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The Lima High School boys likely competed in basketball and quite likely track and baseball. School team colors, school fight song, team records, and coach’s names are all items we are in need of. There is no mention of Lima High School on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org).

BOYS BASKETBALL

We have been able to find out that the school’s first basketball team was organized by principal George Stickey sometime after World War I and they played their games on an outdoor court.

Games involving Lima High School playing in the annual IHSA State Tournament were located on a website titled Illinois Postseason High School Basketball Scores. The results are listed below.

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

1st Rd lost to Camp Point 13-12 (O/T)

Pittsfield beat Barry in title game

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

1st Rd Beat Kinderhook 32-12

2nd Rd lost to Golden 14-13

Payson beat Mendon in title game

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

1st Rd Beat Lorraine 27-17

2nd Rd lost to Hamilton 39-6

Quincy beat Hamilton in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Ursa 37-15

Quincy beat Hamilton in title game

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

1st Rd lost to LaPrairie 39-15

Quincy beat Camp Point in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Augusta 126-6

Augusta beat Timewell in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Golden 54-17

Golden beat Liberty in title game

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

1st Rd lost to Golden 34-16

Golden beat Ursa in title game

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

1st Rd lost to LaPrairie 30-28

Golden beat LaPrairie in title game.

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

1st Rd lost to Golden 23-11

Golden beat LaPrairie in title game

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

*1st Rd lost to Clayton 36-18

Kinderhook beat Clayton in title game

*Final varsity boys basketball game listed on the site for Lima High School.

Extra-Curricular Activities

It is likely that Lima High School offered music, clubs, dances, and other such extra-curricular activities. We are interested in information on these activities as well.

If You Have ANY Information…

…on the former Lima High School we hope you will take the time to share it with us. We would like to share the memories of this school before the information is possibly lost forever. We are especially interested in a photo of the original high school building. You can e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631

The Lily Lake High School Lions likely played high school basketball in Illinois High School history.  We believe it is possible that the boys competed in baseball and possibly track as well.  School team colors, team records, and coach’s names are also items we would like to add to this page.

We know that the Lily Lake High School experience did not rest soley in the gym or on the field.  We believe that many other “extra-curricular” activities were offered as part of the educational plan too.  FFA, FHA, GAA, band, chorus, and many other events probably helped to make the Lily Lake school a special one.

Do You Have Information to Share About Lily Lake High?

Several questions posted above remain unanswered.  If you have ANY information you wish to share regarding Lily Lake High School please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.  You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631

Lily Lake School Complex 2014

LILY LAKE HIGH SCHOOL ROLL CALL OF 1927

Freshmen:

Orrin Johnson, Carl Johnson, Claire Erickson, Esther Johnson

Sophomores:

Teresa Armand, Gerhart Anderson

Junior:

Lola Read

The Lerna High School boys competed in basketball and quite likely track and baseball. School fight song, team records, and coach’s names are all items we are in need of.  There is no mention of Lerna High School on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org).

BASKETBALL

The boys basketball team competed in the annual IHSA postseason tournament. We located some scores involving the “Bulldogs” on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.” Season records and coaches’ names of these and other Lerna High School basketball teams are needed.

Lerna HS Basketball Team 1926-27

Submitted by Caryl Vickers-Taylor

Photo Above

From Brock Childress regarding the photo above:

“The boy on the far left is my father Kenneth Harold Childress (also spelled Childers).”

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

1st Rd lost to Oakland 32-17

Oakland lost in 2nd round.

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

1st Rd lost to Oakland 34-7

Oakland lost in 2nd round.

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          Matoon Regional Tournament             Coach’s name & record needed

1st Rd lost to Sullivan 37-22

Sullivan lost in semi-final round.

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

1940-41 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

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

1942-43 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

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

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

                      1st Rd Beat Westfield 41-36

                      Semi-final lost to Oakland 32-22

Oakland lost in title game.

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

1st Rd lost to Redmon 54-31

Redmon lost in title game.

1946-47 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

1947-48 Postseason scores, record, and coach’s name needed.

(Final season as Lerna High School.)

Lerna Grade School Basketball Team Circa 1940s

Submitted by Tim Naab (left click on photo for larger view)

**From Tim Naab:

Regarding the above basketball team photo:

Back row:  Teacher Les Drumm

Middle row, left to right:  Keith Bruell, Gerald Foot, Dale Thompson, Charles Jackson, Bud Evans

Front row, left to right; Joe Thompson, Fred Sampson

Cheerleaders, left to right: Velma Jenkins, Peggy Jo Morgan

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

It is likely that Lerna High School offered music, clubs, dances, plays, and other such extra-curricular activities.  We are interested in information on these activities as well.

The 1933 Lerna High School play program shown below was submitted M. Tait. The program was locatd in a 1923 Atlas purchased in Los Angeles, California!

Lerna High School Play Program 1933

Submitted by M. Tait

MEMORIES

From Randy Vaultonburg:

“My mother graduated from Lerna High School in 1948,the last year it was a high school. I went to the same school building the last year it was a grade school,1968. It was torn down and three houses were built on the property where the school once stood. The school colours were blue and gold and the basketball team at one point was called the Lerna “Blue Devils”. If I remember correctly there was an issue with the devil part and the name was subsequently changed to the “Bull Dogs”. There is no longer a grade school in Lerna at all and the “new” building is used for an alternative education group called “Bridges”.”

Lerna School Children – 1920

Courtesy of Caryl Vickers-Taylor

Lerna HS Students 1927

Submitted by Brock Childress

**Regarding the photo above from Brock Childress:

“On the back of the picture there are six names.  On the front row left to right is Reed, Donald Barger, Lloyd Barger, Merl Stiner, Donald Sampson, and Kenneth Childres.

I have been on a journey tracking down my dad’s (Kenneth Childres) past.  As it turns out my dad’s side of the family have a long history in the Lerna, Trilla, Johnstown area.  His family’s last name was Childers long ago.  Looking at census data is incredible seeing the different spelling of last names.  My last name was spelled Childress, Childres, Childers, Childus.  That is what I have found so far.  My dad joined the navy prior to WW II.  He came back from the navy and attended Eastern Illinois University.  Dad was quite a basketball player.  He played basketball at EIU but did not graduate.  He later moved to Paris where he, my mom, and I lived.  Dad worked for Edgar Electric Coop his entire working career.  He was well liked in Paris and had many friends.   I am attaching a picture of the Lerna High School students.  It seems the back of the school was their favorite place to take pictures. I’m not sure of the year.”

If You Have ANY Information…

…on the former Lerna High School of Coles County we hope you will take the time to share it with us.  We would like to share the memories of this school before the information is possibly lost forever.  We are especially interested in a photo of the original high school building.  You can e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631

We know that the Lenzburg High School boys competed in basketball. The boys of 1935-36 competed in the Coulterville District Tourney, losing to DeSoto High School in the first round. We are searching for team records, coaches names, team nickname (Lions?), uniform colors, and school fight song. It is likely the boys competed in baseball and possibly track as well.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

If you have any information on other activities such as band, chorus, plays, FFA, FHA, GAA, and the like, please contact us so we can share it on this page.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION

We are hopeful an area enthusiast can “fill in the blanks” regarding the Lenzburg High School successes and history.  We are always in need of photos and information on the great teams.  If you wish to help us out please complete a Guest Commentary Form.  You may also e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva Ave.

Chicago, Il.    60631

There is not a lot of information available regarding the Lena High School athletic program. owever information has become available from Lena alumnus John Timmerman (Class of 1943). It is a fact boys basketball was offered. John recalls the boys competed in 12-inch softball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track in the spring.  We are hopeful others from the area will help us with some stories and records of the great athletic teams of Lena’s past.

Boys Basketball

The Lena High School boys basketball team won two District titles during its existence. According to John Timmerman the boys in fact won a third District Championship in the 1942-43 season.  The ’43 team then went to the Regional where they were pitted against Rockford West, a school MANY times their size, and they were beaten in the first round.  The coach of the Lions from 1939 to 1942 was Carl Miller, who left when called to serve his country in World War II. Coach Faye Parkinson took over as head coach for the 1942-43 campaign. Four team members of the 1943 team are still alive and well.  They include Marvin Uecker and Jack Leamon (both of Lena), Dale Buss of Dakota, and John Timmerman of Dundee.  Coach Parkinson is still alive as well, living in California. The team records and coaches names of other teams are not known.

1942-43       District Champions              Coach Faye Parkinson 

1944-45       District Champions

1949-50       District Champions

Track & Field

The Lena Lions also competed in Track & Field each spring.  Coach of the thinclads for the 1939 through 1943 years was Vernon MacComber, who also still resides in Lena.

Need Your Help

If you have any information regarding the history of Lena High School and its many great accomplishments please write to us and share Lena’s success with others.  We are especially interested in a photo of the old high school building, great teams, and great characters of LHS’ past.  You can e-mail us this information at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net .  You also write at us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.      60631

Year opened:                1955

Year closed:                 1992

School colors:               Blue & White

School nickname:        “Vikings”

School song:                 “Hail Our Colors”

                                                First stanza provided by Carmen Maugeri

                                                Remaining verses provided by Kenneth Searcy

Stand we hail our colors

                                   With spirits burning bright

                                   Loyal to the blue

                                   Honor to the white.

                                   Fraternal with each other,
In stature growing tall.
Prompt, exact and cheerful,
We hail St Vincent dePaul!

Prompt, exact and cheerful,
We hail St Vincent dePaul!

Despite the low enrollments, the school did offer a basketball team that played in the IHSA state tournament during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, according to this author.

Kenneth Searcy (Class of 1985) provided the following information about St. Vincent dePaul athletics:

“We just didn’t have great basketball teams and seasons, we also had great soccer teams and seasons. Those were the two sports we played as a high school all over the Chicagoland area.”

St. Vincent de Paul Varsity Basketball 1967-68

Courtesy of Bernie Hannigan

BASKETBALL

A friend of the Glory Days website, Bernie Hannigan, provided the photo to your right and the school building photo at the top of this page via his copy of the 1968 St. Vincent de Paul Yearbook, The Medallion”.  The article states that St. Vincent de Paul had succeeded in finishing their fourth straight winning season that year.  If you have any frther information on the St. Vincent de Paul basketball program, please contact us.

1967-68    14 – 4   Coach Fr. James Seghers

1974-75                 Coach Doug Bruno

MEMORIES

**From Carmen Maurgeri:

“We had wrestling and soccer. The school was small so I lettered 4 times in both of these sports. Even though we were small and a very religious school – we had some great standouts in all three of these sports.

“My freshman year (75) Doug Bruno was our Athletic Director. I think he was there for all of 3 days and then went off to coach under Ray Meyer at DePaul.”

**From Phil Cahill:

“My name is Phil Cahill and I am a 1976 graduate of St. Vincent de Paul. I played basketball for Doug Bruno (head women’s basketball coach at DePaul University and coach for the USA women’s basketball team at the world games) and  he is still a close friend of mine. Doug coached the entire 1975 season at St. Vincent.

“The school, at the time I was there, competed in soccer, wrestling, tennis, and basketball. All students lived on campus and were permitted to go home on the occasional weekend. When on campus each student had a “job” to attend to daily. The weekends spent on campus found the students performing “work orders” on Saturday mornings. Work orders included assignments  like washing and waxing dormitory floors, cleaning the shower areas, dry mopping and wet mopping the gymnasium.

“The gymnasium was built in an old aircraft hanger that was leftover from the Fournier Institute. The playing surface was actually raised up slightly off of the concrete floor that existed below. At each end of the gym were huge garage doors.

“Study hall was mandatory each night after dinner, with night and morning prayers. Intramural sports were popular and the “Class Series”  (seniors vs. juniors, and sophs. versus frosh, and so on) were always interesting. In basketball during the mid-70’s, St. Vincent’s competed against St. Joseph Seminary, St. Charles Boromeo, Elgin Academy among others, and faired relatively well.

“As I come across other information I will pass it along. Great site. I am always looking for information about St. Vincent and was surprised I found it at your site.”

**From John (Big John or B.J.) Milner:

“I attended St. Vincent’s in the 60’s and would have been in the class of 1968.  After punching in the subject, up comes the picture of the main building at the seminary.  When I scrolled further, I was more than amazed to see the photo of the basketball team. I enlarged the picture as best I could (I am not really a big computer user, and almost never use the internet), and was immediately flooded with memories of my time at St. Vincent’s. I certainly recognized most of the guys in the picture, and even though I could not really read their names, I pretty much knew who was who. These guys were all in my class!

“Of course I remembered Fr. Seghers. His nickname, almost all priests and most of the kids were given nicknames, was Jet, or sometimes Jimmy Jet. His first name was James and the nickname, if I remember correctly, came from the way he signed his initials that he put on the frequent notices he attached on the dormitory bulletin board.

“Another priest who often left us notes was Fr. O’Brien. His nickname was R-job.  This too from his initials; R.J. O’b.. Richard J. O’Brien. My own nickname was Big John. Here I am almost 60 years old, I couldn’t tell you what I had for breakfast today, but I know the nicknames of some people from over 40 years ago.

“My two years at St. Vincent’s were just the best times any kid could have ever had. It was like having a couple of hundred brothers. I vividly remember all of the buildings and the great priests and fellow seminarians. The only reason I left was because I knew I really wasn’t going to be a priest and I figured I was missing something better by not going to a regular high school (GIRLS!!)  Now I am a grandfather and realize that I could have at least stayed on the full four years, had  a great time, and not missed out on anything.

“In the internet posting you asked for info on the seminary. I don’t think there was any team names or anything. When I was there, I don’t even think we played too many other schools in any sports. We did have a great basketball team that would play some other seminaries and I remember once we hosted a baseball game against, I think, Brother Rice High School.

“What I do know is that the schools’ colors were blue and white. We had a school song that mentioned those colors  but I don’t remember all the words. The school’s motto was “Prompt, Exact, and Cheerful.” All of the students from Sophomore year on up wore a patch on the front of our blazer, (received after enduring something called “patch day,” the details of which I still feel duty bound to keep secret) that had the motto spread out in a circle over the school emblem.  This was in Latin, “Celeritas, Diligentia, Hilaritas.” My Latin is rusty, but I think that is correct.

“The song had part that said “…glory to the blue, honor to the white…prompt, exact and cheerful, we hail St. Vincent de Paul.”

“Anyway, I don’t know who this note will reach. I hope it reaches someone. The internet article credited the photo as coming from a Bernie Hannigan who had the picture in his yearbook (what I wouldn’t give to see that yearbook!). I didn’t know a Bernie Hannigan but we (class of ’68) had a Bernie O”Malley. Bernard J. O”Malley, I still remember the laundry tags sown on all your underwear. I this is going to him, Hi Bernie. As I remember, we just called you “O”Malley.”

“As I said, I’m not much of an internet user but I will absolutely keep checking my e-mails to see if I have gotten any reply to this. And if anyone out there remembers me from St. Vincent’s, I would love to hear from you. You were all a great part of my life and I wish you all the best.”

**From Joseph Roland:

“I just came across the page for school on your website. Very interesting history. Thank you so much for collecting it all. I attended St. Vincent dePaul Seminary from August of 1989 through May of 1991, when the school closed. I happen to have yearbooks for the school from 1986-1992. Since I was there when the school closed, I did happen to walk away with one or two knick-knacks – one of which is the front elevation blueprint for the administration building (the “A” Building, as we called it). It was a beautiful little building.

**From Al Jaglowski:

“I was looking for some information for an affirmation letter for my grandson’s Confirmation and came across an old photo from my days at a retreat at St. Vince de Paul Seminary in Lemont, Illinois.  I saw on your website that you were asking for information, so I have attached the photo for your use.

I am in the 2nd row, the 2nd from the right and Michael Hermes is the 3rd from right in 2nd row & would go to Quigley, also.”

Lemont St. Vincent de Paul Retreat 1964

Submitted by Al Jaglowski

WE’RE LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION….

about the history of Lemont St. Vincent de Paul Seminary. School colors, team nicknames, school song, names of famous alumni, along with information about sports and activities listed above are welcome for submission, as are memories. Please contact us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or send your information thru the mail to:

Illinois High School Glory Days

6439 North Neva

Chicago, IL  60631

The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, WI were in charge of the school, which graduated its first class in 1893. In 1896, the Rev. Michael O’Sullivan opened a commercial department of the school, and enrollment grew within the year. Those students had their first graduation in 1898 at the Teden Opera house with Circuit Judge John J. Gibbons handing out diplomas to those students.

Even though the enrollment had another jump in 1899, it is believed that the commercial department closed in 1900 when Rev. O’Sullivan was transferred to St. Bridget’s Parish in Chicago, but we are uncertain if the academic department followed suit. The building remains standing in Lemont today, even as students from St. Patrick now attend school with students from St. Alphonsus Parish.

Year opened:                                    1884

Commercial department added:          1896

1st Commercial graduation:                1898

Year commercial dept. closed:           1900

SPECIAL THANKS…

We’d like to offer thanks to the folks at the Lemont Area Historical Society for some of the information & photo from Richard Lee that are listed on this page about St. James’ history, as well as the 1953 dissertation on Catholic secondary education in the Archdiocese of Chicago by St. Mary Innocenta Montay.

ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET…..

is something we say a lot and can get from you if you know more information about the history of Lemont St. James Academy. We welcome your information via email at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or by writing us at the following address:

IHSGD Site

6439 North Neva

Chicago, IL  60631

We know that the boys of Lemont Fournier Institute of Technology competed with other schools in the area in the sport of basketball. It is probable that baseball and track were offered as well. School team nickname, uniform colors, fight song, team records, and coach’s names are all items we would like to share on this page.

Boys Basketball

We know that the team of 1948-49 had a real nice season. This is proven by the fact that Fournier won a District title that year. The team record and coach’s name of this and other Fournier teams are needed.

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

Semi-final lost to Bensenville 41-28

Riverside Beat Bensenville in title game

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

1st Rd Beat St. Procopius 45-35

                                 2nd Rd Beat Leyden 34-27

Semi-final lost to Riverside-Brookfield 52-37

R-B beat Hinsdale in title game

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

Semi-final lost to Des Plaines St. Mary’s 42-34

Des Plaines St. Mary’s beat St. Procopius in title game

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

Semi-final lost to St. Procopius 38-17

Des Plaines St. Mary’s beat St. Procopius in title game

1948-49                    Lisle District Champions              Coach’s name & record needed.

Semi-Final Beat St. Procopius 42-38

                                 Title Game Beat Des Plaines St. Mary’s 27-26

                                 Elmhurst Regional Tournament

                                 1st Rd lost to Maine Township 65-22

Downers Grove Beat Hinsdale in title game

1949-50                    Lisle District Tournament                Coach’s name & record needed

Semi-final lost to St. Procopius 42-37

St. Procopius beat Lemont in title game

ST. PROCOPIUS (42): Kaspar 19, Rehcorik 7, Blondell 7, Ondrak 4, Vargas 3, Urban 2.

FOURNIER (37): Gliniecki 11, O’Neill 11, Proctor 8, Kolet 6, Denigan 1.

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

*1st Rd lost to Orland Park 44-33

St. Procopius beat Orland Park in title game

*Possibly the last HS varsity basketball game for Fournier HS.   

MEMORIES

**From Celeste Kadisak:

“My father-in-law, Richard Kadisak, attended Fournier Institute in Lemont  from 1943-1944. He graduated elementary school in 1940, so I assume his attendance at Fournier was for junior and senior years of high school.  After graduation, he then entered the army, and fought in the Philippines and was with the occupying forces in Japan.”

Photo of Fournier Student Richard Kadisak – 1940s

Courtesy of Cleste Kadisak

“ I was a student at Fournier at the time of its closing in 1955. We were told our scholarships would be transferred to either Marquette University or the University of Notre Dame.  A small number were transferred to the University of Illinois.

The basketball team was called the Titans and the colors were blue and white.  A volume of information called “The Fournier Story” will fill you in on many, many pages of details regarding the incredible story of this institution.”

If You Have Further Information To Share… 

…regarding the history of Fournier Institute of Technology, please write to us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also contact us via U.S. Postal Service at the following address:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago,  Il.    60631

Lemont Fournier Institute Building

Provided by Celeste Kadisak

Lemont Fournier Insititute Entrance

Sent to us by Celeste Kadisak

Lee Center School Building 2008

Lee Center (population approx. 125) is located in the center of Lee County in north-central Illinois. A nearby city of note is Franklin Grove, located nine miles to the north on Whitney Road. Dixon is located 11 miles to the northwest. This is an unincorporated community with Inlet Road being the main roadway through town. It is situated 1 mile southeast of U.S. Route 30.

Lee Center has a fascinating and storied history. The following is a summary of a newspaper article located in the Dixon Telegraph Newspaper written on February 28, 1976 titled “Lee Center Inhabitants Set Up Village to Flee Bandits.”

In the early 1830s a small hamlet named “Inlet” was established along the Green River about 1.9 miles southeast of current day Lee Center. The location today is on Inlet Road near Diveley Rd just south of the Green River. Due its’ dense woods and hard to reach location the settlement soon became a haven for the worst society in Illinois at that time had to offer. It is said that Inlet became a hideout and a hangout for many thieves and even murderers, some from out of state. This small village had multiple murders occur (according to the article) in which the killer was never identified or apprehended. This caused the few upstanding citizens of Inlet to relocate about 2 miles northwest of Inlet. They started their own settlement which they named Lee Center due to it’s location in the newly formed Lee County. For the next 10-15 years there was a sort of rivalry between the two towns of Lee Center and Inlet. A group of men banded together and forced most of the bad actors to leave Inlet and the immediate area. Inlet slowly faded away and Lee Center began to flourish. Three historic buildings remain in Lee Center and are located on Inlet Road. The Three-Bottle Inn, built in the 1839, remains and is now a private residence. The Congregational Church, built in the 1856, remains and is still in operation. The Masonic Temple, built in 1913, also remains standing however does not appear to be currently in use.  (See photos below.)

The first school in Lee Center, which was also the first building constructed in the town, was held in a log cabin built in 1836. In 1846 town residents decided to create a school of higher learning and began plans to erect the Lee Center Union Academy. The Academy building, made of brick and mud, was finished in 1848 and classes began that Fall. During the 1850s Lee Center Union Academy gained great notoriety as being one of the premier educational institutes in the area, possibly in all of northern Illinois. Students arrived from as far away as Rockford and Mt. Morris, both of whom had established similar educational facilities. It is stated that some students even attended from out of state, no small feat in the 1850s! Enrollment hit a peak of 200 students with 4 instructors.

Lee Center Union Academy operated under this capacity until 1859 when it was consolidated with Lee Center Union Grade School to form Public School District #1. The original brick building (see photo below) was used until a new school building was constructed in 1909. This building burned down in 1931. A new, brick school building was erected and ready for use in 1934. The grades 1-12 school continued to sustain itself through the early 1950s. It was in 1956 that the decision was made to close the Lee Center School District. The District would consolidate with Franklin Grove School District to form the Franklin Center School District. The high school and upper grades of the grade school were held in Franklin Grove.

Lee Center’s school building would host grades 1-8 for many years for the new school arrangement as well as harbor the School District #271 (covering Paw Paw, Franklin Grove, and Lee Center) administrative faculty. The Lee Center school later held classes only for grades 1-3 through at least the 1970s. It has been difficult to find the year in which the school in Lee Center ceased being utilized as a school. One article states the school building was repurposed as an apartment building in the 1990s. This situation did not work out and eventually the building was left abandoned. The building was sold to a private citizen in 2018. However in 2022 Lee County officials condemned the building due to its’ dilapidated condition. The Lee Center School Building, constructed in 1936, is destined to be demolished in the near future.

Franklin Center High School consolidated with Ashton High School in 2004. Lee Center children attend Franklin Grove Elementary school while older children attend Ashton-Franklin Center High School in Ashton, located 14 miles to the north-northeast.

The 1936 Lee Center school building is still standing as of May of 2025, covered by trees and bushes. An aerial view shows the roof of the structure is caving in as well. The two posts for the front entrance located near Inlet road were dedicated by the Lee Center High School class of 1946. Hopefully these posts will form the basis for a school memorial someday.

Lee Center High School “Quick Facts”:

Year Opened:        1847 (Lee Center Union Academy)

Year Closed:          1956

School Colors:       Scarlet & Gray

School Mascot:      the “Bulldogs”

School Song:         unavailable

ATHLETICS

Lee Center High School offered Basketball, and may have offered a track or baseball program for a short time. We would like to add many more items about the Lee Center High School athletic program including school fight song. If you have a photo of a sports team from LCHS we would like to add that as well. Season records, coaches’ names, and other items are all being sought.

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BOYS BASKETBALL

. LCHS won four athletic championships on the state level. All four were in Boys Basketball.  Coach’s names and team records are needed.  Postseason IHSA basketball scores were found on a website titled “Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores.”

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

1st Rd. Lost to Hebron 28-20

Rockford beat New Milford in title game

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

1st Rd. Lost to Lyndon 20-11

Sterling beat Rock Falls in title game.

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

1st Rd Beat Franklin Grove 36-14

2nd Rd lost to Ohio 20-13.

Rock Falls beat Sterling in title game.

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

1st Rd Beat West Brooklyn 28-9

2nd Rd lost to Paw Paw 28-19.

Sterling beat Rock Falls in title game.

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

1st Rd. Lost to Tampico 54-12

Tampico lost in 2nd Rd.

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

1st Rd. Lost to Ohio 40-9

Ohio lost in 2nd Rd.

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

1st Rd. Lost to Walnut 31-12

Walnut lost in 2nd Rd.

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1936-37                   Dixon Regional Tournament                 Coach’s name & record needed

(Lee Center did not compete in District this season.)

1st Rd. – Beat Rock Falls 17-15

Semi-final – lost to Sterling 38-17

Sterling won Regional title

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1937-38                   Franklin Grove District Champions!  Coach’s name & record needed

Semi-Final Beat Leaf River 18-16

Title Game – Beat Byron 39-22

Oregon Regional Tournament

1st Rd lost to Stillman Valley 48-28.

Polo beat Mt. Morris in title game.

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

1st Rd lost to Stillman Valley 23-21 (O/T)

Franklin Grove beat Stillman Valley in title game.

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1939-40                   Byron District Champions!                Coach Herbert Blodgett

Title Game Beat Leaf River 40-25

Oregon Regional Tournament

1st Rd Beat Polo 28-27

Semi-Final lost to Mt. Morris 14-11

Oregon beat Mt. Morris in title game.

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

1st Rd Beat Steward 60-17

Semi-Final lost to Leaf River 36-20.

Byron beat Leaf River in title game.

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1941-42                   Byron District Tournament                    Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Byron 29-27.

Byron beat Stillman Valley in title game.

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1942-43                   Sterling Regional Tournament              Coach’s name & record needed

Lee Center did not compete in District

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Sterling 47-27

Sterling lost in semi-final round

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1943-44                   Franklin Grove District Tournament      Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd Beat Harmon 49-25

Semi-Final lost to Franklin Grove 34-30.

Lee beat Franklin Grove in title game.

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

1st Rd. –  Beat West Brooklyn 66-18

Semi-final – Lost to Steward 41-26

Steward beat Lee in title game.

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

1st Rd. –  Lost to West Brooklyn 30-26

West Brooklyn lost in semi-final round.

Steward beat Franklin Grove in title game.

WEST BROOKLYN (30): E. Gehant 10, J. Gehant 10, Sheridan 5, Ege 4, Hinkle 1.

LEE CENTER (26): B. Conibear 13, R. Delhotel 5, Ly. Delhotel 4, Le. Delhotel 2, Sondergrath 2.

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1946-47                   Franklin Grove District Champions! Coach Glenn Davenport 

Season record needed 

District Tourney

Semi-final – Beat West Brooklyn

Title Game – Beat Steward 36-30

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Sterling 47-38

Sterling lost in semi-final round.

Rock Falls beat Dixon in title game.

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1947-48                   Franklin Grove District Champions! Coach Glenn Davenport 

Season record needed 

District Tourney

Semi-final – Beat Compton 69-24

Title Game – Beat Steward 42-41

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Amboy 65-48

Amboy lost in semi-final round.

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1948-49                   Franklin Grove District Tournament      Coach’s name & record needed

Team Placed 2nd in District Tourney

Semi-final – Beat Compton 60-43

Title Game –  Lost to Steward 30-26

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

Lee Center did not compete in District

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Rock Falls 74-20

Rock Falls lost in title game

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

Lee Center did not compete in District

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Sterling 94-15

Sterling won Regional Tourney

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

Lee Center did not compete in District

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Amboy 58-43

Amboy lost in semi-final round.

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

Lee Center did not compete in District

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Sterling Newman 68-42

Newman lost in semi-final round.

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

Lee Center did not compete in District

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Dixon 112-51

Dixon lost in title game.

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1954-55                   Rock Falls Regional Tournament        Coach’s name & record needed

Lee Center did not compete in District

Regional Tourney

1st Rd. – Lost to Sterling 72-36

Sterling won Regional title.

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1955-56 Postseason scores, record, & coach’s name needed.

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Lee Center participated in the Green River Valley Conference against foes from the towns of Paw Paw, Compton, Kings, Steward, Lee, and Rollo.

Information on two of Lee Center High School’s District Championship teams was provided to us by Brian Hoxsey:

“In 1946-47 head coach Glenn Davenport led the Bulldogs to a district championship.  Lee Center defeated Steward 36-30 in the district title game, and then dropped a 47-38 decision to Sterling in the regionals.

Davenport also led Lee Center to another District title the next season (1947-48).”

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

It is very likely that other activities were offered at Lee Center High School besides sports. Band, choir, FFA, FHA, and other clubs and activities were probably a part of the student life at LCHS. Please contact us via the means listed below if you have information on these and other activities at Lee Center HS.

Noteable Alumni

A.J. Streetor, an alum of the original Academy, ran for Governor of Illinois in 1880 for the Greenback Party.

Seeking More Information

More information is being sought about Lee Center High School. Corrections are welcome as well. If you have more Information about LCHS, including photos of the school,  consolidation dates and other great teams and high school memories you would like to share. Please contact us via email at:  ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net

Lee High School Front

Courtesy of Linda Paugher / Submitted by Roberta Vanbriesen

Lee is located in Lee County on the county line between Lee and DeKalb Counties. The Burlington-Northern Santa Fe line from Seattle to Chicago runs through Lee, which was the result of the towns growth during the late 1800’s.

A converted saloon was the first regular public school building until a new public school was built in 1876. In 1890 a larger two-story frame structure was put up to accommodate all elementary students. In later years this was enlarged to make room for the grades and a two-year high school.

Many of the country schools were still operating in the 1940’s, but State legislation forced them to close in 1945, and the districts consolidated with the Lee School. The present brick school building at the south edge of Lee was constructed in 1936. It housed both grade and high school students until 1946 when the three-year high school was closed and the pupils paid tuition to finish at neighboring towns Rochelle, Steward and Shabbona.

Lee School Entrance

Courtesy of Linda Paugher / Submitted by Roberta Vanbriesen

Lee High School “Quick Facts”:

Year opened:           1890

Year deactivated:     1946

School Colors:         Unavailable

Nickname:               Unavailable

School Fight Song:   Unavailable

Athletics

For small towns like Lee, the high school was the center of the community and contests versus other schools were a thing to see whenever their athletic teams competed.

Lee High School offered Basketball, their premier sport, and maybe track and baseball. Lee High School won one IHSA District Championship, in 1943-44. Coaches names and team records are not available

It is also thought that Lee high School competed in the Green River Valley Conference with the likes of Compton, Lee Center, Rollo, Paw Paw, Kings, Steward, and Franklin Grove.  Please fill the School Submission Form if anyone knows this information.

Lee High School Basketball Team – 1920s

Left click on photo for larger view.

Seeking Your In-Put

If you have more Information about Lee High School, including a photo of the school, nickname, school colors or great teams you would like to share please e-mail this web site at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net .  You can also write to us at:

IHSGD Website

6439 N. Neva Ave.

Chicago, Il.  60631

Lee School Flagpole

Courtesy of Linda Paugher / Submitted by Roberta Vanbriesen