| The History of Iuka High School
Iuka (population 598) is located in south-central Illinois on Iuka Road just south of U.S. Route 50. The town is located in west-central Marion County. The CSX Railroad line passes through town. The town of Salem sits just about 6 miles to the west and Interstate Highway 57 is located just 1 miles further west of Salem. The history of the town of Iuka and its former high school are in need of research. Through research of other like towns, we would guess that the town was established in the late 1800s. A school was likely established soon after. Iuka residents probably started a high school curriculum for their children in the late 1800s, though this may not have occurred until the early 1900s. We know through research of athletic conferences in the area that Iuka High School closed in 1938. The kids of Iuka were bussed to nearby Salem to continue their high school education. The folks of Iuka did maintain control of their grade school however, an arrangement that we believe continues today. Iuka Grade School may still serve the town for kids in grades K – 8. John E. Wilson tells us the original Iuka High School building burned down in 1917. The fate of the second Iuka High School building is being sought. Iuka High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800s / early 1900s Year closed: 1938 Consolidated to: Salem High School Iuka HS team nickname: “Indians” Iuka HS team colors: Green & White School Fight Song: unavailable |
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Irwin Sacred Heart Catholic H.S.
The History of Irwin Sacred Heart Catholic High School Irwin (population 92) is located in northeastern Illinois in the southwest-central portion of Kankakee County. This places Irwin about 10 miles southwest of Kankakee. County Road S 6000W is the main roadway to Irwin, connecting it to Illinois Route 115 just one-half mile to the north. The Illinois Central Railroad passes through the center of Irwin. The history of the town of Irwin is in need of research. According to information found in Jim Ridings’ books titled “County West, A Sesquicentennial History of Kankakee County West,” and “County West Companion, A Further History of Western Kankakee County,” Irwin once hosted a very progressive catholic high school for girls named Sacred Heart. The articles were submitted to us by Sherree Benoit. Mr. Ridings’ books tell us that Sacred Heart School was established in 1917 and was the only Catholic high school located in Kankakee County West. The school was affiliated with the St. James Catholic Church. When first built, Sacred Heart was meant to house boarders. Boarders in the early years came from as far away as Chicago.
Sacred Heart offered grade school classes for grades 1-8 and three years of high school. Students wishing to attend a fourth year would attend Kankakee St. Patrick High School or Herscher High School. We have found out that Sacred Heart ceased to offering high school courses in 1930. One photo does state that the school’s name was changed to St. James The Apostle School “in later years.” Another photo states that the first communion for St. James The Apostle School was in 1950. The article also shows a photo of the Sacred Heart High School graduating class of 1929 (see below). The school was an all-girls’ institution of an average enrollment of 15-18 students, taught by the Sisters Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary. The school was also an approved secondary school of the Illinois Department of Public Instruction, and closed due to the lack of teachers from the order. The building that served as Sacred Heart High School continued to serve as St. James The Apostle Grade School until this school, too, was closed in 1965. The building was used for church classes until it was demolished in 1978 to make room for a newer parish hall. Sacred Heart High School Quick Facts Year opened as 3-year HS: 1917 Year closed: 1930 Year building ceased school operations: 1965 Year building demolished: 1978 Athletic team nickname: unknown if sports offered
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Irvington High School
The History of Irvington High School
Irvington (population 736) is located in south-central Illinois. Irvington is located in northeastern Washington County about 6 miles south of Centralia and 15 miles northwest of Mt. Vernon. Illinois Route 177 is the main roadway to and from Irvington. U.S. Route 51 passes by the east side of town. The Illinois Central Railroad passes through Irvington as well
The history of the town of Irvington and its school system have been difficult to research. We are still searching for the roots of both. We believe that Irvington High School was established in the late 1800s, though possibly not until the early 1900s. We know that Irvington High School was still going strong in the early 1930s (see “Boys Basketball” below). Or guess is that Irvington High School may have closed in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Due to the size of the town, this may have not occurred until even later, however we will need a local fan or resident to verify this.
What is known is that the high school-aged students of Irvington now attend Centralia High School. Irvington still hosts an elementary school for students in grades PK – 8. It is wondered if this school could be held in the former Irvington High School building? The fate of this building is being sought.
Irvington High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late 1800s/early 1900s
Year closed: late 1940s?
Consolidated to: Centralia High School
Irvington HS team nickname: unavailable
Irvington HS team colors: unavailable
School Fight Song: unavailable
| Athletics
According to District Tournament basketball records of 1931-32, Irvington High School definitely competed in this sport. It is likely that baseball and track were offered as well. We would like to report the team records, coach’s names, uniform colrs and nickname, school fight song, and any other items that you would like to share regarding the Irvington High School athletic program. Boys Basketball The only information we currently have on Irvington HS basketball is a score from a first-round District Tournament game held in Carlyle in 1932. The score of this game had Keyesport beating the boys from Irvington 19 – 8. If you have ANY further information you would like to share regarding Irvington HS basketball please contact us via the means listed below. Extra-Curricular Activities Were the kids of Irvington involved in band? How about chorus, GAA, FAA, dances, plays, bon fires, and other school gatherings? Please write to us and share this information with others. Need Your Assistance If you have any information regarding the Irvington High School athletic program and other school programs offered there, please share them with us. We are especially interested in sharing photos and history of the old high school building and great teams and coaches. You can reach us by the following means: E-mail: Post Office: Illinois HS Glory Days 6439 N. Neva St. Chicago, Il. 60631 |
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Irving High School “Eagles”
The History of Irving High School Irving (population 495) is located in southwest-central Illinois. Irving sits in the central part of Montgomery County on Illinois Route 16 about 40 miles south of Springfield. A branch of the Little Creek flows through into Irving. The Conrail Railroad line has tracks that mirror Route 16 and travel through Irving as well. The town of Irvig is blessed with an incredibly informational website developed by the Irving Area Historical Museum. This site can be viewed at http://www.irvingmuseum.org/index.html. The site provides a great history of the town and a brief history of the school system the town once supported on its own. According the website’s page http://hostingprod.com/@irvingmuseum.org/Village/HistoryOfVillage.html, Irving was first settled in the mid-1840s and almost immediately began to grow. A post office was established in 1856. By the early 1870s several businesses helped to make Irving a fast growing, independent community. The year was 1856 when the first Irving school was established. It was replaced by a brick school house in 1866. The brick school is pictured above. It is quite likely that high school classes were in place for the Irving school-aged kids by the late 1800s. Irving High School served the community for over five decades. Dwindling enrollment and financial concerns caught up to the Irving residents. In 1948 it was decided to discontinue their high school. After the 1947-48 school year Irving students were sent to nearby Hillsboro to continue their education. In spite of this tough blow, the Irving High School students never let their school spirit die. In June of 2005 the alumni of Irving High reunited to honor one of their most famous basketball teams and its accomplishments. More will be written about that below. Irving High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1886 Year closed: 1948 Consolidated to: Hillsboro Community High School Irving HS team nickname: the “Eagles” Irving HS team colors: Black & White School Fight Song: Irving Eagles School Song Sung to Illinois Loyalty – Click Play Below and Sing Along! We’re Loyal to you I.H.S. Rah! Rah! So toss in the ball I.H.S.
Chee Ch-ha Ch-ha Ch-ha Ch-ha RAH! RAH! RAH!!! |
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Ipava High School “Bulldogs”
The History of Ipava High School Ipava (population 506) is located in western Illinois in southwestern Fulton County. U.S. Route 136 is the “main drag” in town and connects it with Macomb located 22 miles to the northwest. It also connects Ipava with Table Grove located 6 miles to the west. The railroad that curves through town was the CB&Q Railroad which merged into the BN Railroad and eventially became the BNSF Railroad. The first school building built in Ipava was a stone building built in 1830. Another building was built in the 1850’s and the first high school class graduated in 1884: Ruthie David, Birdie Bell Babcock, Mary McCune and Loretta David.
It is known that Ipava supported its own school system for about five decades. In the mid-1940s talks arose of a consolidation of the school districts in Ipava, Table Grove, and Vermont. This became a reality in 1948 with the creation of the Vermont-Ipava-Table Grove School District. The entire school system is located near Table Grove and is known today as the Table Grove V.I.T. School District.
The Ipava school hosted grades 1 – 6 for the VIT school district for several years after the consolidation. In the 1970s a new elementary school was built near the high school. The Ipava school building served as a senior citizens center for a short while before being razed.. Ipava High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1884 Year closed: 1947 Consolidated to: Vermont-Ipava-Table Grove School District (VIT) School nickname: the “Bulldogs” School colors: Blue & Gold School Fight Song: “On Ipava” Sung to “On Wisconsin” |
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Iola High School
The History of Iola High School Iola (population 171) is located in southeastern Illinois in the northwestern portion of Clay County. County Highway 7 is the main roadway to and from Iola. County Roadways 310E and 400E flank the town on the east and west sides..According to Mapquest (www.mapquest.com) Iola is about 4 blocks from north to south and 4 blocks from east to west. Iola is about 26 miles southwest of Effingham. There was very little found on the internet regarding the history of the town of Iola. We did locate an article at the web address of http://genealogytrails.com/ill/clay/iola%20old%20settlers%20history.html which states that a small town called Larkinsburg was first established in the area in the mid-1800s. Tragedy struck the village in October of 1866 when a tornado passed through the area. Larkinsburg was devistated and one person was killed. In 1870 the railroad passed by Larkinsburg about one mile to the east. The village of Larkinsburg was soon forgotten and a new village named Iola was established. Iola residents set up educational opportunities very early on in the town’s development. We know very little about this however. We only know that Iola once supported a high school due to a web site we discovered that lists Illinois High School Basketball scores from 1922 – 1991 (https://sites.google.com/site/xtmi2000/ ). On this site we found scores for Iola High School boys basketball for several years during the 1930s. We will list these results below in the basketball section. We can only guess at this point, however we believe that Iola High School was likely a three-year high school that began in the early 1920s. The obituary of Rosemary Flynn-Anderson (http://www.andersonfcs.com/obituary/rosemary-flynn/) states that she attended Iola High School in the late 1930s and graduated from Flora High School. It is probable that the school closed in the late 1940s. We believe the kids of Iola began attending Louisville North Clay School District schools at that time. This agreement probably continues today. If you have ANY information to the contrary or that can assist in making the history of Iola High School clearer, please write to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. Iola High School Quick Facts Year opened: early 1920s(?) Year closed: late 1940s(?) Consolidated to: Louisville North Clay High School Iola HS team nickname: ?? Iola HS team colors: ?? Iola HS fight song: ?? |
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Ingraham High School
| The History of Ingraham High School
Ingraham (population approximately 150) is located in southeastern Illinois in the northeastern portion of Clay County. The village sits on the intersection of County Highway 16 and County Highway 4. Ingraham is about 24 miles southeast of Effingham. The city is named after a prominent family who lived in the area in the middle to late 1800s. We are in need of more research for the town of Ingraham and its school system. We believe the folks of the area established a school in the middle 1800s. We further believe that a two or three-year high school was initiated by the early 1920s. It is likely that Ingraham High School joined a consolidation effort with Sailor Springs and Clay City in the late 1940s. All students who reside in Ingraham attend school in Clay City today. Ingraham High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1920s? Year closed: late 1940s? Consolidated to: Clay City High School Ingraham HS team nickname: unavailable Ingraham HS team colors: unavailable Ingraham HS Fight Song:: unavailable |
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Industry High School “Eagles”
The History of Industry High School Industry (population 540) is located in upper-western Illinois in the southwestern portion of McDonough County. The town is situated about 10 miles to the southest of Macomb. Illinois Route 67 is the main roadway to and from town. The Grindstone Creek flows by the northwest side of town and there is a small lake just west of town as well. The year 1846 saw the first settlers come to the area now known as Industry. The town was platted in 1855 and saw its first government formed in 1867. A school was established in Industry in 1866. More on the history of Industry can be found at http://www.macomb.com/~ilmcdono/townships/IndustryTown1885.html . Regarding the photo to the right of this writing, submitted by Myrna Morrell courtesy of Kermit Short. Kermit says: “I received this photo from Ted and Ellen Tingley. This is a photo of my Grandad, Claude Tingley, sitting in the back seat of car when he graduated from Industry High School, Industry, IL. The date is approximately 1910. He was born May 3, 1892 and died May 30, 1980. Grandad was the only member of his graduating class, the first graduate of this high school. In the front seat are the two members of the junior class at Industry High School, we think. Don’t know who the gentleman standing is. The Industry High School was on the north edge of town. Our Mother, Carol, also graduated from this school in 1938.” Can you identify the persons in the front seat? If so let us know.
The history of the town’s high school is in need of research. It is quite likely that high school curriculum was in place by the late 1800’s. Industry High School served the community for over 100 years. Unfortunately, dwindling enrollment was among other reasons that a consolidation effort was started with the neighboring town of Rushville. This effort became a reality after the 2004-05 school year with the creation of the Rushville-Industry School District. The high school for the new district is located in Rushville. We believe the former Industry High School building is now used as a grade school for the Rushville-Industry school system. Can you help Myrna Morrell: “I am seeking a photo of a girl named Nedra Shores who attended Industry Grade School between 1919 and 1926. Probably never went farther than 8th grade. Her parents were Ed and Lurlan (Kellum) Shores. She was born in 1913 and died in 1995. This was the mother of my cousin and she does not have a picture of her mother, so I told her I would see if I could locate a grade school photo of her. If you have any sources that could help me to locate this I would certainly appreciate it. Thank you for any assistance that you can give to me.” Contact us if you can.
Industry High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800’s Year new building built: 1956 Year closed: 2005 Consolidated to: Rushville-Industry School District Industry HS team nickname: up until 1956 – the “Indians” after 1956 – the “Eagles” Team colors: up until 1956 – Red & Gray after 1956 – Kelly Green & Gold School Fight Song: “We’re Loyal To You, Industry!” (University of Illinois Fight Song Tune) Words Submitted by Linda Greenplate Peak We’re loyal to you, Industry! Our love is for you, Industry! We’ll back you to rate With the best in the state, For in you we have faith, Industry! Rah, Rah. . . So dare to be brave (“bold” after 1956), Industry For the red and gray (“green and gold” after 1956), Industy. So on with our true assistance, On boys, for we insist on Victory for you, Industry!! Fling out that dear old flag of Red and of Gray, Lead on your sons and daughters fighting their way Like men of old, on giants, placing reliance Shouting defiance Oski, Wow, Wow Of all the students bright that make up our band For honest labor and for learning we stand And unto thee we pledge our heart and hand To labor long and true, INDUSTRY! RAH ! RAH ! |
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Indianola High School “Indians”
The History Of Indianola High School Indianola (population 207) is located in far eastern in Illinois in south-central Vermillion County. There are no major roadways leading to or from Indianloa. County Roads E 350 North Road and E 450 North Road border the north and south ends of town and N 1250 East Road runs into the north side of town. The Missouri Pacific Railroad runs through town as does the Swank Creek. Information regarding Indianola and its educational past is very sparse on the internet. It is believed that both were established in the late 1800s. It is known that Indianola High School lasted through the 1952 school year when the boys basketball team won its last District title. Through research available we believe Indianola, Fairmount, and Sidell consolidated their school districts in 1955. This resulted in the creation of the Jamaica School District with all schools located in Sidell. Indianola Grade School Class of 1964 (and former cheerleader) alumna Debra Williams Yates shared this information about the Indianola school: “After the towns of Indianola, Jamaica, Sidell and Fairmount consolidated their high schools to form the Jamaica Consolidated School District, each town retained their schools for use as a grade school. Indianola had grades K-8 in their building until the gymnasium at the school burned down in 1979. Since the gym contained the cafeteria, there were no hot lunches. A decision was made to disband the school and send the school children from Indianola to Sidell. Shortly after that there was a vote to form the Jamaica Unit District and a new grade school and junior high school were built to adjoin the Jamaica High School.” The school was located behind the beautiful Indianola Church pictured on this page. If you have any further information on Indianola please write to us at eganann@sbcglobal.net. Indianola High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800s Year closed: 1955 School nickname: the “Indians” School colors: Orange & Blue School Fight Song: IG’s Here! IGs Here, IGs There, It’s IG all around the square! As the IGs go rolling along. With a RAH RAH RAH! Cheers for you and me, Shout out their names loud and clear! And Wherever you go You will always know That the IGs go rolling along! |
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Ina High School
The History of Ina High School Ina (population 2,455) is located in south central Illinois in south central Jefferson County. The main roadway directly to Ina is Illinois Route 37. Interstate Highway 57 provides off-ramps to and from Ina and connects it with Mt. Vernon, its neighbor about 10 miles to the north. The Missouri Pacific Railroad runs through the middle of Ina as well. Rend Lake, one of Illinois’ biggest lakes, is located just west of Ina. According to the 1990 and 2000 Illinois Census figures, a great investment would be into the property around the town of Ina. According to the 1990 census Ina had a population of 489 residents. The 2000 census shows Ina with a population increase of 1,966 residents for a 405% increase!! Ina’s population “explosion” for that time period made it the 3rd fastest growing city in Illinois. We are told this jump in the population of Ina is due to its landing a Correctional Center in recent years. Still, a lot for the folks of Ina to be proud of! The following information regarding the history of Ina High School was provided by Byford Campbell: “The second grade school building was built in 1900. When this building burned in 1921, a brick building was erected, housing the grade and high schools. The Ina High School started with one year offered in 1921-22. A second year was added in 1922-23. A third year was added to the curriculum in 1923-24. Ina High School continued as a three-year high school until it closed in 1947.” In 1947 Ina residents decided to deactivate their high school and keep their grade school for grades K – 8. It is believed that most, if not all, of the Ina 8th grade graduates attend Mt. Vernon High School. The following information was supplied to us by Robert Roberson: “Ina High School was a 3-year school when my mother attended in the late ‘30s. After she graduated from Ina High School, she attended Benton High School since she lived in Franklin County. I believe the high school building is still standing, but as far as I know it is not being used now. The high school building became the Ina Grade School, which I attended in 1st grade in 1961. There were 4 rooms for grades 1-8 with 2 classes in each room. Ina did not have a kindergarten class when I lived there. If there was ever a kindergarten class, it was added later.” Ina High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1921 Year closed: 1947 School nickname: unavailable School colors: Cardinal Red & Grey School Fight Song: unavailable |
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