Blog

Penfield St. Lawrence Academy

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
Penfield St. Lawrence School Building Sketch
Diagram Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Provided by Martha Lundgren
Penfield St. Lawrence Catholic Church 2013
A picture containing sky, outdoor, building, place of worship Description automatically generated

The History of Penfield St. Lawrence Academy

Penfield (population approximately 200) is located in east-central Illinois in the northeastern portion of Champaign County. The sits on County Highway 22 just south of U.S. Route 136 and just west (3 miles) of Illinois Route 49.  Buck Creek flows by the southeast edge of town.

An excellent history of the town of Penfield can be viewed at the webaddress of http://champaign.ilgenweb.net/towns-townships/penfield.html .  In summary, the town of Penfield was platted in 1876 and is named after a gentleman named Guy Penfield, who also platted the city of Rantoul.  Settlers came to the area as early as the 1830s.  A school system was in place very early on in the town’s existence.

A history of St. Lawrence High School was provided to this page by our own author, Kev Varney, who obtained the information courtesy of the Catholic Post (the newspaper of the Peoria Diocese):

“The church of the same name was founded in 1898 by a Rev. M. Gensler. The church was built in 1905, and St. Lawrence Academy was built in 1916 by Father Williams O’Brien, with the intention of being only a grade school. The Dominican Sisters from Springfield were in charge of the school, which started accepting high school students in 1917, and became a four-year school afterward. The high school was discontinued in 1943, while the grade school closed in 1966. The church was remains open today, as it was redecorated in 1998 during the parish’s centennial celebration.”

Penfield St. Lawrence Catholic Church 2013
A church with a tall steeple Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Penfield St. Lawrence Academy Quick Facts

Year opened:                  1917

Year closed:                   1943

School team nickname:   unavailable

School team colors:         unavailable

School Fight Song:          unavailable
ATHLETICS

The St. Lawrence High School athletic program likely included the sports of basketball, baseball, and track.  It is possible that at one time or another football or other sports were offered as well.  We are searching for team records, coaches names, and individual accomplishments.  Also welcome are the “quick facts” items we are missing above, including team nickname, uniform colors, and school fight song. If athletics were not a part of the curriculum, please let us know that as well.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We suspect that St. Lawrence High School offered several extra-curricular activities on top of sports.  School dances, clubs, band, and chorus were possibly offered to the SLHS students as well.

George Early & Maurice Buck (Class of 1943)
A picture containing outdoor, grass, old, person Description automatically generated
Submitted by Martha Lundgren

MEMORIES

From Martha Lundgren:

“The Academy and St. Lawrence School (elementary grades) occupied the same building, with the Dominican Sisters having an apartment on the third floor of the red brick building.  My father, Maurice Buck, was in the last class to graduate from the Academy in 1943.  He was raised on a farm southeast of Penfield, and went to the No. 8 School, a one-room school house that occupied a one-acre parcel of land a quarter mile from his house.  After grade school, he attended the Academy for high school.

By the time my older brothers and sisters attended St. Lawrence School in Penfield, two Dominican Sisters taught the eight elementary grades.  (Sr. Mary Lois was one of the nuns, and my siblings and parents were very fond of her.)  My second oldest sibling, Jim Buck, was in the last class to graduate from the Catholic grade school.  I will find and forward a picture of my father’s graduating class and one of Daddy opening the door for Jim on Jim’s graduation day.

After St. Lawrence School closed, most of those elementary school students transferred to the public school in town, Penfield Grade School.  However, with the baby boomers having hit elementary school age and the influx of students from the closing of the Catholic School, the public school needed more capacity.  The addition onto the Penfield Grade School building was not complete until January of 1967.  So, the kindergarten, first and second grade public school students actually attended class in the former St. Lawrence School building from August,

1966 until early January.  So, even though the Catholic grade and high schools had closed, all six of my siblings attended school in the building, even though some of use were public school students at the time.

Even after that, the St. Lawrence school building continued to be used for catechism classes and meetings.  Thousands of fried chicken dinners were prepared in the basement of the building and served under a large tent behind the building in the annual Labor Day Homecoming event, a major annual fundraiser for the parish.  And my family held a number of family reunions in the school building and on the grounds.

St. Lawrence Parish owns the property its church and rectory occupy, and three similar sized parcels across the streets to the east, to the south and to the southeast.  The Catholic school building stood east of the church until a few years after St. Lawrence Parish built a new parish hall across the street from the church to the south.  Sometime after the new parish hall was built, the Catholic school building was demolished.  This would have been sometime prior to1993.

I hope you find this information useful.  I have some interesting memorabilia from the Academy, such as the programs from the senior class plays that the students put on, that I will be scanning and sharing with my family and my cousins whose parents attended there as well.  When I’ve got that done, I’ll send those along, as something you can show about how theater was an important part of the experience in this tiny little school amid the cornfields of central Illinois.”

TO PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION ON PENFIELD ST. LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL:

Contact us via e-mail at:    ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. (photos are welcome)

Write to us via USPS at:    IHSGD Website

                                       6439 N. Neva St.

                                       Chicago, Il.     60631
 


Penfield High School “Tigers”

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
Former Penfield High / Grade School
A picture containing building, sky, outdoor, house Description automatically generated
Now Penfield Agricultural Museum
Penfield High School Complex Rear View 2013
A picture containing grass, outdoor, house Description automatically generated

The History of Penfield High School

Penfield (population 193) is a small farming community located just south of U.S. Route 136 on County Road 22 in northeastern Champaign County. Penfield is located about 16 miles northeast of Champaign. A minor branch of the Vermillion River runs through the north side of town. The town was established in 1876 and named after Guy Penfield, vice-president of the Havana, Rantoul, and Eastern Railroad. (Place Names of Illinois by Edward Callary.)

Penfield’s Oldest Building
A white church with a cross on top Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Former Church Building

The history of Penfield and its school system is in need of research. Penfield is well known as an antique tractor supporter and its former grade/high school (pictured above) is now used as an agricultural museum. Penfield High School probably was established in the late 1800’s. Though it is not verified, we feel Penfield High School may have closed her doors as a high school in the late 1940’s. The high school aged kids of Penfield were then bused to nearby Armstrong to attend high school. Armstrong High School is still in operation today. Penfield may have maintained its grade school status for some years after the high school closed. However, this information is not known.

Penfield should be commended for their excellent use of their former school building. As you can see above, Penfield residents took advantage of this great resource and put it to a worthwhile and proud usage. Other great photos of Penfield, Illinois can be enjoyed at http://www.infinityfarms.com/penfield_illinois.htm and http://www.antiquefarm.org/mainsite/museum/museum_index.html . Excellent job!!

Penfield High School Quick Facts

Year opened:              late 1800’s/early 1900s

Year closed:               late 1940’s, possibly 1947

School nickname:       the “Tigers”

School colors:            Blue & White (?)

School Fight Song:     unavailable
Athletics

Penfield High School definitely offered basketball as is evidenced by their two District Titles won. PHS probably also offered baseball and track like all other small schools of its day. We are hopeful a Penfield resident can help us out with this information.

Boys Basketball

The Penfield boys won two District titles during their existence. It is quite possible other great seasons were enjoyed. If you have this information, please share it with us.

The two title years are listed below. In 1928-29, the school won the district title with just 15 boys in the school (10 girls) and it did not have the luxury of having its own gym. The Penfield High School boys won the first two games of the Sectional Tournament placing them in the SWEET 16 of the IHSA Tournament in the one-class basketball tournament. Included in their wins in the Sectional were victories over Marshall and Kankakee, schools many times larger then Penfield. The PHS boys would lose in the title game to Champaign High School, who would go on to place 2nd in the IHSA Tournament that year.

The following season, Penfield started the season with over 30 consecutive victories before bowing out of the state tournament at the District level. Unfortunately, records of the teams are not known.

We have located some scores from the IHSA State Tourney that Penfield High School participated in on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores“. The scores that we located on this website are reprinted below.

Beginning of the basketball program through 1927-28 Postseason scores, coaches’ names, and records needed.

1928-29  26 – 5    IHSA SWEET 16 FINALISTS!                        Coach Stanley Hadden

                            Paxton District Champions

Title Game Beat Rantoul 27-20

Danville Sectional Tourney 2nd Place!

                            1st Rd. Beat Marshall 24-20 (O/T)

                           Semi-final Beat Kankakee 29-15

                           Title Game – Lost to Champaign 32-20

Leading PHS Scorers:

Willard 10, Inman 8, Zimmerman 2

Champaign Placed Second in State!

1929-30  33 – 1   Undefeated Regular Season                       Coach Stanley Hadden

Hoopeston District Tourney Runner-Up

 Semi-Final Beat Milford 27-12

Title Game lost to Cissna Park 26-22

Cissna Park was 30-1 entering the game

Cissna Park lost in 1st Rd of Sectional

**After the 1929-30 season ended the Penfield High School boys had 4 starting players that wished to play one more year of high school basketball. Inman would go on to play at Armstrong High School. Zimmerman, Willard, and Starns would continue their last season at Rantoul High School. The boys continued to have an impact during their senior years. Inman led the Armstrong High School team to a District Championship and a spot in the Sectional title game against……..you guessed it, the Rantoul High School basketball team. Rantoul would be Armstrong 23 – 19 in that game. Rantoul would lose in the Elite 8 game to Johnson City who would place 4th in the finals of the IHSA Tourney that year.

1930-31  Postseason scores, coach’s name, and record needed.

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

1st Rd lost to Sidney 30-7

Urbana beat Ogden in title game

1932-33  Postseason scores, coach’s name, and record needed.

1933-34  Postseason scores, coach’s name, and record needed.

1934-35         Fisher District Tournament                                 Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Lost to Fisher 56-10

Fisher placed 2nd in District

1935-36         Farmer City District Tournament                        Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Gifford 33-28

                      Title Game – Lost to Farmer City 48-14

1936-37        St. Joseph District Champions!                       Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Mansfield

                     Semi-Final Beat Urbana University HS 42-16

                     Title Game Beat Sidney 46-29

Champaign Regional Tourney

1st Rd. Lost to Fisher 31-20

Fisher lost in semi-final round.

No other scores were located on the Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores website for Penfield.

            

If You Have Any Information…

…you would like to share regarding the Penfield High School successes we urge you to share them with us. The hard work and dedication of those who made the school work and succeed should not be forgotten. You can e-mail information to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. or write to us at:

Illinios HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago,  IL   60631

Bloomington Pantagraph, March 10, 1929
A close-up of a document Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Paxton Record, March 14, 1929
A close up of a document Description automatically generated with low confidence
Jacksonville Daily Journal, September 6, 1930
A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated with low confidence
Paxson Record, February 6, 1930
A close up of a document Description automatically generated with low confidence
Paxton Record, March 13, 1930
A close up of a document Description automatically generated with low confidence
Paxton Record, March 29, 1929
A close up of a document Description automatically generated with low confidence
Penfield Veteran’s Memorial 2013
A picture containing sky, grass, outdoor Description automatically generated
 


Pearl High School “Eagles”

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
Pearl High School Building & Gym
A picture containing outdoor, tree, house, old Description automatically generated
Courtesy of Lisa Rubles
Pearl High School Building 2005
A picture containing building, outdoor, house, sky Description automatically generated
Submitted by Evan Thomas
Pearl High School Building – 1960
A house that has fallen on it Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Courtesy of Dale Summers

The History of Pearl High School

Pearl (population 187) is located in lower western Illinois in the southeast corner of Pike County.  Pearl should not be confused with Pearl City or Old Pearl.  Pearl is located on the banks of the Illinois River along Illinois Route 100 at County Road 10.  Hill Creek and the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad run through the center of town. For more information on Pearl go to:  http://www.pikeil.org/communities/pearl.html .

The history of the school system in Pearl is in need of research by a local fan. It is assumed that Pearl High School was established in the late 1800s or early 1900s.  Its closing came in 1955 when Pearl residents agreed to pool their educational efforts with the residents of nearby Milton.  The result was the creation of the East Pike School District.  East Pike continued until 1979 when it too was closed.  The kids of Pearl are now sent to Pittsfield for their education upon the school’s closure.

Pearl High School Building – 1960
A picture containing text, outdoor, ground, building Description automatically generated
Submitted by Dale Summers

The following information was supplied to us by Sue Cox:

“I can add for sure is that Pearl had a grade school K-8, probably using part of the H. S. building until the late 1970’s. I know for sure because I taught there in the year ’76-’77. At that time it was kdg, combination 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, 7&8. Their grade school teams were known as the Lions. At that time Ray Davenport was principal.”

Unfortunately the Pearl High School building has been razed.

Pearl High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                late 1800s / early 1900s

Year closed:                 1955

Consolidated to:            East Pike School District

School nickname:         “Eagles”

School colors:              Purple & Gold

School Fight Song:       unavailable

Thank you to ONA DAY JOHNSTON for the Quick Facts info.
AthleticsPearl High School definately offered boys basketball and boys track. They may have also offered baseball. Coach’s names, team records, and great accomplishments of Pearl High School are being sought.

Boys Basketball

The Pearl High School boys brought home one District title during their existence.  We are interested to know of the other great seasons at Pearl where IHSA hardware was not won, but a perhaps a conference title or 20 win season needs to be discovered.  The District basketball title is listed below.

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

1st Rd lost to Hull 43-13

Pittsfield beat Kinderhook in title game

—–

1934-35                 Pittsfield District Tournament               Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Pleasant Hill 39-14

Pittsfield beat Kinderhook in title game

—–

1935-36  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1936-37  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1937-38  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1938-39  Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

—–

1939-40                 Milton District Champions                Coach’s name & record needed

Early Rd Scores Needed

Title Game Beat Milton 36-32

Top 2 Teams Advanced to Regional

Pittsfield Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Pleasant Hill 37-35 (2 O/Ts)

Milton Beat Pittsfield in title game

—–

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

1st Rd lost to Pleasant Hill 39-14

Pittsfield beat Kinderhook in title game

—–

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

—–

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

1st Rd Beat New Canton 38-37

Semi-final lost to Milton 44-22

Nebo beat Milton in title game

—–

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

—–

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

Semi-final lost to Nebo 34-24

Milton beat Nebo in title game

—–

1945-46                 Milton District Tournament                   Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Manchester 50-40

Pearl lost in Semi-final Rd.

Kinderhook beat Milton in title game

—–

1946-47                 Milton District Runner-Up                 Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Alsey 58-38

Semi-final Beat Kinderhook 58-22

Title Game lost to Milton 45-34

—–

1947-48                 Nebo District Tournament                    Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Baylis 2-0 (forfeit)

Semi-final lost to Alsey 63-43

Alsey beat New Canton in title game

—–

1948-49                 Pittsfield Regional Tournament           Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Winchester 79-27

Pittsfield beat Winchester in title game

—–

1949-50                 Pittsfield Regional Tournament           Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Milton 48-33

Winchester beat Pittsfield in title game

—–

1950-51                 Barry Regional Tournament                Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to West Pike 56-49

Griggsville beat Pittsfield in title game

—–

1951-52                 Pittsfield Regional Tournament           Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Perry 80-64

Perry beat Pleasant Hill in title game

—–

1952-53                 Pittsfield Regional Tournament           Coach George Lemons

Season record needed

1st Rd lost to Perry 69-40

Pittsfield beat Perry in title game

—–

1953-54    2 – 21   Griggsville Regional Tournament        Coach George Lemons

1st Rd lost to Pittsfield 61-28

Griggsville beat Pleasant Hill in title game

—–

Pearl High School Basketball Teams 1953-54
A group of people posing for a photo Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Submitted by Judy Hurdle

Names of players in photos above:

Tournament Squad L to Right  Coach George Lemons, Leroy Ashburn, Robert Heavner, Lyundle Scott, Benny Todaro, Larry Hauger, Donald Reeder, Don Patton, Richard Turner, Ronnie Turner, Bill Thurman, Jerry Miller (Manager)

Basketball Squad

Front Row L to R  Gladys Smith, , Jean Johnson, Barbara Martin, Donna Wyatt

Second Row Seated L to R Leroy Ashburn, Robert Heavner, Lyndle Scott, Benny Todaro, Larry Hauger, Donald Reeder, Don Patton, Ronnie Turner, Bill Thurman

Back Row  Coach George Lemons, Dean Booth, Kenny Donohoo, Paul Shanks, Harold Scott, Paul Dean Crater, Richard Turner, William Greenstreet, Manager Jerry Miller

Pearl HS 1953-54 Basketball Schedule from Yearbook
A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated with low confidence
Submitted by Judy Hurdle

1954-55    17 – 6   School’s Final Season                         Coach George Lemons

Pleasant Hill Regional Tournament

**1st Rd lost to Perry 61-49

Winchester beat Pittsfield in title game

**Final boys basketball game for Pearl High School, consolidated to East Pike High School (Milton) in the summer of 1955.

—–

Pearl High School Varsity Basketball Team 1954-55
Calendar Description automatically generated
Submitted by Judy Hurdle

Names for photos above provided by Judy Hurdle:

Tournament Squad L to R

Dale Akers, Harold Scott, Leroy Ashburn, Robert Heavner, Ronnie Turner,
Richard Turner, Benny Todaro, Lyndle Scott, Terry Edwards, Bill Thurmon,
Kenny Donohoo, Coach George Lemons

Basketball Squad

Back Row L to R Leroy Ashburn, Billy Joe Johnessee, Jay Atherton,
Warren Wheeler, Charles Fisher, Jerry Miller, Terry Edwards, William
Greenstreet, Virgil Carter, Coach George Lemons

Front Row L to R Harold Scott, Ronnie Turner, Robert Heavner, Richard
Turner, Benny Todaro, Lyndle Scott, Bill Thurmon, Kenny Donohoo

Cheerleaders L to R Margie Wyatt, Jean Johnson, Donna Laux, Gladys Smith

Pearl HS Varsity Basketball Results 1954-55
A close-up of a document Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Submitted by Judy Hurdle

Basketball memories:

**From William M. (Bill) Thurmon:

“I attended Pearl High School in 1953-54 and 1954-55.  I was a Sophomore and a starting guard on the Pearl High School team that in 54-55 went 17- 6. Our coach was George Lemons and he was a former graduate of Milton High School class that went to the Sweet 16 of the Illinois State Basketball Championship in the late 30’s or early 40’s.”

   

Boys Track & Field

One male athlete at Pearl High School brought home a medal from the Illinois High School State Track Meet.  Henry Grubs claimed a 5th place finish in the mile run in 1950.  This was done under the old one-class system.  Great job Henry!

1949-50    Henry Grubs        One Mile Run          5th Place

Seeking Further Information….

…about the many successes accomplished at Pearl high School.  The great teams and individual efforts of those who attended PHS should forever be remembered.  If you would like to share information with us, especially a photo of the old high school building, please e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. or write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St. 

Chicago,  Il.   60631  

Pearl HS Baseball 1954-55
A picture containing diagram Description automatically generated
Submitted by Judy Hurdle

Back Row L to R Dale Akers, Harold Scott, Jerry Miller, Robert Heavner,
Terry Edwards, Virgil Carter, Coach George Lemons

Front Row L to R Kenny Donohoo, Ronnie Turner, Lyndle Scott, Benny
Todaro, Richard Turner, Leroy Ashburn, Bill Thurmon

Pearl HS Second Team of 1953-54
A group of men posing for a picture Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Submitted by Judy Hurdle

Second Team Front Row L to R

Harold Scott, Leroy Ashburn, Larry Hauger, Donald Patton, Paul Dean Crater, Kenny Donohoo

Back Row

Coach George Lemons, Paul Shanks, William Greenstreet, Dean Booth, Manager Jerry Miller

Pearl HS Basketball Second Team 1954-55
Arrow Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Submitted by Judy Hurdle

Second Team Members Pictured Above

Back Row L to R Dake Akers, Jay Atherton, Warren Wheeler, Billy Joe
Johnessee, Jimmy Lemons, Coach George Lemons

Front Row L to R Jerry Miller, Leroy Ashburn, Terry Edwards, Charles
Fisher, Virgil Carter, Harold Scott, William Greenstreet, Kenny Donohoo

Pearl Basketball “Reserves” Results 1954-55
A picture containing text, receipt Description automatically generated
Submitted by Judy Hurdle
Pearl High School Building Grounds – 2008
A picture containing grass, tree, outdoor, plant Description automatically generated
Photo by Roberta VanBriesen
“Pearly” Street
A picture containing text, sky, outdoor, grass Description automatically generated
Pearl, Illinois
 


Payson High School

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
Payson High School Building
A picture containing outdoor, road, tree, sky Description automatically generated
Courtesy of B. Waters
Payson High School
A group of cars parked in front of a building Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Submitted by B. Waters

The History of Payson High School

Payson (population 1,066) is located in far-western Illinois about eight miles southeast of Quincy.  The town was platted in the southwestern portion of Adams County.  Illinois Route 96 is the main roadway to and from Payson.  The Fall Creek flows through the center and north side of town while the Pigeon Creek flows through the south side of town.  The Mississippi River is located just four miles west of Payson. Payson was founded in approximately 1834 and was originally named Paysonville after a religious minister named Reverend Dr. Edward Payson. The town was eventually renamed Payson and recognized as a town in 1837 when the post office was established.

The history of the years of solo high school service are in need of research.  We know that a high school was probably established in Payson by the late 1800s or early1900s.  Payson High School served the community for many years and continues to do so today.  In 1916 a family named Seymour erected a school in town in honor of a boy named Charles Seymour, who was killed at the age of 16 in an accident while playing baseball.  A ball struck him in the chest and he died.  We believe that Payson High School and Seymour High School co-existed in Payson for several years before the two schools eventually merged together,.  This merger probably took place in the late 1940s.  Payson High School is recognized differently from Payson Seymour High School on the IHSA websitre (www.ihsa.org).

Jeffrey Hughes provided this version of the Payson High School history:

“I believe the school was built and it served as the high school, as a lot of small towns served still today by the district had grade schools. Later (50’s or so) a High school was built across the street as Seymour High School. The old school was renamed Seymour Grade school at that time. Payson High was there before the Seymour family built theirs, and some structural stuff existed during completion, including the gym. This will explain the different names. There is actually a large trophy cabinet in the grade school containing all high school athletic trophies from the old days, and another few in the “new” school.”

The fate of the original Payson High School building is being sought.  The Seymour building built in 1916 is utilized today as a grade school for the Payson Seymour School District. For more reading about the history of Payson check out the web address of http://history.rays-place.com/il/adams-payson.htm .

Payson High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                        late 1800s / early 1900s

Year closed:                         late 1940s?

Consolidated to:                    Payson Seymour High School

Payson HS team nickname:   unavailable

PHS team colors:                  unavailable

School Fight Song:                unavailable
AthleticsWe know that Payson High School competed in basketball and track.  Basseball was probably also offered.  Team nickname, colors, fight song, coach’s names, and team records are all items we’re looking for.Boys Basketball

The Payson High School boys basketball team won one DIstrtict title during their existence.  This is currently all of the information we have available on the basketball program at PHS.

1931-32              District Champions

Boys Track & Field

One Payson High School lad brought home an individual medal from the IHSA State Track Meet.  A trackster named Bower (first name not listed) placed second in the Javelin throw in 1929!!

1928-29     ?? Bower          Javelin         2ND Place!

Seeking More Information

If you have further information you would like to share regariding the original Payson High School and its athletic prowess, please complete the school submission or the guest commentary forms.  We are also seeking a photo of the high school building to add to the site.

To writeto us:     Illinois HS Glory Days

                           6439 N. Neva St.

                          Chicago, Il.   60631

To e-mail:           ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.

Paxton High School “Mustangs”

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
Paxton High School 1925-65
A picture containing tree, outdoor, street, government building Description automatically generated
Now Paxton Eastlawn Grade School (courtesy of http://www.pblunit10.com)
Paxton Community High School Entrance
A picture containing tree, outdoor, building, black Description automatically generated
Submitted by Stephen Larson

The History of Paxton High School

Paxton (population 4,525) is located in east central Illinois in Ford County, about 25 miles west of the Illinois-Indiana border. The community serves as the county seat, and was founded around 1860 as Prairie City. The name later changed to Prospect City and then Paxton in honor of Sir Joseph Paxton, an Englishman who had designs of creating an English settlement in America. The plan failed, but the townspeople retained Paxton’s name as its own. In addition to the Illinois Central Railroad passing thru the center of the town, commerce also arrives via Interstate 57, US 45, and Illinois Route 9. Paxton is 25 miles north of Champaign-Urbana, and 50 miles east of Bloomington.

The history of education in Paxton goes back to 1856 when the first building was erected. Education was taken seriously in the community as Augustana College moved from Chicago to Paxton in 1863. then later relocated to Rock Island in 1875 where it remains today. The first high school courses were taught in 1872, thanks in part to aid the efforts to establish and fund Rice Collegiate Institute, which added to the educational and cultural advantages of the community.

Paxton HS Building Side Entrance
A picture containing tree, outdoor, black, park Description automatically generated
Submitted by Stephen Larson

The history of high school buildings includes that the picture you see at the top of this page was opened for PHS students in 1925 and used until 1965 when a new building was erected. Stephen Larson tells us that the above Paxton High School building was designed by Urbana architect Joseph Royer.  Photographs of his high schools are on file at the Champaign County Archives. When the high schoolers moved into their new facility in 1965, the old building became the home of Paxton Junior High students until 2005 when they moved into a new facility. The 1925 building remains important to the Paxton community today, still being used as Eastlawn Grade School.

Paxton operated its own high school successfully for over a century until the late 1980’s when discussions began with neighboring Buckley-Loda High School for a possible consolidation. The voters in both school districts agreed to merge their schools and it became a reality in the fall of 1990, renaming itself Paxton-Buckley-Loda (PBL) High School and setting up shop in the 1965 building at Paxton. You can read more about Buckley-Loda and their separate high schools on this site.

Paxton High School Constructed in 1965 (1965-1990)
A picture containing text, old Description automatically generated
Courtesy of Tyger McClure (“Left Click” on photo for enlarged version)

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT PAXTON HIGH SCHOOL

First high school classes offered:               1872

Last year of operation as Paxton HS:         1990

Merged with:                                            Buckley-Loda

Now known as:                                         Paxton-Buckley-Loda HS

School colors:                                          Blue & Gold

School nickname:                                     Mustangs

School song:                                            “On Paxton”

                                                                                    Words provided by Vala Harr Glick (Class of 1970)

On Paxton on to victory, our standards ever high…

Our loyal pledge we give to you, to do or die…

We are behind you always blue and gold, raise our banners to the sky –

Our faith is ever full and strong and unto you our hearts belong, 

dear ole’ Paxton High…

Praises we sing, to you our alma mater true,

courage and valor and loyalty to you…Rah, Rah

(First verse was repeted, with an ending of 🙂

Cha-hee, Cha-ha, Cha Rah, Rah, Rah,

Paxton High School – Rah, Rah, Rah!

ATHLETICS

The Mustangs were competitive in several sports, among them football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, volleyball, baseball, cross-country, track, and even wrestling. Also, Paxton had success in speech team competition, according to the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org). We believe that Paxton could have offered other activities, but there is no known information available. If you know, please contact us at the addresses listed at the bottom of this page.

PHS was a member of the Wauseca Conference along with archrival Gibson City, Danville Schlarman, Watseka, Clifton Central, Hoopeston-East Lynn, Georgetown, and Prairie Central before the league folded in 1990. For more information about the Wauseca, click here on “THE GREAT CONFERENCES” for details.

FOOTBALL

The Mustangs were successful on the gridiron, dating back to 1909 when the earliest known team in school history went 5-2. Two other teams went unbeaten, while several others lost just one game. Paxton even made their mark in the state football playoffs, earning four trips to the postseason and placing second in the 2A finals in 1984.

1909   5-2

1910   4-3

1912   4-2-2

1928   7-0-1 (excellent record!)

1929   5-3

1934   4-3-2

1935   5-3

1938   8-1    (great record!)

1939   5-1-2 (great record!)

1940   8-0-1 (excellent record!)

1946   4-3-1

1948   5-3

1954   4-3-1

1955   4-3-1

1958   0-7-1

Text Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Submitted by Mick Weburg

**From Mick Weburg regarding the football schedule above:

“I thought you might like the (1958 Football Schedule), for what it’s worth.  I can attest that our record that year was all losses and one tie (Farmer City).”

1959   7-1     (great record!)                               Coach Pat Zuchowski

1960   4-3-1                                                         Coach Pat Zuchowski

1961   5-3                                                            Coach Pat Zuchowski

1966                                                                    Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

1967   7-1    (great record!)                               Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

 

1968   5-3    Wauseca Conference Champs    Coach Norm Henderson

                   (1st Conf Champ. Since 1940)        Asst Coach Jerry Zimmerman

    

1969   6-2    (good record!)                               Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

1970   5-3                                                            Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

1971   5-3                                                            Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

  

1972   7-1    Wauseca Conference Champs!   Coach Norm Henderson

                     (Only loss to Pontiac HS 12-6)      Asst Coach Jerry Zimmerman

Paxton HS Football Conference Champions 1972
A group of people posing for a photo Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Submitted by James Dunnan

1973   7-2    (good mark!)                                 Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

1974   7-2    (good mark!)                                 Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

1975   5-4                                                           Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

1976   5-4                                                           Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

1977   5-4                                                           Coach Norm Henderson

Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

1978  10-1 Class 2A playoff qualifier              Coach Norm Henderson

                  Beat Princeville 15-6 in 1st Rd      Asst. Coach Jerry Zimmerman

                  Lost to Fulton 22-16 in quarterfinals

Wauseca Conference Champs!

**From 1972 team member Jim Dunnan:

“Norm Henderson and Jerry Zimmerman served together as head coach and assistant coach for the Paxton High School football program for thirteen years, from 1966 -1978. During this time period they posted winning seasons in 12 of their 13 years coaching together and won 3 Wauseca Football Championships in 1968, 1972, and 1978. This was probably the longest successful run for two football coaches in the school’s history. Both of these fine men are deceased , but their memory lives on in the many young men who played for them during this time span. They both dedicated their lives to developing student /athletes and instilling valuable lifetime values in their players.”

1979   8-2  Class 2A playoff qualifier              Coach Clint Forsyth

                  Lost to Yorkville 20-14 in first round

1980   7-2  (good mark!)                                   Coach Clint Forsyth

1981   7-2  (good mark!)                                   Coach Clint Forsyth

1984  11-2  SECOND IN 2A PLAYOFFS          Coach Clint Forsyth 

                   Defeated Leroy 53-14 in first round

                   Shutout El Paso 25-0 in quarterfinals

                   Downed Maroa-Forsyth 42-28 in semifinals

                   Lost to Amboy 16-7 in championship game

**There were 2 members of the 1984 football team

who were voted by the Chicago Sun Times to the

“Little” All State Team. This is a team compiled by

their sports writers made up of the smaller schools

in the state. These two young men were

Dennis Polson & Steven Nuss.

1984 Paxton Mustangs
A group of people in a stadium Description automatically generated with low confidence
2nd in State Class 2A playoffs

1985   9-3  Class 2A qualifier                       Coach Clint Forsyth

                   Beat Bismarck-Henning 39-8 in first round

                   Edged Gibson City 21-14 in second round

                   Lost to Ottawa Marquette 14-6 in OT of quarterfinals

1988   5-4                                                       Coach Clint Forsyth

1989   5-4  Last season as PHS                    Coach Clint Forsyth

GREAT JOB MUSTANG GRIDDERS!!!!
Paxton High School Gym 2012 – Now P-B-L HS Gym
A picture containing floor, indoor, ceiling, yellow Description automatically generated
Submitted by Bruce Firchau
Paxton High School Gym 2012 – Now P-B-L HS Gym
A picture containing ceiling, floor, indoor, sport Description automatically generated
Submitted by Bruce Firchau

BOYS BASKETBALL

Once football concluded its season, the Mustangs were also competitive on the hardwood, winning two district titles to go along with nine regionals. All of these were won under the one-class system, with six plaques being awarded in consecutive years. We are looking for win-loss records along the names of head coaches from these teams, so if you know anything, please let us know at the addresses listed at the bottom of this page.

1923-24             Ford County Tourney Champs      Coach Swiney

1926-27             Ford County Tourney Champs      Coach Orville Roll

1927-28             District Champs

1928-29             Ford County Tourney Champs      

1934-35             District Champs

1935-36             Regional Champs

1936-37             Regional Champs

1937-38             Regional Champs

1939-40             Regional Champs

1942-43             Regional Champs

1959-60             Regional Champs                         Coach Larry Smith

1965-66             Regional Champs                         Coach Larry Smith

1966-67             Regional Champs                         Coach Larry Smith

1969-70   16-2                                                         Coach Larry Smith

1985-86   14-10                                                       Coach Russ Zick

FINE JOB MUSTANG CAGERS!

BOYS’ TRACK

Paxton was fortunate to have three teams finish in the top ten of the team standings at the state track meet, and several Paxton athletes came home with victories in the finals.

1927 (??) Hoffman                     880 run——4th place

1957 Roger Burton                    High jump–3rd place

1975                                          880 relay—2nd place

1976 Eighth in State Finals    

880 relay—STATE CHAMPS (Mike Fiorello, Carl

            Hasselbring, Ben Lee, & John Overstreet)

                                                 440 relay—3rd place

         Ben Lee                           100 dash—4th place

                                                 220 dash—7th place

1977  Two Mile relay                                 7th place

         Chuck Tuggle                  Shotput—–7th place

1978  Brian Stagen                    880 run—–4th place

1979  880 relay                                           8th place

         Vic Zimmerman                Triple Jump-6th place

1980  Sixth in State Class A Finals 

           Steve Buchholz—STATE CHAMPION in 100 and 200 meter dashes

1981    Vic Zimmerman              Triple Jump-6th place

1982  Tenth in State Class A Finals  

           Vic Zimmerman              Triple Jump-2nd place

                                                  Long Jump–7th place

           Dan Bixby                    Shotput——-5th place

                                              Discus——–8th place

           Craig Stockman            3200 run—–7th place

1986   Phil Hull                        Discus——–6th place                      

1990   Dave Foster                   Shotput——3rd place            

WELL DONE, MUSTANG TRACKSTERS!

Track Records of Paxton High School (through 1990):

(Provided by Tyger McClure)

100          Ben Lee                10.4             1976

200          Ben Lee                21.7             1976

400          Steve Buchhols     50.1             1980

1600        Tom Johnson      4:32.1             1977

3200        Craig Stockman  9:35.2             1982

110HH     Tracy Epps             14.7             1978

SP          Dave Foster          57′ 2″             1990

HJ           Vic Zimmerman     6′ 6″             1980

TJ           Vic Zimmerman    46′ 0″            1980 

LJ           Vic Zimmerman    22′ 5″            1981

PV          Doug Mikeworth   12′ 6″             1977

400 Rel.  Ben Lee                43.4               1976

              Bill Owens

              Mike Fiorillo

              John Overstreet

800 Rel.  Ben Lee              1:30.5              1976

              Carl Hasselbring

              Mike Fiorillo

              John Overstreet

 

1600 Rel Jim Niewold      3:31.7               1973

              Ron Grahm

              Jon Guthrie

              Jim Dunnan

 

3200 Rel Martin Cole       8:11.9                1977

              Gary Kavijecz

              T. Johnson

              B. Stagen 

BOYS’ CROSS-COUNTRY

Under the supervision of Fred Guyot, Paxton became a contender for a state title in cross-country. The Mustangs had a fourth-place finish as a team in 1980, and had two individuals place in the top 25 for all-state honors at the state finals.

1979   State Qualifier                               Coach Fred Guyot

1979   4th in Class A Finals                      Coach Fred Guyot

1 Peoria Bergan 89

2 Princeton 123

3 Elmhurst Immaculate Conception 142

              4 Paxton 148

5 Trenton Wesclin 178

     Mitch McClure                               8th individually in Class A finals

1981   Craig Stockman                            14th individually in Class A finals

1985   State Qualifier                               Coach Fred Guyot

          Regional Champs

WRESTLING

Although details are few, there was only one grappler in school history that placed at the state finals. William Vest has the distinction of being the Mustang to do so, taking fourth place at 112 pounds in 1953. We are curious to find out more about the Paxton wrestling program and some of its successful matmen.

BASEBALL

It is the belief of this writer that Paxton did offer baseball, and may have been competitive in the sport, even though there are no records of a baseball team at PHS. Again, we want to hear from you if you have information about the Paxton baseball program.

Paxton High School Gym 2012 – Now P-B-L HS Gym
A picture containing floor, indoor, ceiling, yellow Description automatically generated
Submitted by Bruce Firchau

GIRLS BASKETBALL

In the early days of the IHSA state tournament, the Lady Mustangs qualified for state twice, led by star player Angie Lee (who would go on to play and coach at the University of Iowa), along with Shalynn Darr and Sandy Burkland. Paxton also won three regionals to go along with previous hardware captured by the two state qualifiers.

1979-80    24-5   Regional Champions                            Coach George Young

                         Sectional Champions

                         State Qualifiers in Class A Finals

                         Beat Monticello 43-34 in Supersectional

                         Lost to Benton 53-50 in Quarterfinals

                         (Benton eventual state champs)

                         Angie Lee named to all-tournament team at state finals

1980-81    26-3   Regional Champions                            Coach George Young

Sectional Champions

Beat Chatsworth in 2 OT 53-49 at Supersectional

                         Lost to Rushville 58-45 in Quarterfinals

1982-83              Regional Champions

1986-87              Regional Champions

1987-88              Regional Champions

NICE JOB LADY MUSTANGS!
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

The Lady Mustangs offered excitement in the gym with its volleyball program, winning five districts, a regional, a sectional and qualifying for the state finals in a six-year period.

1977          District Champions   

1978          District Champions   

1979  21-2 District Champions  Coach Toni Molck

                Sectional Champs

                Supersectional Winner

                State Qualifer–Lost to Stewardson-Strasburg

                     20-3, 20-8 in quarterfinal round

1980          District Champions

1981          District Champions   

1982          Regional Champions

GIRLS’ TRACK

Just like the boys’ team, the Lady Mustangs had a couple of members go to the state meet and place high enough to earn a medal in the discus.

1980     Angie Lee                  Discus—4th place

1987     Julie Abel         Discus—-8th Place

Girls Track & Field Records (through 1990):

(Provided by Tyger McClure)

100            Julie Quivey              12.0            1976

1600          Leanna McClure     5:37.4            1985

3200          Leanna McClure   11:43.9            1985

100H         Angie Lee                  16.9            1980

Discus      Julie Abel               127′ 8″            1987

800 Med   Angie Lee                1:56.3            1978

                Lori Anda

                Sally Seibring

                Rhonda Jones

Paxton High School Stage
A picture containing indoor, window Description automatically generated
Courtesy of Stephen Larson

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

The Paxton speech team was competitive in IHSA state finals competition, bringing home a total of five top-five finishes individually, and some team trophies to boot along with a ninth-place finish at the state meet in 1975.

1952      District Champions 

1953      District Champions

1954      District Champions

1962      Tim Smith               Radio speaking—2nd Pl.

1966      Douglas Smith        Original oratory—4th Pl.

1970      District Champions

1973      Linda Massey         Original Comedy—5th Pl.

Paxton HS Stage Seating
A picture containing building, black, white Description automatically generated
Photo Donated by Stephen Larson

1975     Tied for 9th at state finals

              District Champions

              Sectional Champions

              

Cindy Eppelheimer – Dramatic Interpret.-STATE CHAMPION!

              

             Speech Team Standings

        1  Homewood-Flossmoor         21

9  Bensenville Fenton                6 (tie)

Watseka                              6

                    Paxton                                6 

Park Ridge Maine East          6

1978      Lisa Gritton                     Dramatic Interpret.—3rd place

1986      Regional Champions

1987      Regional Champions

1989      Regional Champions   

 WELL DONE, MUSTANG SPEECH TEAM MEMBERS!!!

MEMORIES

**From Vala Harr Glick (Class of 1970):

“First – thanks for putting this site together!  Nice trip down memory lane!

Mr. Shields was principal, and after his retirement, Mr. Larry Eggleston was appointed. During the late 1960’s we also had a very successful FFA Chapter (Future Farmers of America) under the leadership of teacher Bob Rohlfing.  This group continually won state awards as a group and individually. Also our golf team, under the coaching of Norm Henderson, always finished near the top of the Wauseca Conference.  Senior player Eric Baquero went to state in 1970.”

**Information on the Paxton Junior High School was provided to us by a former student:

“Paxton Junior High (now East Lawn)

Mascot – Pintos (Horse)

Colors – Royal Blue & White

This is what I remember from the 1975-73 junior high.

Pep Song

We’re loyal to you PJH (rah, rah)

We’re white and blue PJH (rah, rah)

We’ll back you to stand, against the best in the land

So why don’t you give us a hand? PJH!  (rah, rah)

So crack out that ball PJH (rah, rah)

We’re backing you all PJH (rah, rah)

Our team is our fame protector

On boys for we expect’a victory from you PJH (rah, rah)

This was when Pat Prina was a junior high PE teacher and basketball coach.”

**From Mick Weburg (Class of 1959):

“We learned a lot from Pat Z, Larry Smith, and Roy Nelson, great guys all,

along with all of the other teachers.  They did a great job for which I

still am grateful.  And I’m still a good typist!”

**From James Dunnan:

“Paxton constructed a new high school that opened in 1965. Football games and track meets were still held at Memorial Field adjacent to Clara Peterson Grade School until the new track and football field were constructed at the new high school in the mid-1970’s . There were many memorable games played at Memorial Field including a 20-14 win over arch rival Rantoul in 1972. Paxton overcame a 14pt deficit to defeat Rantoul who had a school enrollment of 1500 compared to an enrollment of 575 for Paxton .”

WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!

…about Paxton High School and its’ history. If you have more information about extra-curricular activities, such as coaches’ names and win-loss records, comments, words to the school fight song, or anything else, let us know. You can email us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. or by sending your information thru the USPS to the address listed below. Pictures are also welcome, too.

Illinois High School Glory Days

6439 N. Neva

Chicago, IL  60631

Paxton High School 1965-1990
Now PBL High School (courtesy of http://www.pblunit10.org)


Paw Paw High School “Bulldogs”

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
Paw Paw High School Building 2018
A picture containing outdoor, road, street, curb Description automatically generated
Paw Paw High School Gym Sign 2018
A brick wall with a sign on it Description automatically generated with low confidence
Paw Paw Population Sign 2018
A picture containing text, tree, sign, outdoor Description automatically generated

The History of Paw Paw High School

Paw Paw (population 870) is located in north-central Illinois in the southeast portion of Lee County. The town sits about 12 miles northeast of Mendota. Interstate Route 39 passes to the west of town while County Roads 9 & 10 intersect at Paw Paw. According to Place Names of Illinois by Edward Callary Paw Paw is named after the Paw Paw trees that were abundant in the area during its early establishment. The first post office was set up in Paw Paw in 1836.

Paw Paw residents set up a school for their children very early on. A high school was established by the late 1800s. High School classes continued in Paw Paw through the 2018-19 school year. Paw Paw High School graduated its last group of seniors in May of 2019. The high-school aged kids of Paw Paw now attend Indian Creek High School located in nearby Shabonna.

A nice history of the village of Paw Paw is found at the following Genealogy Trails website link:   http://genealogytrails.com/ill/lee/leecitypawhistory.html

This article states the following regarding the school district at Paw Paw:

Paw Paw Water Tower 2018
A picture containing sky, aircraft, outdoor, transport Description automatically generated

“For many years Pawpaw maintained an accredited four year high school. The frame building standing on the west side of town burned in 1897 and a brick building was erected in the east end of the village. This building also burned and in 1926, the present building was completed. Three years ago Pawpaw joined with several other villages in organizing the East Lee County Community Unit, which is the largest school district in the sate in area.”

Declining enrollment and financial concerns led to talks with nearby Indian Creek High School in Shabonna regarding the closing of Paw Paw High School. These discussions resulted in the closing of Paw Paw High School at the end of the 2018-19 school year. In the Fall of 2019 the high school-aged children of Paw Paw began attending Indian Creek High School.

Sauk Valley News Article regarding the final graduation held at Paw Paw High School, May 24, 2019.

Happiness, hopes – and a little bit of heartbreak: Paw Paw High School says farewell to its final group of graduates

BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35

May 24, 2019

PAW PAW – “Timothy Joseph McNally.”

With those words from superintendent Stan Adcock, the Paw Paw High School Class of 2019 salutatorian became the final student in the 117-year history of the eastern Lee County high school Friday night to clench a high school diploma that read “Paw Paw High School.”

The commencement exercise was the final one for the school. Incoming freshman through senior students now will make a 22-mile round trip to attend Indian Creek High School in Shabbona, starting in August.

Voters in DeKalb, LaSalle and Lee counties in and around Paw Paw approved a referendum in November to cease high school operations at the school.

“It’s pretty cool being the last class to graduate from here,” McNally said. “We’ll be the last [class] picture in the hallway, and that’s pretty neat.”

McNally, who also was class president, was among 15 students who bid farewell to the school. Anthony Castaldo was its final valedictorian.

“Paw Paw is not a large town, but the thing that makes it special is the love and care that the community has shown to each and every one of us,” Castaldo said.

For some of the graduates, trying to find a way to keep their yellow flower buds pinned to their purple graduation capes was the last problem they had to figure out inside the high school.

“It’s different, knowing that there will not be a high school next year,” McNally said. “Hopefully the kids will do good next year transitioning to a new school.”

The remaining high school student body will trade their Bulldog purple and gold for Timberwolf red and black. Some Paw Paw students already had become Timberwolves; the school’s athletic department merged with Indian Creek at the beginning of this year.

Graduates Joshua Wiseman and Riley Oros said that as the year wound down to a close, there were plenty of bittersweet moments – not just for the class, but for the high school as a whole.

“It’s a weird feeling knowing that we’re the last ones out of here, after every other class that’s gone through,” Wiseman said.

“It’s cool knowing that we are the last graduating class,” Oros added. “It’s kind of sad at the same time. It’s emotional.”

Ken Cradduck graduated from Paw Paw High 64 years ago today in the Class of 1955. He and 1998 graduate Sue Johnston attended in support of graduate Zachary Clayton.

“It hurts my heart,” Cradduck said, trying to hold back a tear. “The kids are getting so few.”

Cradduck grew up on a nearby farm.

“We all had a good, fun time.”

Johnston said that she, and several alumni and residents, are hopeful that they can have a high school back in the town of 870 residents once more, but can understand the need for change.

“We definitely love to have that sense of community pride and sense of togetherness here in Paw Paw,” Johnston said. “It’s kind of bitter to see them go and be part of Indian Creek, but at the same time I’m excited for the students to be able to have more opportunity, more classes, and just having a different experience getting to know different students.”

Castaldo has hopes that this may not be the end at Paw Paw.

“I am proud to soon be an alumni of Paw Paw High School, part of the last graduating class of Paw Paw High School for some time,” Castaldo said. “Whether that time be a few short years, or forever, just know that the legacy of this school will last eternally in our hearts.”

Paw Paw High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                        1902

Year closed:                          2019

Consolidated to:                    Indian Creek High School (Shabonna)

School Building Use:             Now Paw Paw Grade School

Paw Paw Team Nickname:  “Bulldogs”

Paw Paw Team Colors:        Purple & Gold

Paw Paw School Fight Song:  (needed)
Paw Paw High School Gym & Flagpole 2018
A building with a flag in front Description automatically generated with low confidence

ATHLETICS

The pride of the town of Paw Paw is displayed proudly on its water tower. “Home of the Bulldogs” is written across two sides of the structure, along with a likeness of the school’s mascot.

The Paw Paw “Bulldogs” and “Lady Bulldogs” competed in several sports throughout the years. Baseball, basketball, and track were all a part of the Paw Paw school scene in the early 1900s through the early 1970s. Girls sports were added in the mid-1970s and the Paw Paw teams competed on a solo basis through the early 2000’s.

At some point, Paw Paw entered into a co-op agreement with the Leland-Earlville co-op which had already been formed in 2007. The years that Paw Paw entered into this agreement may have varied for different sports. This information is being sought.

The Paw Paw “Bulldogs” has some great seasons and success stories over the years. Below are listed the outcomes of each sport as found on the IHSA website. (www.ihsa.org). Please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net if you can assist with more season records and historical information regarding Paw Paw High School.

BOYS BASEBALL

The Paw Paw boys competed in baseball. The 1973-74 team had a season record of 12-2. Information on several other seasons is needed.

1955-56    1 – 6

1956-57                                                                            Coach Richard Eckert

1957-58                                                                            Coach Gary Allen

1958-59 through 1962-63   Information needed.

1963-64                                                                            Coach Rieke

1964-65 & 1965-66             Information needed.

1966-67    2 – 10                                                               Coach Dave Dudzik

1967-68                                                                            Coach Terry Ambler

1968-69    2 – 6                                                                 Coach Terry Ambler

1969-70    2 – 7                                                                 Coach Terry Ambler

1970-71                                                                            Coach Terry Ambler

1971-72    4 – 5                                                                 Coach Rich Schlaf

1972-73    9 – 5                                                                 Coach Rich Schlaf

1973-74  12 – 2                                                                 Coach Rich Schlaf

1974-75    8 – 6                                                                 Coach Marvin Leuschke

1975-76                Information Needed.

1976-77                Information Needed.

1977-78                Information Needed.

1978-79                                                                            Coach Kunneman

1979-80    3 – 9                                                                 Coach Joe Jordan 

1980-81    3 – 6                                                                 Coach Joe Jordan

1981-82                                                                            Coach Mike Williams

1982-83    6 – 5                                                                 Coach Mike Williams

1983-84                Information Needed.

1984-85                Information Needed.

1985-86     0 – 10                                                              Coach John Zick

1986-87     0 – 13                                                              Coach John Zick

1987-88     6 – 12                                                              Coach John Zick

1988-89     1 – 19                                                              Coach John Zick

1989-90     3 – 12                                                              Coach John Zick

1990-91   11 – 13                                                              Coach JIm Muntz

1991-92     2 – 22                                                              Coach JIm Muntz

1992-93                Information Needed.

1993-94                Information Needed.

1994-95                Information Needed.

1995-96                Information Needed.

1996-97                Information Needed.

1997-98                Information Needed.

1999-00                Information Needed.

2000-01                Information Needed.

2001-02                Information Needed.

2002-03     3 – 19                                                              Coach Tom O’Niell

2003-04                Information Needed.

2004-05                Information Needed.

2005-06                                                                            Coach Kurt Bohlmann

2006-07                                                                            Coach Kurt Bohlmann

2007-08     1 – 22                                                              Coach Kurt Bohlmann

2008-09 through closing of school information needed

BOYS BASKETBALL

The “Bulldogs” won 3 District Championships and one Regional Championship during their tenure. The teamof 1997-98 had a record of 25-3 losing in the Sectional Tourney to eventual State Runner-Up Spring Valley Hall HS. The program also had some great success in the annual Little Ten Tournament and regular season conference schedule.

1937-38       8 – 12                                                              Coach Clifton E. Wick

1938-39       7 – 12                                                              Coach Clifton E. Wick

1939-40                    Steward District Champions          Coach H.H. Flancher

                                 Early Rd Scores Needed

                                 Title Game Beat Franklin Grove 41-26

                                 Dixon Regional Tourney

                                 1st Rd lost to Rock Falls 35-25

Sterling beat Dixon in title game

                         

1940-41                    Franklin Grove District Champs     Coach H.H. Flancher

                                 1st Rd Beat Rollo 35-23

                                 Semi-Final Beat Franklin Grove 60-44

                                 Title Game Beat Lee 53-41

                                 Sterling Regional Tourney

                                 1st Rd lost to Amboy 37-28

Dixon beat Sterling in title game

                                 

1941-42                                                                               Coach H.H. Flancher

1942-43                   Lee District Champions                   Coach H.H. Flancher

                                Semi-Final Beat Steward 37-27

                                Title Game Beat Lee 35-25

                                Sterling Regional Tourney

                                1st Rd lost to Amboy 49-45

                                Amboy lost to Dixon in title game

                                                     

1943-44       3 – 14                                                              Coach H.H. Flancher

1944-45     10 – 12                                                              Coach William Grove

1945-46     22 – 5                                                                Coach William Grove

1946-47       5 – 15                                                              Coach William Grove

1947-48       2 – 18                                                              Coach William Grove

Paw Paw HS Boys Basketball Team 1947-48
A group of people posing for a photo Description automatically generated with medium confidence

1948-49       3 – 17                                                              Coach William Grove

1949-50     12 – 10                                                              Coach William Grove

1950-51     11 – 10                                                              Coach William Grove

1951-52                                                                              Coach Giles Culver

1952-53                                                                              Coach Paul Henkel

1953-54                                                                              Coach John Bednarcik

1954-55                                                                              Coach John Bednarcik

1955-56       1 – 15                                                              Coach Richard Eckert

1956-57                                                                              Coach Richard Eckert

1957-58       3 – 15                                                              Coach Gary Allen

1958-59       7 – 13                                                              Coach Gary Allen

1959-60       6 – 17                                                              Coach Gary Allen

1960-61       8 – 14                                                              Coach Gary Allen

1961-62       2 – 22                                                              Coach Pat Wiske

1962-63       4 – 19                                                              Coach Pat Wiske

1963-64       8 – 14                                                              Coach Richard Ortiz

1964-65     20 – 5                                                                Coach Richard Ortiz

1965-66     23 – 4                                                                Coach Richard Ortiz

1966-67       9 – 14                                                              Coach Richard Ortiz

1967-68       7 – 15                                                              Coach Richard Ortiz

1968-69       8 – 16                                                              Coach Richard Ortiz

1969-70       6 – 16                                                              Coach Bob Startz

1970-71       3 – 20                                                              Coach Bob Startz

1971-72       7 – 16                                                              Coach Rich Schlaf

1972-73     10 – 13                                                              Coach Rich Schlaf

1973-74     10 – 14                                                              Coach Rich Schlaf

1974-75       7 – 14                                                              Coach Rich Schlaf

1975-76                                                                              Coach Donald Byram

1976-77       4 – 19                                                              Coach Donald Byram

1977-78                                                                              Coach Donald Byram

1978-79       4 – 17                                                              Coach Steve Kunnemann

1979-80     13 – 8                                                                Coach Joe Jordan

1980-81       3 – 19                                                              Coach Joe Jordan

1981-82     14 – 11                                                              Coach Joe Jordan

1982-83     20 – 6                                                                Coach Joe Jordan

1983-84       7 – 17                                                              Coach Joe Hilliker

1984-85       4 – 20                                                              Coach Brian Schoenhardt

1985-86       5 – 20                                                              Coach Brian Schoenhardt

1986-87       6 – 18                                                              Coach John Zick

1987-88       5 – 18                                                              Coach John Zick

1988-89                    Information Needed.

1989-90                    Information Needed.

1990-91                    Information Needed.

1991-92                    Information Needed.

1992-93                    Information Needed.

1993-94       9 – 16                                                              Coach Phil Aderton

1994-95       7 – 18                                                              Coach Phil Aderton

1995-96       9 – 16                                                              Coach Steve Herren

1996-97     22 – 4                                                                Coach Steve Herren

               

1997-98     25 – 3     Amboy Regional Champions          Coach Steve Herren

Regional Scores Needed

                                IHSA Sectional Tourney

                                Semi-Final lost to Spring Valley Hall 62-37

Hall would place 2nd in State Tourney

1998-99       0 – 25                                                              Coach Steve Herren

1999-00       4 – 22                                                              Coach Steve Herren

2000-01       0 – 25                                                              Coach Steve Herren

2001-02       2 – 21                                                              Coach Steve Herren

2002-03       2 – 21                                                              Coach Andy Fritz

2003-04       4 – 21                                                              Coach Galen Noard

2004-05       5 – 21                                                              Coach Galen Noard

2005-06       9 – 16                                                              Coach Galen Noard

2006-07                    Information Needed.

2007-08                    Information Needed.

2008-09                    Information Needed.

2009-10                    Information Needed.

2010-11                    Information Needed.

2011-12                    Information Needed.

2012-13                    Information Needed.

2013-14                    Information Needed.

2014-15                    Information Needed.

2015-16                    Information Needed.

2016-17                    Information Needed.

2017-18                    Information Needed.

2018-19       Information Needed / School’s Final Season

Paw Paw High School Baseball & Soccer Field 2018
A picture containing grass, sky, outdoor, field Description automatically generated

BOYS SOCCER

Paw Paw was likely one of the first schools in Illinois to participate in interscholastic soccer. The program continued at the school from 1974-75 through its closing in 2019.

1974-75       4 – 10                                                            Coach Gerald Crabtree

1975-76     11 – 3 – 4                                                         Coach Gerald Crabtree

1976-77       9 – 10 – 1                                                       Coach Gerald Crabtree

1977-78       8 – 6 – 4                                                         Coach Gerald Crabtree

1978-79       8 – 9 – 3                                                         Coach Scott Stevens

1979-80       6 – 8                                                              Coach Joe Jordan

1980-81       2 – 12                                                            Coach Joe Jordan

1981-82       6 – 9 – 3                                                         Coach Joe Jordan

1982-83       9 – 9 – 1                                                         Coach Joe Jordan

1983-84       2 – 14                                                            Coach Joe Hilliker

1984-85       4 – 11 – 1                                                       Coach Brian Schoenhardt

1985-86       3 – 12 – 2                                                       Coach Brian Schoenhardt

1986-87       3 – 14 – 3                                                       Coach Richard Schlaf

1987-88       6 – 13 – 2                                                       Coach Richard Schlaf

1988-89                        Information Needed.

1989-90                        Information Needed.

1990-91       6 – 14                                                            Coach Jim Muntz

1991-92       5 – 13 – 3                                                       Coach Jim Muntz

1992-93                        Information Needed.

1993-94                        Information Needed.

1994-95                        Information Needed.

1995-96                        Information Needed.

1996-97                        Information Needed.

1997-98                        Information Needed.

1998-99                        Information Needed.

1999-00                        Information Needed.

2000-01                        Information Needed.

2001-02                        Information Needed.

1002-03                        Information Needed.

2003-04                        Information Needed.

2004-05                        Information Needed.

2005-06       1 – 6                                                              Coach Doug J. Balder

2006-07                        Information Needed.

2007-08                        Information Needed.

2008-09                        Information Needed.

2009-10                        Information Needed.

2010-11                        Information Needed.

2011-12                        Information Needed.

2012-13                        Information Needed.

2013-14

2014-15                        Information Needed.

2015-16                        Information Needed.

2016-17                        Information Needed.

2017-18                        Information Needed.

2018-19         Information Needed / School’s Final Season

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

A student named White holds the banner high for Paw Paw HS in track & field. In 1921-22 this student-athlete placed 4TH in the IHSA Class ‘B’ State Track & Field Meet.

1921-22        ?? White           Pole Vault     4TH Place   (Class ‘B’ Meet)

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Lady Bulldogs competed in basketball as part of the Little Ten as well. The early 1980s saw some very competitive teams at PPHS.

1979-80          7 – 7                                                           Coach Kay Kuchel

1980-81        10 – 8                                                           Coach Doug Schnorr

1981-82        15 – 10                                                         Coach Doug Schnorr

1982-83        15 – 8                                                           Coach Doug Schnorr

1983-84        15 – 8                                                           Coach Doug Schnorr

1984-85          4 – 16                                                         Coach Joyce Grove

1985-86          3 – 22                                                         Coach Joyce Grove

1986-87          8 – 15                                                         Coach Joyce Grove

1987-88                         Information Needed.

1988-89                         Information Needed.

1989-90                         Information Needed.

1990-91                         Information Needed.

1991-92                         Information Needed.

1992-93                         Information Needed.

1993-94                         Information Needed.

1994-95                         Information Needed.

1995-96                         Information Needed.

1996-97                         Information Needed.

1997-98                         Information Needed.

1998-99                         Information Needed.

1999-00                         Information Needed.

2000-01                         Information Needed.

2001-02                         Information Needed.

2002-03                         Information Needed.

2003-04                         Information Needed.

2004-05                         Information Needed.

2005-06                         Information Needed.

2006-07                         Information Needed.

2007-08                         Information Needed.

2008-09                         Information Needed.

2009-10                         Information Needed.

2010-11                         Information Needed.

2011-12                         Information Needed.

2012-13                         Information Needed.

2013-14                         Information Needed.

2014-15                         Information Needed.

2015-16                         Information Needed.

2016-17                         Information Needed.

2017-18                         Information Needed.

2018-19                         Information Needed.

GIRLS SOFTBALL

Paw Paw HS competed in girls softball as well. Information is needed to complete this section.

From Start of Program to 2006-07        Information Needed.

2007-08         7 – 15                                                            Coach Corey Iverson

2008-09                          Information Needed.

2009-10                          Information Needed.

2010-11                          Information Needed.

2011-12                          Information Needed.

2012-13         8 – 15                                                             Coaches Larry Klema

                                                                                             & Jennifer Penman

2013-14                          Information Needed.

2014-15                          Information Needed.

2015-16                          Information Needed.

2016-17                          Information Needed.

2017-18                          Information Needed.

2018-19                          Information Needed.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Probably the most successful sport for the girls athletic program was volleyball. A District Championship and an undefeated season were the highlights of the early 1980s.

1974-75          2 – 6                                                             Coach Kay Kuchel

1975-76          3 – 6                                                             Coach Kay Kuchel

1976-77          5 – 8                                                             Coach Kay Kuchel

1977-78          6 – 7                                                             Coach Kay Kuchel

1978-79          9 – 6                                                             Coach Kay Kuchel

             

1979-80        14 – 1    Undefeated Regular Season         Coach Kay Kuchel

1980-81        11 – 3                                                             Coach Kay Kuchel

                      

1981-82        11 – 8    IHSA District Champions              Coach Kay Kuchel

1982-83        11 – 10                                                           Coach Kay Kuchel

1983-84        16 – 5                                                             Coach Kay Kuchel

1984-85          8 – 12                                                           Coach Kay Kuchel

1985-86        13 – 11                                                           Coach Kay Kuchel

1986-87          9 – 13                                                           Coach Kay Kuchel

1987-88          5 – 16                                                           Coach Kay Kuchel

1988-89                        Information Needed.

1989-90                        Information Needed.

1990-91                        Information Needed.

1991-92                        Information Needed.

1992-93                        Information Needed.

1993-94                        Information Needed.

1994-95                        Information Needed.

1995-96                        Information Needed.

1996-97                        Information Needed.

1997-98                        Information Needed.

1998-99                        Information Needed.

1999-00                        Information Needed.

2000-01                        Information Needed.

2001-02                        Information Needed.

2002-03                        Information Needed.

2003-04                        Information Needed.

2004-05                        Information Needed.

2005-06                        Information Needed.

2006-07        12 – 16                                                           Coach Linda Herren

2007-08                        Information Needed.

2008-09                        Information Needed.

2009-10        14 – 15                                                           Coach Erin Odle

2010-11                        Information Needed.

2011-12                        Information Needed.

2012-13                        Information Needed.

2013-14                        Information Needed.

2014-15                        Information Needed.

2015-16                        Information Needed.

2016-17                        Information Needed.

2017-18        19 – 18                                                           Coaches Jennifer Penman

                                                                                            & Jenny Oros

2018-19          Information Needed / School’s Final Season

SEEKING MORE INFORMATION

If you have any further information regarding Paw Paw High School please contact us. Activities outside of athletics are being sought as well. Our e-mail address is as follows:

ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net

Paw Paw School Message Board 2018
A building with a sign on it Description automatically generated with low confidence
Paw Paw Grade School Building 2018
A large building with trees in front of it Description automatically generated with medium confidence
                       


Pavilion Long Grove Academy

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
The History of Long Grove Academy in Pavilion

Pavillion (or Pavilion;  population approximately 100) is located in far northeastern Illinois in the northwest portion of Kendall County.  The town is situated on Illinois Route 71 just west of Illinois Route 47.  The town of Yorkville is just a few miles northeast of Pavillion.  The area was first settled in 1834. As of December of 2009 the small hamlet of Pavillion has not been incorporated as a village or town in Illinois.

Though the village started out with great promise it did not prosper through the years.  Pavillion (or Pavilion) may have never been more than a one-street town, , that street being the main thoroughfare which eventually became Illinois Route 71. It appears as though the area saw its best of times in the middle to late 1800s.  By the 1930s the town was no more than a few homes.

The following two web addresses offer a more comprehensive view of Pavillion.:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilkendal/TownHistories/Pavilion/EarlyDaysInPav.htm

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilkendal/TownHistories/Pavilion/PavilionHistory.htm

It appears like to all new residents moving to Illinois that education was an important part of daily life.  In the middle to late 1840s a school of higher learning was extablished in Pavillion.  It would become known as the Long Grove Academy.  This academy offered grade school classes and some classes for those who attended school after the 8th grade. The school was well attended for years with children coming from miles around, sometimes boarding with other families during the week.  More informaton on Long Grove Academy can be read at the following two web addresses:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilkendal/TownHistories/Pavilion/PavilionAcademy.htm

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilkendal/Schools/KCSchools.htm

The Long Grove Academy however soon met an unfavorable fate.  The Academy was closed in the early 1870s.  The building was torn down in 1875. Its bricks were utilized to construct a new school building.

Long Grove Academy Quick Facts

Year opened:           mid-1840s

Year closed:            early 1870s

Building fate:            torn down in 1875

Athletics not offered.
Special Gratitude

Thank you to Roberta Van Briesen for providing the research and information for this page.

Seeking More Information

We are asking for assistance in gaining information regarding Long Grove Academy and the town of Pavillion.  We are especially interested in photos of the old school building.  If you would like to share information with us please contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. .  You may also write us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva Ave.

Chicago. Il.    60631

Patterson High School

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
The History of Patterson High School

Patterson (population 25?) is located in lower-eastern Illinois in the northwestern portion of Greene County.  Patterson is also a township in Greene County that currently has a population of 644.  Patterson is located at the intersection of County Highway 11 and County Road 2500N.  The tiny hamlet is about 40 miles southwest of Springfield and 45 miles north of St. Louis, Mo.

We are in need of a great deal of assistance in researching the history of Patterson and its former school system.  We know that there was a Patterson High School from readers of the Glory Days site who have viewed other high school basketball schedules from the area.  A few of those schools played games against Patterson High School.

According to the 1927 obituary of Mabel Carter as submitted by Duane Stewart, the first graduating class of Patterson High School occurred in 1901. Ms. Carter was a member of this class, as viewed in a copy of the obituary at the bottom of this page.

Lois Taylor Coonrod shared the following historical information and memories with us:

“My Mother graduated from Patterson High School in 1918, not in the school that stands in Patterson today.  So it was established long before 1920’s. My 90 year old brother went to school through the 4th grade in the same building as my Mother had attended.  He was born in 1922; he is still living and believes the school he and our Mother attended burned.

Patterson  was always a three year High School.  It you wanted a 4th year in high school you had to go to White Hall or Roodhouse IL to complete your 4th year.

I went to Patterson Grade School in the building that replace the one my mother and brother attended for my 7th & 8th grades – Fall of 1952 – Spring of 1954 (graduated from the 8th grade there).  My two younger brother and my younger sister also attended school there.

At that time the school housed grades 1 through 8.  They combined 1st & 2nd grades , 3rd  & 4th, 5th & 6th and 7th & 8th grades together – each 2 combined classes had 1 teacher. Our 7th & 8th grade teacher was also the Principal of the School.  The year I attended it was Charles K. Barnett. We had basketball and baseball teams.  I was a cheerleader.

Later Patterson became a part of North Greene School District and for a period of time it housed 6th graders in the North Greene District.  Roodhouse and White Hall 6th grade students were bussed to Patterson.

Today the school is owned by the community and they hold opry shows there once a month as well as an auction once a month.  It is also used by members for other events.

This September myself and another Patterson Grade School graduate are hosting a Patterson School Reunion inviting anyone who attended Patterson School.    I hope to get more history about the early years, and correct dates as when the high school closed, and what year they reopened it as a grade school, if the original building that my mother and brother attended did burn, and when the current building was built.  I also hope someone had pictures of the school my mother and brother attended.  I’m sure the Greene County Historical Society at Carrollton IL has pictures of the existing building and maybe the earlier building.”

Lois (Baldwin) Southern tells us the following about her time at Patterson High School:

“I attended Paterson School.  I started grade school at age 6 in 1930 – Grades 1-3 were in one room, teacher was Kathryn Hayes, a fantastic teacher.  Grades 4-6 were in another room and the teacher was a Miss Conley.  Grades seven and eight were on the second floor with Roy Ballard as teacher, another fantastic teacher.  I am not sure but I believe I attended high school in the new building.  At that time, it only went thru the 3rd year of high school.  At that time a Mr. Attebury was principal with Mr. Lambert as assistant principal, another fantastic teacher.  I changed to White Hall High for my last two years since I wanted to get in 2 years of typing and Patterson only offered one.  I would have graduated from Patterson in 1941.  This was the largest class in the history of the school – a whopping 13 graduates. I graduated from Whitehall HS in 1942.

I lost track of what went on after that as I left for Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Ill. to become a dietition, but changed my mind and graduated from college with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1949.  Now I have retired in Texas at age 90.”

Lester Dawdy tells us he was a freshman when Patterson High School was closed in the Spring of 1947..  It was likely that Patterson Township kids were bused to nearby Roodhouse to continue their high school education.

Patterson High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                          1900?

First Graduating Class:           1901

Year closed:                            1947

Consolidated to:                      Roodhouse High School (now White Hall North Greene)

Patterson HS team nickname:  unavailable

Patterson HS team colors:       unavailable

School Fight Song:                  unavailable
Athletics

Unfortunately the IHSA website was of no assistance to our research. It does not appear as though Patterson High School had any success in athletics on an IHSA level. It is quite probable that PHS competed in basketball, baseball, and track & field.  If you can assist us with the athletic history of Patterson High School please write to us.

Boys Basketrball

According to a website titled “Illinois Postseason High School Basketball Scores” Patterson High School did compete in the annual IHSA State Tournament. Below are some scores involving PHS found on this website.

1932-33              White Hall District Tournament             Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd Beat Hillview 30-11

                           2nd Rd lost to Roodhouse 39-16

Title Game – Jerseyville beat Murrayville

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

1st Rd. lost to Jacksonville ISD 27-20

Ashland beat Jacksonville in title game

1934-35              Jacksonville District Tournament           Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd. lost to Ashland 31-16

Murrayville beat Jacksonville in title game

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

1st Rd. lost to Greenfield 35-18

Roodhouse beat Modesto in title game

1939-40              Eldred District Runner-Up                   Coach’s name & record needed

                           Early Rd Scores Needed

Title Game lost to Eldred 36-27

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

1st Rd lost to Kampsville 47-41

Eldred beat Kampsville in title game

Extra-Curricular Activities

Other activities such as proms, dances, class plays, farmer’s institutes, and various clubs may have been a part of the Patterson High School experience as well.  We are hopeful an area fan or alumni can help us with this information.

MEMORIES

From Lester Dawdy:

“I was in the last class in the highschool at Patterson. The last class was the 46-47 class, I was a freshman. L.F. Aterbarry and his wife were the last teachers. They lived in Carollton Il. There was about 7 or 8 students.

At one time the basketball team won the county tournement.

Patterson was originaly named Wilmington, the church still carries the name Wilmington Baptist Church as far as I know.

There are people living around their yet that can give some history of the town.  My understanding is it is older than Chicago.  There is a lot of history that has been passed over and forgotten in that part of Green County.”

Do YOU Have Any Further Information?

If you have any information you would like to add to the Patterson High School page please send it to us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. .  A photo of the high school building would be greatly appreciated.  You can also write to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631

Mabel Carter Obituary – PHS 1901, 1st Grad Class
A picture containing text, newspaper Description automatically generated
Submitted by Duane Stewart

Parkersburg High School “Pirates”

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
Parkersburg High School Gymnasium – May / 2012
A picture containing grass, outdoor, sky, building Description automatically generated
Photo Submitted by Parker Whitaker

The History of Parkersburg High School

Parkersburg (population 234) is located in the southeastern portion of Illinois in the south-central portion of Richland County.  Parkersburg sits peacefully on Illinois Route 130 about five miles south of Olney.  The Indiana Hi-Rail Railroad passes through Parkersburg as well. The county roadways of Parkersburg Lane and Angle Lane both lead you to Parkersburg.

The history of the town of Parkersburg and its school system is in need of research.  It is probable that Parkersburg had some sort of high school curriculum in place by the late 1800s, certainly by the early 1900s.  Parkersburg High School served the community and surrounding farm kids for several years.  In the late 1940s and early 1950s the major consolidation sweep that struck Illinois caught up to the small towns in the south and eastern portions of Richland County.

In 1947 this consolidation effort included the creation of the East Richland School District.  We are not certain when, however we believe that the Parkersburg High School District consolidated to East Richland in the early to middle 1950s.  Parkersburg school-aged children continue to attend school as part of the East Richland School system.

If you have further information, including a photo and information on the former Parkersburg High School building, please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net . The Parkersburg HS Gymnasium is still standing as of 2012. Photos of the gym were provided to us by Parker Whitaker. The high school building has been razed..

Parkersburg High School Quick Facts

Year opened:           Late 1800s / Early 1900s

Year closed:            Early 1950s?

Consolidated to:       East Richland School District (Olney)

PHS nickname:        unavailable

PHS team colors:     Red & White

PHS Fight Song:      unavailable
Parkersburg HS Gymnasium Interior – 2012
A picture containing indoor, floor, ceiling Description automatically generated
Submitted by Parker Whitaker (As Viewed From a Hole in the Gym Door)

ATHLETICS

We are certain that Parkersburg High School was a great place to gain an education.  The school likely offered the sports of basketball, baseball, and track for its boys as well.  We currently, however, do not have any information that we can post regarding the PHS athletic program.  We are searching for team records, coach’s names, school team nickname, colors, school fight song, and any other items you may wish to share about Parkersburg High.

From Mark Snyder:

“I have read the book “There Once Were Giants”.  The book is about Hebron High School’s run to the state title.  In the book they reference a high school in Parkersburg, IL.   The book mentions a game Parkersburg High played in basketball against Olney.

The exact reference to Parkersburg High is a game played against Olney High in 1935.  The score was Olney 107,  Parkersburg 13.  In the book, this game is used as a reference for the need for District tournaments prior to the Regionals.”

Boys Basketball

  

We do not have very much information regarding the basketball program at Parkersburg High School. We did find some scores of games played by Parkersburg High School in the IHSA post season tournament. The scores were found on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores“. The scores we located are printed below.

1934 Flora District Tourney

1st Rd – PHS Beat Alma 27 – 21

2nd Rd. – PHS Lost to Louisville 56 – 22

Louisville lost in semi-final

1935 Olney District Tourney

1st Rd – PHS Beat Sailor Springs 37 – 18

2nd Rd. – PHS Lost to Olney 107 – 12

Olney won District Title

This is the extent of information we were able to locate on this site.

Extra-Curricular Activities

We are also certain that other activities were offered to make the Parkersburg HS experience a good one for all of its students.  If you have any stories or information about Parkersburg High School’s other activities please contact us so we can share it with others.

Memories

From Dale, a former grade school student from Parkersburg:

“I happened to see your page regarding Parkersburg, Illinois grade school.  I attended there for only 1-2 years.  I was a cheerleader so I remember our outfits were red skirts with white sweaters (Big red “P” on our sweaters).  I think Mr. Lowe was the principal (& teacher). I remember him as a very kind man, as I was a foster child & he was always nice to me. I’d love to get more info as when we are a kid we don’t remember all.  I do remember there would be plays on the stage some nights…..the reason I remember is the adults would put them on.”

To Provide More Information Regarding Parkersburg High School 

Contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. . Pictures of the HS building are especially welcome.  You can also mail items to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva Ave.

Chicago, Il.   60631
 


Panama High School “Speed Boys”

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
Panama High School Building
A picture containing text, building, white, government building Description automatically generated
Courtesy of Dale Eccles & Gerry Halpin

The History of Panama High School

Panama (population 323) is located in southwestern Illinois about 40 miles northeast of East St. Louis.  Panama is located on the Bond County – Montgomery County borderline.  The main drag through town is Panama/Donnellson Avenue which connects to Illinois Route 127 about two miles to the east.  The Norfolk & Western Railroad runs by the southeast edge of town.  Bearcat Creek flows to the east of the village.

The town of Panama was officially incorporated in 1906.  It is likely a high schoiol was established in the early 1900s. The high school in Panama was well supported and successful for about five decades.  It was in the early 1950s that several surrounding communities agreed to consolidate their efforts into one district.  This occurred in 1954 when the school districts of Panama, Irving, Coffeen, Butler, Donnellson, Taylor Springs, and Schram City all joined Hillsboro to create the Hillsboro Community School District.

It is not known what has become of the Panama School building. It is not even for sure if the building is still in use or still standing.  If you have this information please forward it to us via e-mail at eganann@sbcglobal.net.

For more excellent information on the town of Panama and its history check out www.daleeccles.net .  Webmaster Dale Eccles has put together some incredible history and photos that combine to make a great tribute to this town’s glorious mining past.

Panama High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                     late 1800s / early 1900s

Year closed:                      1954

Consolidated to:                 Hillsboro Community High School

School nickname:              “Speed Boys”

School colors:                   Orange & Black

School Fight Song:            unavailable
Panama High School Basketball Team of 1948
A group of people posing for a photo Description automatically generated
Courtesy of Dale Eccles

Athletics

Panama High School must have had some great rivalries with the schools listed above.  Donnellson and Sorento are both within 3 miles of Panama and probably provided for some GREAT rivalries each year.  It is known that Panama offered basketball and baseball. It is believed that track & field was also offered.  If you have any further information on the Panama High School athletic program please drop us a line.

Boys Basketball

The Panama High School boys basketball team had some excellent years of competing in their area.  The boys won a total of three District Titles.   The only mention of the Panama on the IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org) is in boys basketball.  Unfortunately only the years when the titles were won are listed. We are searching for the records and coach’s names of these and other great Panama High School teams.

1937-38       District Champions

1941-42       District Champions

1943-44       District Champions

***Through research conducted by Mark Jurenga we learned that Panama High School squared off with the mighty Collinsville Kahoks one time.

*Collinsville is #2 in IHSA history in wins with 1,939 after the 2006-2007 season.

1931-32

Edwardsville District

Semifinal- Collinsville 19 Panama 15

Do You Have More Information …

…you can provide regarding the many great accomplishments of Panama High School?  How about the missing information such as school colors, nickname, fight song, coaches names, ect.??  We are especially interested in a photo of the original high school building. Items and information can be e-mailed to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net..  You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.  60631