Wilmington) 33

5 Riverton 30

6 Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm) 24

7 TOULON HIGH SCHOOL 23

7 Coal City 23

TOULON-LaFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL GIRL’S TRACK & FIELD COACHES

Year Record Head Assistants

1974-75 __?___ Newman

1975-76

Blackhawk Conference membership ended

______________________________________________________________________________

Lincoln Trail Conference membership began

1976-77 Peggy Brown

1977-78

1978-79 Sharon Wise

1979-80

1980-81 Sharon Wise Mike Minneart

1981-82 “

1982-83

1983-84 Sharon Wise

1984-85 ” Gary Blessman

1985-86 “

1986-87 “

1987-88 “

1988-89 “

1989-90 “

1990-91 “

1991-92 “

BOYS BASEBALL

The following team won the Blackhawk Conference Championship:

1971-72 Blackhawk Conference Co-Champions

The following was provided by our good friend John Ballentine:

TOULON-LaFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COACHES

Year Record Head Assistants

1970-71 Wayne Jenkins

1971-72 * ” Blackhawk Conference Champions

1972-73 “

1973-74 Robert Eden Al Harland

1974-75 ” ”

## Blackhawk Conference membership ended the next school year.

____________________________________________________________________________

### Baseball was discontinued at Toulon-LaFayette High from 1975-76 to 1991-92 when in the Blackhawk and Lincoln Trail Conferences ; Stark County High School reinstated baseball beginning with the 1993-94 school year.

ACADEMICS

Honor Students of T.L.H.S.

by John A. Ballentine

TOULON -LaFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL

Year Valedictorian Salutatorian

1971 Kay Ingels Carol Storey

1972 Amanda Appenheimer Sylvia Rice

1973 Mary Ingels Robert Wilkinson

1974 Cynthia Walker Dorothy Wasson

1975 Donna Wasson Rebecca Walter

1976 Melinda Huffman Lori Mallery

1977 Tamara S.. Wilson Sue Ingels

1978 Mary Zaehringer Linda Herget

1979 Irene Hepner Cheryl Parker

1980 Desiree Foutch Jane Winter

1981 Courtney W. Marshall Julie A. Langdon

1982 Tori Marshall Karin Collins

1983 Rick Zaehringer Tammy Rennick

1984 Kelly Simmons Marjorie Fairfield

1985 Kip King Shawn Eric Whittaker

1986 Christine A. Taylor Lisa R. Swedeen

1987 Amy McMillen Curt Gustafson

1988 Cathlene L. Krough Timothy R. Collins

1989 Steve Larson Mike Barlow

1990 Camelia A. Andrew R. Joseph Winans

Heidi L. Roberts

1991 Carrie L. Taylor Miles A. Goins

1992 Amy M. Hatfield Margaret A. “Meg” Webster

*Stark County High School began for the 1992-93 school year.

We Need Your Assistance…

…in researching the history and accomplishments attained by the students, faculty, and townspeople who supported Toulon-LaFayette High School. If you have any information you would like to see added to this page, please write to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also send items to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva Av.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Toulon High School Building Demolished – July 2022. **Photo courtesy of John Ballentine**

Toulon High School Building Beaing Demolished July 2022 – **Photo Courtesy of John Ballentine**

Toulon Academy “Mohawks”

Posted on March 4, 2022November 25, 2024 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Toulon Academy School Building

Courtesy of John Ballentine

The History of Toulon Academy

According to the Wikipedia web address of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toulon,_Illinois the town of Toulon was established in 1841 and was named after the town of Toulon, Tennessee. The Toulon name in Tennessee comes from a town in Europe called Toulon, France. An excellent account of the history of Toulon can be found at the web address of http://www.usgennet.org/usa/il/county/stark/books/toulonanniv/index.htm .

The following history of Toulon Academy was provided to us by John Ballentine:

“The Toulon Academy was organized in 1883 which offered college preparatory classes beyond the high school courses. In 1884, the Academy and Toulon High School merged, but separated again 1 year later. In 1896, the Academy Association purchased 6.67 acres of land at Prairie Avenue and Franklin Street for the purpose of constructing a new Academy building and sports facilities for football and track. This structure opened in February, 1897 and continued as the Academy until 1912, when the Academy permanently closed.

Toulon Academy Class of 1894

Submitted by John Ballentine

Names for the photo above: L-R front Grace Nicholson, Maude Johnston

.. Middle: Daisy Finley (John Ballentine’s grandmother),

.. Gertrude Cooley, Lenore Maxfield

.. Back: Everett Miner, Theodore Bacmeister

The Franklin Street property and building was offered by the Academy Association to the Toulon High school board which accepted in mid-1912. The high school transferred locations from the 1875 school building to the Academy building, leaving the entire use of the 1875 school for the grade school’s use. During this transfer, the high school was reorganized and renamed Toulon Township High School and its’ first class graduated in 1913.

The Academy building was razed in July of 1923 when the new high school building was constructed on the same grounds.

Toulon Academy High School Quick Facts

Year “Academy” opened: 1884 (included high school)

Year academy ceased HS: 1885

Year Academy closed: 1912

Building used as: Toulon Township High School

Building razed: 1923

School nickname: “Mohawks”

School colors: Red & Black

(Excellent Research Provided by John Ballentine!)

ATHLETICS

The Toulon Academy Mohawks competed in football. It is likely basketball, baseball, and track were also offered.

Below are several photos submitted by Toulon and Stark County history buff John Ballentine. His research and commitment to preserving the history of Toulon and Stark County schools is truly admirable. Please check out other work by John on the pages for Bradford, Manlius, Toulon Township, Toulon-Lafayette, Walnut, and Wyoming high school pages of this site.

Toulon Academy “Mohawks” Football Team 1897

Courtesy of John Ballentine (names not available)

Toulon Academy Football Team / Jan. 01, 1897

Courtesy of John Ballentine

Toulon Academy Football 1907

Names Listed Below

**Members of the 1907 Academy football team pictured above. Provided by Don Scmidt through the Stark County Historical Society:

Back, left to right: Walter Rennick, Charlie Sweet, Walter Heyer, Frank Lehman, Eugene Rennick, Will Potter, Mervin Murray, Sam Stewart.

Front, left to right: Lester Long, Fred Winn, George Fell, Forest Scott, Walter Anderson.

**From Louise Winn Knaebel regarding the football photo of 1907 above:

“Front row, 2^nd from left, is Fred Grant Winn from Elmira. He would have been about 22 years old in this photo. I knew that he had played football as a young man, but had not seen this photo until last week when one of his gr-granddaughters shared it with me.”

Toulon Academy Football Article 1907

A picture containing text, newspaper

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Submitted by Louise Winn Knaebel

Toulon Academy Football Article 1907

A picture containing text, newspaper, receipt

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Submitted by Louise Winn Knaebel

If You Have Any Further Information to Supply….

….regarding the former Toulon Academy, please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us via USPS at the following address:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva Ave.

Chicago, Il. 60631

**Toulon Academy Hat Pin of Susan Florence (Maxfield) Sieglinge, Class of 1897**, **Submitted by Richard Coleman** – **Susan is the sister of Lenore Maxfield who is a member of the Class of 1894 in a photo shown earlier in the article.**

Tonica High School “Warriors”

Posted on March 4, 2022March 21, 2025 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

**TONICA HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING 2025 / NOW PART OF TONICA GRADE SCHOOL**

The History of Tonica High School

Tonica (population 685) is located in north-central Illinois. The southwestern LaSalle County town is found at the intersection of Illinois Route 251 and Illinois Route 178. Interstate Highway 39 runs just west of Tonica. Bailey Creek flows through the town as well. A city for reference would be LaSalle located 8 miles due north of Tonica. According to the web site http://villageoftonica.tripod.com/ Tonica was founded in 1853 as a stop along the Illinois Central Railroad line. A man named A.J. West named the town Tonica after a Native American Chief named Tonica back in his home state of New York.

The residents of Tonica probably started a high school and educational system for their children in the late 1800s. The town supported schooling for grades K – 12 for many decades. It was after the 1990 school year that Tonica High School was deactivated. The Tonica high school-aged kids now earn their diplomas in LaSalle.

Tonica still supports its own school as its kids in grades PK – 8 attend Tonica Grade School, which uses the former Tonica High School building as part of its facility, as evidenced by photos on this page..

Memories – This great story was relayed to us by Dolores (Wiertz) Valle, Tonica Class of 1952. What are the odds of this in any one town!:

“The class of 1952 graduated a class of 18 girls and no boys. As freshman, we were a class of 26 with only two boys — by the end of the first semester, the two boys had quit school and we became a class of girls for the next three and a half years. Some of the girls moved and others dropped out so by the time we graduated in 1952 there were only 18 girls left. The high school coach at that time was Mr. Herbert Hungerford, so needless to say, we didn’t have much in sports during those years. At that time there were no girls sports offered in high school. Poor Mr. Hungerford was lost for words with not many boys available for sports as when we were juniors and seniors, our class had nothing to offer !!“

An article regarding the students of Tonica High School from 1874 is available at http://genealogytrails.com/ill/lasalle/TonicaNews.html#Roll .

Tonica High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1874 (probably even a few years earlier)

Year closed: 1990

School nickname: the “Warriors”

School colors: Blue & White

School Fight Song: “On Tonica” (sung to “On Wisconsin” – click play button below left)

Tonica High School

Gymnasium

Tonica HS boys’ basketball team

1977-78

Athletics

The Tonica High School Warriors were very competitve on many different levels in athletics as a member of the Tri-County Conference. The school won IHSA hardware (www.ihsa.org) in the boys sports of basketball, cross country, and track & field. The Lady Warriors won a District title in volleyball, however, there is no other mention of their other successful seasons. The girls also competed in basketball and track & field. The best of the THS seasons are listed below.

———–

Boys Basketball

The Tonica boys’ basketball program won one Regional and seven District Titles. Unfortunately, the coach’s names and team records for these and other great teams in Tonica HS history are not available. Five teams made it to the title game of the prestigious Tri-County Conference Tournament. The 1954-55 boys faired the best, winning their District and Regional titles before falling in the Sectional. This placed Tonica in the top 64 teams in the state for that year.

Several IHSA Tournament basketball scores were located on a website titled “Illinois Postseason High School Basketball Scores. These scores have been transcribed below.

—–

1918-19 Joliet District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Morton 29-19

Morris beat Waukegan in title game

—–

1919-20 LaSalle District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Franklin Grove 60-22

2nd Rd lost to Magnolia Swaney 25-11

Streator beat LaSalle in title game

—–

1920-21 LaSalle District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Franklin Grove 32-17

2nd Rd lost to Streator 13-11

Streator beat LaSalle in title game

—–

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

1st Rd lost to Lostant 25-18

Title game not listed.

—–

1922-23 through 1930-31 IHSA Postseason scores, coaches’ names, and season records needed.

—–

1926-27 Tri-County Conference Tourney Runner-Ups

—–

1930-31 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Lostant 21-14

2nd Rd lost to Wenona 11-8

Wenona beat Minonk in title game

—–

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

1st Rd lost to Lacon 20-17

Wenona beat Minonk in title game.

—–

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

1st Rd Beat Magnolia 44-15

2nd Rd lost to Minonk 36-16

Long Point Beat Henry in title game

—–

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

1st Rd Beat Dana 25-16

2nd Rd lost to Minonk 27-13

Granville beat Minonk in title game

—–

1934-35 Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups Coach’s name & record needed.

Wenona District Tournament

1st Rd lost to Varna 39-33

Lacon beat Henry in title game.

—–

In 1935 District Tournaments were designed to allow smaller schools a play-in tournament for the Regional to face the bigger schools.

—–

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

1st Rd lost to Long Point 26-16

Dana beat Lostant in title game.

—–

1936-37 Wenona District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Lostant 33-11

Semi-Final Beat Varna 19-17

Title Game lost to Lacon 24-20

—–

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

1st Rd Beat McNabb Swaney 19-16

2nd Rd lost to Rutland 33-29

Rutland beat Varna in title game

—–

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

1st Rd lost to Lostant 24-19

Wenona beat Lostant in title game.

—–

1939-40 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

—–

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

1st Rd lost to Rutland 47-13

Sparland beat Dana in title game.

—–

1941-42 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

—–

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

1st Rd lost to McNabb Swaney 25-24

Sparland beat Dana in title game.

—–

1943-44 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

—–

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

1st Rd lost to Dana 39-31

Rutland beat Varna in title game.

—–

1945-46 Wenona District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Dana 49-30

Semi-Final Beat Lostant 40-36

Title Game lost to Rutland 27-24

—–

1946-47 Varna District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Dana 42-31

Semi-Final lost to Rutland 34-33

Long Pointy Beat Rutland in title game.

—–

1947-48 Varna District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Varna 49-32

Semi-Final Beat Lostant 42-36

Title Game lost to Toluca 36-32

—–

1948-49 Varna District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Lostant 69-48

Long Point beat Lostant in title game.

—–

1949-50 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

—–

1950-51 Varna District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Dana 39-32

Long Point beat Sparland in title game.

—–

1951-52 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

—–

1952-53 Henry Regional Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

Tonica assigned to Regional Tourney this season, did not play in District Tourney.

1st Rd lost to Henry 66-57

Mid County beat Henry in title game.

—–

1953-54 Granville Regional Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

Tonica assigned to Regional Tourney this season, did not play in District Tourney.

1st Rd Magnolia 65-46

Semi-Final lost to Mid-County 57-51

Wenona beat Mid County in title game.

—–

1954-55 District / Regional Champions Coach’s name & season record needed.

One of Top 64 Teams in the State

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups

***Tonica District Tournament Champions

Early Round Scores Needed

Title Game Beat Magnolia Swaney 62-54

***Henry Regional Tourney Champions

1st Rd Beat Minonk 78-52

Semi-Final Beat Mid County 60-58

Title Game Beat Wenona 57-51

TONICA (57): Barton 22, Cave 11, Sidlowski 11, Huss 9, Hildebrand 4.

WENONA (51): Richard 15, Kemp 12, Pickard 12, Manley 10, Mulera 2.

**Ottawa Sectional Tournament

Semi-Final lost to Streator 58-49

Princeton beat Streator in title game.

Princeton placed 4TH in IHSA State Tourney

—–

1955-56 Tonica District Tourney Champs Coach’s name & record needed.

Semi-Final Beat Magnolia Swaney 69-50

Title Game Beat Sparland 65-41

Granville Regional Tourney

1st Rd lost to Granville Hopkins 37-34

Mid County Beat Granville in title game.

—–

1956-57 Lostant District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups

Lostant District Tournament

Semi-Final Beat Hennepin 64-61

Title Game lost to Sparland 50-48

—–

1957-58 Wenona District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.

Tri-County Tourney Runner-Ups

Wenona District Tournament

Semi-Final Beat Hennepin 51-36

Title Game Beat Wenona 56-51

Henry Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Minonk-Dana-Rutland 57-54

Streator Woodland beat M-D-R in title game.

—–

1958-59 Wenona District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Hennepin 65-63

Cornell beat LaRose in title game.

—–

1959-60 Wenona Regional Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

Tonica assigned to Regional Tourney this season, did not play in District Tourney.

1st Rd lost to Minonk 72-47

Toluca beat Mid-County in title game.

—–

1960-61 Lostant District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat LaRose 67-37

Semi-Final Beat Lostant 59-57

Title Game Beat Cornell 59-55

Streator Woodland Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Henry 69-56

Toluca beat Streator Woodland in title game.

—–

1961-62 Lostant District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.

Semi-Final Beat Lostant 65-63 (O/T)

Title Game lost to Sparland 64-48

—–

1962-63 Lostant District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Magnolia Swaney 62-52

Semi-Final lost to Cornell 68-66

Cornell beat Sparland in title game.

—–

1963-64 Lostant District Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.

Semi-Final Score Needed

Title Game lost to Lostant 65-61

—–

1964-65 Lostant District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Sparland 64-63

Sparland beat Hennepin in title game.

—–

1965-66 Tonica District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

Semi-Final lost to Sparland 65-52

Hennepin beat Sparland in title game.

—–

1966-67 Tonica District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.

Semi-Final Beat Cornell 83-59

Title Game Beat Lostant 60-51

Wenona Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Henry 92-53

Toluca beat Wenona in title game.

—–

1967-68 DePue District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Lostant 62-46

Semi-Final Beat LaMoille 64-45

Title Game Beat Malden 63-35

LaSalle Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Princeton 64-41

LaSalle-Peru beat Mendota in title game.

—–

1968-69 Manlius District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to DePue 63-60 (O/T)

Tiskilwa beat Malden in title game.

—–

1969-70 DePue District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Lostant 72-66

Tiskilwa beat Malden in title game.

—–

1970-71 Manlius District Champions Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Tiskilwa 53-39

Semi-Final Beat Ohio 52-41

Title Game Beat Manlius 60-46

Princeton Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Princeton 78-51

Mendota beat LaSalle-Peru in title game.

—–

IHSA began 2-Class Tournament labeling them Class ‘A’ and Class ‘AA’. District Tournaments for boys were eliminated.

—–

1971-72 Streator Woodland Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Cornell 70-36

Semi-Final lost to Woodland 63-51

Woodland Beat Lostant in title game.

—–

1972-73 Streator Woodland Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Woodland 59-52

Wenona beat Minonk-Dana-Rutland in title game.

—–

1973-74 Streator Woodland Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Lostant 79-59

Lostant beat Wenona in title game.

—–

1974-75 Lostant Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Lostant 67-63

Semi-Final lost to Woodland 81-58

Woodland Beat Wenona in title game.

—–

1975-76 Streator Woodland Regiional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Wenona 97-51

Ottawa Marquette beat Henry in title game.

—–

1976-77 Streator Woodland Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Wenona 84-71

Ottawa Marquette beat Henry in title game.

—–

1977-78 Henry Regional Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Streator Woodland 75-74

Semi-Final Beat Henry 44-39

Title Game lost to Ottawa Marquette 71-52

OTTAWA MARQUETTE (71): McCormick 32, Renkoskik 18, McDonald 7, Alderman 5, Cobler 4, Jankowski 3, Gibson 2. McCormick

TONICA (52): Ashley 22, Jasiek 14, Christman 6, Dillard 4, Schmidt 2, Edgecomb 2, Schiffbauer 2.

—–

1978-79 Streator Woodland Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Wenona 79-57

Ottawa Marquette beat Seneca in title game.

—–

1979-80 Granville Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Streator Woodland 70-57

Ottawa Marquette beat Woodland in title game.

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1980-81 Peru Regional Runner-Up Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Spring Valley Hall 56-54 (2 O/Ts)

Semi-Final Beat Henry Senachwine 49-44

Title Game lost to Putnam County 72-50

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1981-82 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

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1982-83 Varna Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Peru St. Bede 96-58

Mid-County Bbeat DePue in title game.

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1983-84 Henry Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Putnam County 83-56

Mid-County beat Sparland in title game.

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1984-85 Princeton Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to DePue 81-65

Peru-St. Bede beat Princeton in title game.

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1985-86 Granville Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Mid-County 79-28

Princeton beat Putnam County in title game.

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1986-87 Varna Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Spring Valley Hall 78-41

Hall beat Peru St. Bede in title game.

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1987-88 Seneca Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Streator Woodland 70-49

Woodland beat Ottawa Marquette in title game.

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1988-89 Streator Woodland Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Streator Woodland 75-52

Woodland beat Serena in title game.

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1989-90 Seneca Regional Tourney Coach’s name & record needed.

**1st Rd lost to Lostant 82-54

Ottawa Marquette beat Seneca in title game.

**Final varsity boys basketball game for the Tonica Warriors. High School was dissolved in the summer of 1990.

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Along with Herbert Hungerford, another great coach, Ron Oloffson, started his coaching career at Tonica and went onto have a career coaching record of over 300 wins. One of the best players to grace the hardwood of Tonica was Jon Janz. His 50 points in a January 19, 1971 game against Sparland is a school record.

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Girls Volleyball

The Girls Volleyball team of 1980-81 won the only girl’s IHSA hardware as District Champions. The record and coach’s name of this team, and other teams in Lady Warrior history, are not available.

1979-80 Coach Marcia Robertson

1980-81 District Champions Coach Marcia Robertson

1981-82 Coach Marcia Robertson

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Boys Cross Country

The boys Cross Country team of 1979-80 also brought home a District title plaque. Led by long-distance standout Mike Clark, the boys made a run at the state meet but failed to place. Mike Clark placed in the top 25 individually during consecutive years. Mike’s accomplishment as well as the team’s are listed below:

1978-79 Mike Clark 23rd Place

1979-80 Team Won the District Championship Coach Alex Clark

Mike Clark 19th Place

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Boys Track

Mike Clark did not rest on his laurels earned in cross country. He carried his distance ability over into the track season as well. The Wildcat thinclad brought home two medals from state meet competition. This included a Gold Medal in the 880 yard run in the 1980-81 season.

The track at Tonica High School was 330 yards long instead of the norm of 440 yards. This fact makes Mike’s accomplishment even more incredible. Mike was coached by his father, Coach Alex Clark, who also coached nearly every other sport at the school. Mike Clark’s great feats (feets?) are listed below.

1978-79 Mike Clark 880 Yard Run 7th Place

1980-81 Mike Clark 880 Yard Run STATE CHAMPION!!

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Noteable Alumni / People

*Mike Clark (Class of 1981) – After his gold medal performance in the state track meet Mike went on to star at Illinois State University in the same sport. He now serves as Assistant Principal at Normal Community High School.

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If You Have ANY Further Information

There were many other accomplishments at Tonica High School that are not touched upon here. If you can provide this information (and not just sports only), please write to us so we can share it with others. Photos of great teams and others associated with THS are especially being sought. You can e-mail items to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or you can write to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

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THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS WERE TAKEN ON MARCH 19, 2025, THE TEAM PHOTOS WERE DISPLAYED AT ACES & EIGHTS RESTAURANT

**TONICA HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING INSCRIPTION ABOVE FRONT ENTRANCE**

**TONICA HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING FROM SOUTHEAST**

**TONICA HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING AND GRADE SCHOOL ENTRANCE FROM SOUTHWEST**

**TONICA GRADE SCHOOL BUILDING REAR** WITH GYMNASIUM

Toluca St. Joachim High School

Posted on March 4, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Toluca St. Joachim High School & Church

Submitted by Mark & Terri Taylor (TNT Images)

St. Joachim High School

A black and white photo of a house with trees and a fence

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Submitted by Mark & Terri Taylor (TnT Images)

The History of Toluca St. Joachim High School

Toluca (population 1,339) is located in north central Illinois in east central Marshall County. The town is located on Illinois Route 117 just south of Illinois Route 17. The AT & SF Railroad runs through town as does the North Branch of the Crow Creek. The town is located about 30 miles northeast of Peoria (as the crow flies).

According to the web sites http://www.piperspages.com/Marshall/toluca.html as well as http://www.piperspages.com/Marshall/TolucaNow.html, the Santa Fe Railroad became the driving force behind the location of Toluca. The railroad began coming through the area in 1887 and the coal mines were established in the area in 1892. Soon the town of Toluca was “booming,” becoming incorporated in 1893. By 1907, Toluca’s population had swelled to over 6,000 residents!

The history of St. Joachim’s parish and school was provided through Toluca Star newpaper articles as researched by Mark & Terri Taylor of TnT Images in Toluca. There are some questions that remain as to when St. Joachim’s High School actually closed. The following history is a summary of the articles we were able to view.

St. Joachim’s parish was established in 1900 by Father Bonocini. A school was also built and began offering classes to students in 1901. It is likely that grades 1 – 8 and at least two years of high school courses (possibly all four years) were offered from the beginning at St. Joachims school.

St. Joachim’s High School served the area through 1921. As can be viewed in the invitation from 1915 below, commencement exercises were held annually for the high school students. Many activities were offered including plays and musicals. We do not know however if athletics were offered.

In 1921 the decision was made to consolidate the parishes of St. Joachim and St. Ann in Toluca. St. Joachim parish and school was closed. All classes were resumed at the St. Ann’s parish. The name of the high school was changed to St. Ann High School, effectively ending the existence of St. Joachim High School.

Toluca St. Joachim High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1901

Year closed: 1921

Consolidated to: St. Ann High School

Athletics: unknown if athletics offered

St. Joachim HS Graduation Invitation – 1915

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Provided by Mark & Terri Taylor – TNT Images

ATHLETICS

At the current time we have no evidence that St. Joachim High School offered interscholastic athletics. If you have any information supporting this please forward it to us for inclusion on this page.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

St. Joachim High School made for a well-rounded education. School plays, musicals, and other events were part of the annual planning of the school. Dances were also held.

SEEKING YOUR ASSISTANCE

If you have any further information on the history of St. Joachim’s High School please contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net . You can also send items to us via USPS at the following address:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva Ave.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Catholic Schools

(The article is taken from the Toluca 100 years book)

(Articles from the Toluca Star – provided by Mark & Terri Taylor of TnT Images)

Father Boncini was called to establish the St. Joachim’s School in 1900.

— In 1900, – Fr. Bonocini came to Toluca to establish a parish for the Italians. The first buildings were built by Charles Devlin, a coal mine operator in Spring Valley and Toluca . The school building was two stories with four rooms for pupils and apartments for nuns. He also built a combination frame Church and parish house, seating capacity 250. The priests who served the parish came from a missionary organization of Italian priests located in St. Louis . The generosity of Charles Devlin enabled this parish to exist, and after his death, the Church could no longer expect help from this source.

October 4, 1901 – St. Joachim’s school will open on Monday Oct. 7 Let everyone understand that the school is gratuitous and free for all pupils. Yet if anybody insists to pay for tuition, they may arrange the matter with the sisters. – The Toluca Star

The sister’s school opened Monday with a good attendance. – The Toluca Star

October 25, 1901 – The fair for the benefit of the Sisters school will be held at the Toluca Opera House November 25 to 10 inclusive. – The Toluca Star

January 24, 1902 – There are over 250 pupils now attending the sister’s school here, and the capacity of the building is taxed to its utmost. It will be necessary to build an addition before any more pupils can be accommodated – The Toluca Star

June 6, 1902 – The pupils of St. Joachim’s School will give a public entertainment at the opera house, Toluca , Tuesday evening, June 17. – The Toluca Star

October 17, 1902 – Catholic Fair – Invitations were sent out last week for the Catholic fair, to be held in Toluca , November 17 to 22 for the benefit of the Toluca Sisters School . A good entertainment for every evening, including classic music is on the program. Admission 10 – The Toluca Star

July 24, 1903 – Dr. Bonincini, the Catholic pastor, who has charges of the parochial schools in Toluca , is contemplating the advisability of holding, or giving a picnic here on August 15. This day is a holiday in Catholic church circles, and if the picnic is held, the proceeds will be used for the benefit of the church and sister’s school. – The Toluca Star

July 31, 1903 – The ladies of St. Joachim’s church will give a lawn social near the convent, next Monday evening, Aug. 3. The proceeds will be for the benefit of the Sisters school. – The Toluca Star

January 15, 1904 – Toluca has three schools – the public school, the Sister’s school and the school of crime. The public school is supported by the taxpayers of this district, and the school board has levied a tax ($11,500) eleven thousand and five hundreds to run it the coming year. The Sister’s school is supported by voluntary contributions. The school of crime is on the streets and in the alleys and holds its most important sessions at night, where the lessons learned are cigarette smoking, foul language and obscenity. Parents, which of these schools does your boy attend? Do you doubt that this school has a good attendance in Toluca ? If you do, you only have to use your eyes. You may find your boy in one of the classes of the school of crime.

October 27, 1905 – A union fair for the benefit of St. Ann ’s Church and the Sisters School will be held at Klinger’s theater for one week, commencing Monday evening, November 13 and ending Monday, November 20. A program of varied entertainment will be given every evening. All are cordially invited to attend. Admission 10 cents

January 5, 1906 – Miss McMahon, the principal of the high school at the Sisters School , resigned her position the first of the year

August 31, 1906 – The high school room of the Sisters school has been discontinued. The eighth grade will be the highest room the coming school year. (Guess now that this would be St. Joachim’s) since St. Ann’s closed in 1928 (there is our answer)

March 8, 1907 – The news of the death of Dr. Bononcini at the early hour Saturday morning, March 2, was a great shock to his friends here. While he had not been in good health for several weeks, he was able to be around and to attend to his duties as pastor. Heart failure was evidently the cause of death. In 1900 Bishop Spalding of Peoria , recognizing the need of an Italian priest for the growing Italian colony in Toluca, asked the bishop in Kansas for a good Italian priest, and Dr. Bononcini came. He had a church erected here, and a year later founded the convent and established the Sister’s school. During his administration the convent schools were free, and all grades were taught from the primary to the high school, and the high school after the first year was second to none in Marshall County .

June 21, 1907 -v Convent School – Commencement Exercises – Six Graduates – The commencement exercises of the Toluca convent school were held at the opera house Monday evening. Six girls graduated – two in the tenth grade and four in the eighth. The graduates in the tenth were: Gertrude Proctor and Minnie Gerth. Those in the eight were: Annie Wargo, Margaret O’Brien Teresa Farley and Kathleen Breen. The attendance was large, in fact the house was packed.

June 24, 1910 – A grand entertainment was given at Jensen’s theatre on the evening of June 16th, by the children of St. Joachim’s school.

October 7, 1913 – Home Talent Entertainment – Father Silvio Prati of St. Joschim’s church of this city is delighted in finding so much musical talent in Toluca, and to have this talent recognized, is arranging for a concert to be given on the 31^st of December, and he intends to ask all the local talent to take part in the program which will be announced later. The program will consist of quartettes, piano solos, piano duets, violin and vocal solos and readings. The Toluca Star

June 2, 1916 – Class Banquet – The evening of Wednesday, May 24, was one of gay festivities for the graduates of St. Joachim’s School. At 5:30 o’clock, arrayed in evening attire they assembled in the parlors of the Sister’s home which were artistically decorated in the class colors, while ferns and flowers made a fitting background for the happy faces.

At six-thirty they were ushered into the dining room where they enjoyed a five course banquet served by the little Misses May Schwartz and Doris Durham, who proved themselves skilled waitresses.

Rev. P.T. Walsh, who was the guest of honor, acted as toastmaster and was readily responded to in a happy manner by the members of the class. After the banquet they enjoyed themselves with songs and music and a class prophecy was read which caused much merriment. – Toluca Star Herald

June 2, 1916 – Sisters School Entertainment and Closing Exercises – Friday evening, June 16, at Jensen theatre the closing exercises of the Sister’s School will be held including fantastic drills, tableaus, pantomimes and play participated in by the two hundred pupils of the school. Seven graduates will receive their diplomas during the evening. – Toluca Star Herald

July 28, 1916 – The graduating class of the St. Joachim’s school, went to Streator last week and had their pictures taken which will be prized highly by the class – Toluca Star Herald

June 13, 1919 – Sisters school will close on Monday, June16th with a grand entertainment by the school children in Jensen’s theatre. – Toluca Star Herald

In the summer of 1922 the school was moved in 2 parts from West Santa Fe Avenue to the present location at 121 North Chestnut.

At the request of St. Joachim’s Bishop Dunne, the supervision of the school was turned over to Fr. Phillip Walsh, pastor of St. Ann ’s Church at that time. – The congregation of St. Joachim’s continued to meet under the leadership of the pastors until 1921, when it united with St. Ann’s Parish.

1928 – The music room at St. Ann ’s School was decorated in the appropriate red and white colors of Valentine Day and with the guests as vivacious as ever, it is no wonder that the Valentine Party sponsored by the St. Ann ’s High School Girls was voted a huge success.

The high school was discontinued in the year of 1928. The children were taught by the Sisters of Saint Francis whose Mother House is located in Clinton, Iowa.

St. Joachim’s Church was also moved and located just north of St. Ann ’s Hall (Hall was constructed in 1936) and was used as a gymnasium. This later burned down. The Sisters of St. Francis who’s Mother House is located at Clinton , Iowa , taught in the grade school for many years.

Pastors – In 1936, a new parish hall was completed under the supervision of Fr. Francis J. Casey. Much of the work of building this hall was done by the parishioners during the depression. This building was used not only as a parish hall, but as a gymnasium. – Father Boncini was called to establish the St. Joachim’s School in 1900. In the summer of 1922, the school was moved in two parts from West Santa Fe Avenue to the location at 121 North Chestnut. St. Joachim’s Church was also moved and located just north of St. Ann ’s Hall (Hall constructed in 1936) and was used as a gymnasium. This later burned down – The Sisters of St. Francis whose Mother House is located at Clinton , Iowa , taught in the grade school for many years.

Father Roche rebuilt the school in 1950 for $30,000. Franciscan Sisters are teachers. Father Patrick Convery, I. C., was administrator for a few months after Father Roche’s death in 1954, until Father John Schumacher was appointed in May of that year. The church was remodeled in 1954. Father T. J. Lesniak was appointed June 2, 1970.

St. Ann ’s Grade School closed in 1971. The Toluca Schools leased the school to the Toluca School District for several years because of the need for more classrooms.

The C.C.D. (Children’s Religious Education) programs and the Adult Education Programs were coordinated by nuns in the early years, after the closing of St. Ann ’s School, and later these programs were coordinated by members of the parish.

Toluca St. Ann High School

Posted on March 4, 2022June 29, 2023 by davenanninga in Uncategorized

Toluca St. Ann School

Coutesy of Mark & Terri Taylor – TNT Images

The History of Toluca St. Ann High School

The history of St. Ann’s Catholic High School has been somewhat difficult to accurately research. There has been some excellent research conducted by Mark and Terri Taylor of Toluca (TNT Images) regarding this subject. However, even this extensive information leaves some questions unanswered. The best account we are able to provide from the material submitted is as follows:

St. Ann’s Church was created in the very early 1900s to serve the Irish Catholic familes in the Toluca area. The first catholic high school in Toluca was St. Joachim. This school was created in 1901 and included grades 1 – 8 and a high school curriculum of at least two years, possibly even four years.

There may also have been a “convent school” established around this time. There is one article quoted below which speaks of the gradauation of two girls from the tenth grade of the convent school.

In 1906 the high school portion of St. Joachim was closed, according to a newspaper article that appeared in the Toluca Star Newspaper. However there is later a copy of the graduation anonouncement for St. Joachim’s High School dated for 1915.

St. Ann HS Graduating Class of 1912 or 1915

Courtesy of Mark &Terri Taylor (TnT Images)

It is at this time (1906), or shortly after, that we believe St. Ann’s High School was begun. We know from a St. Ann’s photo, that graduating classes were an annual occurrence from around 1912 and beyond.

We know for a fact that St. Joachim’s parish was closed in 1921 and joined with the St. Ann’s parish. We also know that the high school portion of St. Ann’s school closed in 1928. St. Ann’s High School became a co-educational facility and participated in athletic contests with other parochial schools of the area.

The following article verifies the high school’s closure in 1928:

“Father Boncini was called to establish the St. Joachim’s School in 1900. In the summer of 1922 the school was moved in 2 parts from West Santa Fe Avenue to the present location at 121 North Chestnut. The high school was discontinued in the year of 1928. The children were taught by the Sisters of Saint Francis whose Mother House is located in Clinton, Iowa.”

Terri Taylor provided several pieces of newpaper articles regarding the catholic schools of Toluca in the early 1900s. Those articles are available below. If you have any other information to assist in this research, please contact us at eganann@sbcglobal.net .

Further information on the history of St. Ann High School is provided by Kate Marlowe:

“I am gathering information to send to “Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” traveling exhibit. (In Dubuque in 2011). I came across your website that asks for info on St. Ann’s in Toluca. It states, “The children were taught by the Sisters of Saint Francis whose Motherhouse is located in Clinton, Iowa.” That is correct, those are the sisters for whom I work. I thought you might like to know what I found on Toluca in our archives here.

We show money/paychecks being received from the school as early as 1906, but 1906 is when the bookkeeping book began. (The book prior to that is lost or never existed, times were hard then.) Another note goes back farther, one on staffing shows the Sisters of St. Francis working at St. Ann’s in Toluca from 1901-1973. Another paragraph written in 1991 says St. Ann’s in Toluca was opened in 1901. It was built and supported by a wealthy mine owner. The townspeople were Italian mostly, who worked in the coal mines. There was a mixture of Irish who worked on the railroad and some Mexican migrants. After the mine owner died, the school had financial problems but stayed open until 1971, the mines were closed then, and the railroad wasn’t employing too many.”

Toluca St. Ann Quick Facts

Year opened: 1901

Year HS closed: 1928

Year GS closed: 1971

St. Ann Team nickname: unavailable

St. Ann uniform colors: unavailable

School Fight Song: unavailable

ATHLETICS

We know for a fact that St. Ann’s High School competed with other schools in the sport of basketball. They even competed in a gym known as the “Toluca Coliseum”. We do need information on seasonal records, coach’s names, uniform colors, nickname, and fight song. Other sports such as baseball and track may also have been offered.

BOYS BASKETBALL

The following newspaper account from the Toluca Star was provided by Terri Taylor:

“February 12, 1926 – St. Ann ’s – St. Bede’s – The St. Ann’s High School basket ball team will play St. Bede Academy in the Toluca Coliseum, Friday evening, Feb. 12. They lost to St. Bede in a previous game, but the teams seemed to be about evenly matched and the Toluca game will probably be a close one. The following Tuesday, Feb. 16, the St. Ann’s team will play the famous Spaulding Institute team which won the National Catholic championship two years ago. The Toluca team does not expect to win but their defense in Peoria won the admiration of the crowd. Those who wish to see some flashy basket ball should see this game. Arrangements are also being made for two games with St. Paul ’s of Odell.”

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Plays, musicals, and many other activities were likely offered to the students of St. Ann High School. Please check out reports of some of these activities below.

SEEKING MORE INFORMATION

If you have any further information on the early catholic high school systems in Toluca please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. We are anxious to clear up some of the unanswered questions between the St. Joashim’s and St. Ann’s high schools. You can also mail copies of material to us at:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva Ave.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Toluca St. Ann Grade School Basketball 1957-58

Submitted by Terri Taylor

Catholic Schools

(The article is taken from the Toluca 100 years book)

(Articles from the Toluca Star – provided by Mark & Terri Taylor of TnT Images)

Father Boncini was called to establish the St. Joachim’s School in 1900.

—– In 1900, – Fr. Bonocini came to Toluca to establish a parish for the Italians. The first buildings were built by Charles Devlin, a coal mine operator in Spring Valley and Toluca . The school building was two stories with four rooms for pupils and apartments for nuns. He also built a combination frame Church and parish house, seating capacity 250. The priests who served the parish came from a missionary organization of Italian priests located in St. Louis . The generosity of Charles Devlin enabled this parish to exist, and after his death, the Church could no longer expect help from this source.