The History of West Salem High School West Salem (population 1,001) is located in southeastern Illinois in the northeastern portion of Edwards County. The town is situated on County Highway 3 about two miles east of Illinois Route 130. The Indiana Hi-Rail Railroad runs through the west side of town. The Wikipedia web address of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Salem,_Illinois has an excellent history of the town. A brief summary of that history is as follows: West Salem was initiated by a group of Moravian settlers from the town of Salem, North Carolina in the early 1840s. An influx of German settlers arrived in the area in the late 1840s. West Salem was incorporated in 1857 as New Salem. Soon after its incorporation, it was determined that Illinois had a New Salem already. The settlers decided upon West Salem as the alternative. The first school in West Salem was established in 1850.A brick school building was built in 1880. The school was added on to over the years to accommodate the many new students that began there in the first half of the 1900s. In 1947 the school district was enhanced with the annexation of several smaller districts in the area.
A supporter of the Glory Days website, Donny Knackmus, advises that West Salem High School was closed in 1960 along with Bone Gap and Browns high schools to join the Edwards School District in Albion. We also know from a 1953 West Salem HS yearbook reported by Sherry Whitman, that it appears that a unit school district was established by Edwards County that allowed for the smaller schools to remain open with all of the fourth year students attending their final year in Albion. Sherry sent us the following information obtained from the “Echoes” yearbook: “I noticed that you are looking for some information about the West Salem HS – a place my mother, father and step-father all attended in the 1950s. My mother, Carol Jane Orrel Andersen Tomblinson, passed away last year and packed away in her closet we came across her 1953 “Echoes” yearbook. Interestingly, this yearbook is really a compiliation of several different schools and is a little difficult to follow as not all grades are represented for all schools. The dedication reads as follows: “To the spirit of cooperation which has played such a great part in the success of the Edwards County Unit, we dedicate this book. With all the persons working together in a friendly, cooperative way a chain reaction is set up with possibilities of developing tremendous power not unlike the atomic bomb. In the Edwards County School system this force has made it possible to pool the resources of the county, with considerable territory from the surrounding counties, to give the youth as well as adults of the area an education comparable to that provided in most areas of the state. This is the fifth year of existence of the Edwards County Unit, and its ever increasing quality of education has been made possible by the excellent cooperation of parents, teachers, administrators, board members, and pupils.” Sherry Whitman provided the following information about he history of West Salem High School as well: “I also looked at my mother’s book titled “A History of Edwards County, Illinois, Volume One” published in 1980. This book lists most of the schools in the county, including pictures. According to the book in the section titled “High Schools” it states: “In West Salem, the Moravian Church started a high school on 8 December 1856 in a large two-story brick building on the south side of the square. The boys attended the morning session and the girls the afternoon session. In November 1919 a county-wide election was held to establish community high schools in the county. The West Salem disrict voted 303 to 305 in favor. District No. 2 was established in the West Salem area, they rented space from the grade school, which made it necessary to build two more frame classrooms. The first basketball games were played outside, but later the teams moved to a low-ceiling room above Ficher’s Store. Sill later a gym was constructed on the northwest corner of the public square making it necessary for physical education students to go uptown for classes. Eventually all high school students from West Salem were transported to the Edwards County Senior High in Albion.” It appears the timeline for West Salem supporting high school curriculum in their school district is as follows:
West Salem continues to support a Grade School for grades K – 8 in town.
West Salem High School “Quick Facts” Year opened: 1856 Year 4-year HS ceased: 1948 Year 3-year HS ceased: 1954 Year 2-year HS closed: 1960 Consolidated to: (Albion) Edwards County High School WSHS team nickname: possibly the “Warriors” WSHS team colors: Maroon & White School Fight Song: “On West Salem” “On Wisconsin” Fight Song Tune Lyrics provided by Sherry Whitman Lyrics located in the yearbook of Carol Jane Orrel Andersen Tomblinson
On West Salem, On West Salem, Tear right down the floor. Throw the ball right through the circle Baskets one or more. Rah, Rah, Rah! On West Salem, On West Salem, Fight on for your fame. Fight fellows, fight, fight, fight, And win the game. (Repeat) 15 Rahs for West Salem |
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West Point High School
The History of West Point High School West Point (population 195) is located in western Illinois in the south central portion of Hancock County. West Point is about 16 miles south and a little west of the county seat Carthage and about 30 miles northeast of Quincy. The main roadways to and from West Point are County Highway 23 and County Highway 30. Illinois Route 94 / 110 travels by the village about 3 miles to the east. According to Mapquest (www.mapquest.com) West Point is about 8 blocks from east to west and 6 blocks from north to south. According to the web address of http://www.carthage.lib.il.us/community/clubs/historical/hancockhistory/index.html West Point was platted in March of 1856. The web address of http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvHgwa-XImcC&pg=PA393&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=3#v=onepage&q&f=false tells us the following regarding West Point’s history:
The town was officially registered in 1893. A post office was established in 1858. It was first known as Pumpkinville and then Wigletown. The name ‘Wigletown’ was chosen to honor one of the town’s early settlers, David Wigle. The name was officially changed to West Point in 1856 by Mr. Wigle’s wife who did not like the name Wigletown. The name West Point was chosen to honor Mr. and Mrs. Wigle’s former hometown of West Point, N.Y. Local historian Keith Bruns provided us with the following information on West Point High School: “The West Point High School was started in 1916. The building burned in the winter of 1919 – 1920. Classes were held in various town buildings until a new building was built in 1925. In 1947 grades 9, 10, & 11 were discontinued since West Point High School had become a part of the Bowen Community High School. In 1949 all of the West Point School District 225 became part of the Bowen – West Point Community Unit 320.” We welcome any further information on the history of West Point and its former school system. We are very grateful to Keith Bruns for his historical account of West Point High School. One article was found that stated a “new” school building was built in West Point in 1885. The article stated the “high school” was located on the second floor. It is possible there were high school courses taught for a few years at that time prior to 1916. West Point High School Quick Facts Year High School Opened: 1885 Year new building opened: 1916 Year closed: 1947 Consolidated to: Bowen High School Students now attend: Augusta Southeastern School District West Point HS team nickname: ?? West Point HS team colors: ?? School Fight Song: ?? |
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West Brooklyn High School
The History of West Brooklyn High School West Brooklyn (population 142) is located in far north-central Illinois in the southeastern portion of Lee County. The town was platted in 1872, but not incorporated until 1894. A short write-up on the early history of West Brooklyn can be found at http://www.leecountyhistory.com/lee_county/brooklyn.htm. It is located about 10 miles due north of Mendota on West Brooklyn Road about two miles west of Illinois Route 251. A branch of the Green River flows through town. The history of the town’s school system is a long one. According to the Illinois Trails website (http://www.iltrails.org/lee/leecitywbrook.html), the first school in the West Brooklyn area was built in 1874. A better, more modern building was built in 1900. West Brooklyn originally offered a two-year course of study for high school students. It is believed around 1931 or 1932 that a third year of high school courses was established. If a student wanted to continue their education, they had their choice between Amboy, Mendota, and Lee Center to gain a four-year diploma. Enrollment was said to be about 10-12 students for all three classes of high school students. We believe West Brooklyn High School fell victim to the large consolidation effort which swept the state of Illinois in the late 1940’s. The high school was closed in 1948 with students sent over to Compton High School and a year later, that school was absorbed into the Mendota school district. The grade school may have stayed active for a few more years; however it, too, is now closed.
The kids of West Brooklyn today attend school in Mendota. The fate of the West Brooklyn School building is a sad one. It may have been used as a private residence for many years after it closed. Though still standing the building is in extremely poor condition. The photos below were taken by Roberta Van Briesen in 2013.
West Brooklyn High School Quick Facts Year first school building built: 1874 Year “newer” building built: 1900 Third year of education added: 1931 or 1932 Year School closed: 1948 Consolidated to: Compton, & later Mendota West Brooklyn HS team nickname: unavailable WBHS team colors: Purple & Gold School yearbook: The Brooklynite School Fight Song: “We’re Loyal to You, Brooklyn High” (sung to the tune of the University of Illinois fight song) We’re loyal to you, Brooklyn High, We’re purple and gold, Brooklyn High, We know that you stand For the best in the land And we know that you’ll win, Brooklyn High, Rah! Rah! So dribble that ball, Brooklyn High, And pass on that ball, Brooklyn High, For you are our vain protectors, On boys, for we expect a Victory from you, Brooklyn High (thanks to John & Betty Gehant for submitting the words, which were listed in the 1945-46 school yearbook, The Brooklynite) |
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Wenona High School “Mustangs”
The History of Wenona High School Wenona (population 1,065) is located in Marshall County, about 15 miles south of the Illinois River. Illinois Routes 17 and 251 meet at the north end of the business district (which is also the intersection where the school building pictured above is located). The town was plotted around the 1850’s. A very nice history of the Wenona school system can be found at the web address of http://www.genealogytrails.com/ill/marshall/history/WenonaSchool.html#History . A high school was first started in Wenona in 1885 in a building which was built in 1865. From 1891-1918, the school was located where the bandshell of the City Park is now. A three-story structure, the high school was housed on the second floor and the top floor was used as a basketball gymnasium. In 1905, the enrollment was 51 students and four teachers. In 1927, the present structure was completed and served the community’s high school youth until consolidation with Toluca and Minonk-Dana-Rutland in 1992. That building today is used as Fieldcrest East Junior High. High School students now attend Fielcdreat High School in Minonk. Wenona High School “Quick Facts”: Year opened: 1885 Year deactivated: 1992 School Colors: Black & Orange Nickname: Mustangs School Fight Song: Wenona Fight Song The University of Notre Dame Fight Song Tune (click play button above left) Words by LAURA KLINE (Class of 1934), courtesy of Karin (Dean) Flanigan (class of 1982) Come stand together, raise a cheer, Good old Wenona, we’ll all stand here! Join our chorus, shout our cry! Fling out the banners to the sky! Go Wenona win tonite! Good old Wenona, Fight, Fight, Fight! Proudly bear our colors onward, Onward to Victory! Cha-hee, Cha-ha, Cha-ha-ha-ha, Wenona High School Rah Rah RAH!! |
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Wellington High School “Dukes”
The History of Wellington High School Wellington (population 206) is located in far eastern Illinois about 25 miles due north of Danville. This places Wellington in southeastern Iroquois County. Wellington is located on County Highway 11 just east of Illinois Route 1. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad runs some tracks through town. A branch of the Gay Creek flows to the north and south of Wellington. The town of Wellington was officially established in 1872. It was named by William Welling, the land owner who donated much of the land for the town’s early development. Besides his own name being Welling, he likely chose the name Wellington after the famed Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, who was a hero in England at the Battle of Waterloo. Choosing the name Wellington honored his own last name and that of the title of a famous English warrior. The name Wellington comes from an old English language which translates to “wealthy estate.” This history of Wellington High School was offered by Lucy Briscoe Green: “Wellington early school was north of the village about one quarter mile. In 1872 a two story wood structure was erected . It had eight grades of primary education and two years of high school education. E. J.Blake of Watseka was the principal. The first commencement was held in June 1873. The Wellington four year high school was built in 1915. The board members were F. Pruitt, Pres. W. Scott, Sec., J.C. Benbow, H. I Evans, O. A. Clements, J. V. Phillips, and Oliver Bratton. In 1941 a large gym was erected on the east side of the high school. School district No. 7 was formed. Two additions were later added to the high school, two classrooms, a farm shop, an industrial arts shop and classroom.”
The high school in Wellington served the community proudly at least through the 1986 school year. The IHSA website (www.ihsa.org) lists all of the Wellington basketball seasons from 1925-26 through 1985-86. Former Wellington High School Unit 7 teacher Scott Davis (1980 – 1987) tells the us the following about the closing of Wellington High School: “….for the record, WHS’ last year was actually 1987. I was a teacher there for the seven years before the district dissolved. The 1986-87 school year graduated five students fondly referred to as the “final five”. The high school-aged children of Wellington now attend either Hoopeston Area High School or Milford High School. We could not find evidence that any school still is in operation in Wellington. The fate of the Wellington High School building originally was a happy one. This information was provided by Jenifer Lunsford: “I did want to let you that the Wellington High School has been purchased by one of my family members. He renovated it and rents part of it out as apartments. My family actually has Thanksgiving dinner in the gym every year.” However, the Wellington school in 2016 appears to be unused and unfortunately is deteriorating.
Wellington High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800s Year closed: 1987 Consolidated to: Hoopeston Area HS Wellington team nickname: the “Dukes” School colors: Blue & White School Fight Song: unavailable |
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Weldon High School
| Weldon Nixon Township High School | |||||||||
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The History of Weldon High School
Weldon (population 440) is located in central Illinois in southeastern DeWitt County. The town is located on Illinois Route 48 at Illinois Route 10. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad passes through Weldon as does a branch of the Friends Creek Ditch. Weldon is located about 20 miles northeast of Decatur.
The town’s history needs research. There is limited information available on the history of Weldon’s school system on the DeLand-Weldon CUSD #57 website which can be viewed at http://www.geocities.com/dwes2001/History.html. Weldon had its first school in Nixon Township in 1856, and the first school in the village was open in 1876. High School courses were started in the late 1800’s as a three-year course, with the fourth year available in a neighboring town. A fourth year was added in 1916, and the first graduates received their diplomas in 1918. In 1925, a new building was built and joined the kids within Nixon Township to continue their education.
Weldon Nixon Township High School served Weldon from late 1800’s until the late 1940’s. It was then that the townspeople of Weldon and nearby DeLand began consolidation talks of their school districts. The two schools agreed to combine their efforts in 1947, though it is believed the actual merger did not take effect until 1949. The creation of this district (DeLand-Weldon High School) effectively ended the run of high school efforts in Weldon.
DeLand-Weldon High School continues to serve the two communities today. The fate of the original Weldon High School building was settled in May 1967 when it was consumed by fire. The land in which the school once stood adjoins a park near the center of the village.
Weldon High School Quick Facts
Year opened as 3-yr school: late 1800’s’
Became 4-yr school: 1916
Year voted to merge with DeLand: 1947
Year closed: 1949
Consolidated to: DeLand-Weldon High School
School nickname: unavailable
School colors: Blue & White
School Fight Song: unavailable
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We are certain that basketball was offered at Weldon. This is confirmed on the IHSA website www.ihsa.org. It is believed that baseball and track were also offered. Football was also a school sport too, as evidenced by the Bloomington Pantagraph in a 1925 story. Team nickname and school fight song are being sought. Conference affiliation as well as the team records and coaches names of the better teams in Weldon High School’s storied past are being sought as well. Boys Basketball The Weldon High School boys basketball team is the only group to have won some IHSA hardware. The WHS basketball program won a total of three District titles. Unfortunately, the team records and coach’s names of these and other great Weldon teams are not known. 1925-26 DeWitt Co. Tourney Champs 1937-38 District Champions 1941-42 District Champions 1943-44 District Champions |
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| Memories
**From former Weldon student Ann Fox Moore: “I attended the grade school from 1958-1960. I attended jr. high in 1960-1961,1961-1962. I think for at least one of those years the grade school students played and romped. My glory days were pretty ordinary. I lived across the street from the school building. I played on the swings a lot. I climbed up the tunnel fire escape and tried to open the hatch in the school wall, and, slid down as fast as I could! The slide surface could be REAL hot in the summer. You learned quickly to check that first before you begin the climb up to slid down. I recall there was a fence between the school and the Trigg funeral Home. My friend and I played CandyLand in the front parlor. It was nice and cool on a hot summer day; we didn’t mind the casket next to the wall; pretty flowers. Across the street was a store that had the most dazzling candy selection I have ever seen in my life. I played in the band, complained about girls having to take industrial arts and having to wire a lamp. It is all very clear to me, as it has been for my lifetime…maybe the dates of school will be helpful to you and wonderful site.” **Submitted by Vicky Cunningham: “Nixon Township High School, Class of 1931. Class Motto was Strive Onward, Class Flower was Sweet Pea and the Class Colors were Orchid and Silver. There were11 in the class. Mary Baker, Eunice Baker, Dorothy Cotton, Margaret Edwards, Vernell Gift, Virginia Gray, Alice Jamison, Wils Mattix, Marion Lyle Shinneman, TJ Shinneman and Joseph Shinneman.” Searching for Further Information If you have ANY further information regarding the great successes of Weldon High School then, please, contact us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us at: Illinois HS Glory Days 6439 N. Neva St. Chicago, Il. 60631 |
Wedron High School
| The History of Wedron High School
Wedron (population approximately 150) is located in northeastern Illinois in the central portion of LaSalle County. Wedron is located in a country setting about 8 miles northeast of Ottawa. County Road N. 35th takes you to Wedron from Il. Rt. 23 just 3 miles to the west. County Road N 2153 also takes you to Wedron. The Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroad and the Illinois Railroad Inc. both have tracks that travel through the east side of town. The Fox River flows by the east side of town as well. A brief history of the town can be read at the web address of http://genealogytrails.com/ill/lasalle/town/wedron.html . In summary, the town was established around 1871 by the builders of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad line. The early post masters are listed along with a statement that in the 1880s the population was approximately 40. Today Wedron has a thriving business, several grain elevators, and about 150 residence. We believe Wedron supported a public high school until the late 1940s. The school was likely a 2 or 3-year high school. We believe it was in the late 1940s that Wedron consolidated into the Serena School District. This was a great find by our good friend Brian Hoxsey. If you have any further information please contact us via the means listed below. Wedron High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1920s? Year closed: 1940s? Consolidated to: Serena High School Wedron HS team nickname: WHS team colors: School Fight Song: |
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Waynesville High School “Braves”
The History of Waynesville High School The town of Waynesville (population 381) is located in the northwest corner of De Witt County on county roads 1300 North and North 100 East Road (also County Rd. 17). The Illinois Terminal Railroad runs through the center of town. A branch of the Kickapoo Creek crosses the northeast side. This places Waynesville approximately 15 miles northeast of Lincoln. The area in which Waynesville was first settled was created in 1825 making it one of the oldest settlements in central Illinois history. Prettyman and Rebecca Marvel are credited with establishing the town in approximately 1832. It was named “Waynesville” to honor General Anthony Wayne, a revolutionary war hero. Waynesville had a population peak of 592 in 1920 and was still over 500 residents (569) in 1980. This population has steadily declined over the past 4 decades. The Waynesville school system was set in place in the 1891 when it opened as Waynesville Presbyterian Academy. Classes were first held in the Waynesville Opera House, then moved into the building you see at the top of this page until 1911 when it closed. During that time, Professor W.H. Smith was the head of the school and saw 74 people graduate.
The school building was leased to the township and reopened as Waynesville Township High School in the fall of 1911. A gymnasium and additional classroom space were added in 1940. Three people graduated in the first class of Waynesville High School (1912), and four people made up the final graduating class in 1955. The townspeople were very proud of and supported their schools for at least five decades. A consolidation effort with McLean took place in 1955. This information was provided to us by our own Kev Varney: “In 1955, residents in Waynesville closed their schools and sent their children to McLean, forming McLean-Waynesville, and that school would remain in session in the McLean HS building until the spring of 1972. At that time, McLean and Waynesville along with six other communities (Armington, Atlanta, Danvers, Hopedale, Minier, and Stanford) officially banded together to open the present-day Olympia HS in rural Stanford, as the result of a November 1966 vote.” The children of current-day Waynesville still attend school as part of the Olympia School District, whose High School is located in nearby Stanford. The grade school children attend school in McLean. The Waynesville High School building sits on the northwest edge of town. Andy Garrett gives us the following insight on the former Waynesville HS building today: “The School currently still stands and is being used as a place of storage. It is owed by a former resident of the town, who purchased the School building and property after it closed in 1986. A recent storm did damage to the roof of the Gym and stage area. “I attended the school for grades K-4. It was then closed in the summer of 1986 and we were moved to the McLean Grade School for my 5-6 grade years. The fall of 1986 is when the Olympia School district added the Middle School to the High School location just outside Stanford, IL. Grades 7th and 8th that had previously been at the individual grades schools were now being bused to the High School.” Waynesville High School Quick Facts Year opened as Waynesville Presbyterian Academy: 1891 Reopened as Waynesville Twp. HS: 1911 Year closed: 1955 Year consolidated into Stanford Olympia: 1972 School nickname: “Braves” School colors: Maroon & Gold School Fight Song: unavailable Name of yearbook: “Waynola” |
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Waukegan West High School “Raiders”
| The History of Waukegan West High School
Waukegan (population 87,901) is located in far northeastern Illinois in east-central Lake County. The Illinois Routes of 21, 41, 43, 131, 132, and 137 all lead you to and from Waukegan. Lake Michigan serves as the eastern border of Waukegan. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and the Elgin, Joliet, & Eastern Railroad both travel through the east side of town. Interstate Highway 94 runs by the west side of town. Waukegan sits just 8 miles south of the Wisconsin / Illinois border. A nice history of Waukegan’s early days can be found at the web addresses of (Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waukegan,_Illinois#History and (Waukegan Historical Society) http://www.waukeganweb.net/waukeganhistory.html. Both sites state the following: “Waukegan, first visited by Pere Marquette in 1673, is one of the oldest communities in Illinois. The city started as a French trading post and Potawatomi Indian settlement known as “Little Fort”. Records dating back to 1829 tell of a treaty signed by the Potawatomis in which they ceded all of their land in this area to the Federal Government. Little Fort became the County Seat of Government in 1841 by virture of its population, replacing Libertyville. Between 1844 and 1846, the town’s population grew from 150 to 750 people. In 1849 when the town was incorporated, the population had risen to 2,500. Proud of the growth of their community and no longer wanting to be characterized as “little”, on March 31, 1849 the residents of Little Fort changed the name of their town to Waukegan, the Potawatomi word for “fort” or “trading post”.” Waukegan residents began a school system for their children by the mid to late 1800’s. It is likely that high school courses were in place by the late 1800’s. Waukegan High School served the town and its ever-growing population through the early 1970’s. It was in 1974 that the decision was made to create a second high school in Waukegan. Eileen Lambo explains the process to create two high schools in Waukegan: “I believe that in 1974 WWHS building was for all Freshman and Sophmores. 1975 it was for all Fresh and Soph, and the Juniors for that district. In 1976 the two schools split to 4 years each in their respective districts. This was the first year the4re were 2 high schools. The homecoming football game for each school was played against one another in 1976 with East winning 20-0.” Waukegan High School was renamed Waukegan East High School. The second high school was aptly named Waukegan West High School. Waukegan West High School served the families of Waukegan for 15 years. It was further decided in 1990 that Waukegan would revert to the one high school system. This decision effectively closed Waukegan West High School. Today, the Waukegan West High School building is home to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders of the Waukegan school district, while ninth graders attend classes in the Waukegan East building. |
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Waukegan Holy Child High School
The History of Holy Child High School Waukegan (population: 87,901) is located in far northeastern Illinois in east-central Lake County. The Illinois Routes of 21, 41, 43, 131, 132, and 137 all lead you to and from Waukegan. Lake Michigan serves as the eastern border of Waukegan. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and the Elgin, Joliet, & Eastern Railroad both travel through the east side of town. Interstate Highway 94 runs by the west side of town. Waukegan sits just 8 miles south of the Wisconsin / Illinois border. A nice history of Waukegan’s early days can be found at the web addresses of (Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waukegan,_Illinois#History and (Waukegan Historical Society) http://www.waukeganweb.net/waukeganhistory.html. Both sites state the following: “Waukegan, first visited by Pere Marquette in 1673, is one of the oldest communities in Illinois. The city started as a French trading post and Potawatomi Indian settlement known as “Little Fort”. Records dating back to 1829 tell of a treaty signed by the Potawatomis in which they ceded all of their land in this area to the Federal Government. Little Fort became the County Seat of Government in 1841 by virture of its population, replacing Libertyville. Between 1844 and 1846, the town’s population grew from 150 to 750 people. In 1849 when the town was incorporated, the population had risen to 2,500. Proud of the growth of their community and no longer wanting to be characterized as “little”, on March 31, 1849 the residents of Little Fort changed the name of their town to Waukegan, the Potawatomi word for “fort” or “trading post”.” Holy Child High School opened its doors in 1910 as Little Academy of the Holy Child in Chicago (according to records of closed schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago), taking both boys and girls. For some unexplained reason, the school closed in 1912, only to reopen in 1914 as Convent of the Holy Child for girls only. During that same period, it was also referred to Academy of the Holy Child. Then in 1921, the school moved to Waukegan & the name was shortened to Holy Child High School, while accepting female students only (28 all told). The Sisters from the Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ) were in control of the school, which was located in two homes along Lake Michigan on Sheridan Road. It also admitted boarding and day students. The first graduating class received their diplomas in 1924 when six students graduated from Holy Child. A new building was ready for use in 1926, but a fire destroyed one of the homes that served as living quarters in 1930. Another building took its place a year later (dedicated in 1932) that included a convent, dormitory, gym, and auditorium, while the remaining house was torn down due to being unsafe. Boarders were no longer accepted after 1956 in order to free up space for more classrooms, plus another building was erected the following year with classrooms, labs, cafeteria, and choral room added to the school. The move paid off for the school when it reached its enrollment pinnicle of 423 students in the fall of 1962. After that, the school’s numbers steadily declined in part due to the opening of Carmel High School for Girls in nearby Mundelein in 1963. By the fall of 1967, Holy Child had 225 students, but gained slightly when the school celebrated its 50th anniversary in Waukegan in 1971 at 235. During the early 1970’s, the national board of SHCJ decided to do a study of the schools that were operated by their community (including Holy Child), and because of a lack of teachers from within the community, competition with Mundelein Carmel for students, operating expenses, and low enrollment, it was announced that Holy Child would close in the spring of 1976 following graduation. Civic leaders and parents of students protested and appealed to the community to reconsider its decision, but even after attempting to find another order to take over the school, plus attempting to raise funds, SHCJ stood pat and closed the doors after 34 students received their diplomas on June 2, 1976. The school was sold to the Waukegan Public School District after it closed for use as an administrative center. FACTS ABOUT HOLY CHILD HIGH SCHOOL Opened as Little Academy of the Holy Child in Chicago: 1910 Closed down: 1912 Reopened and renamed Convent of the Holy Child: 1914 Moved to Waukegan & renamed Holy Child High School: 1921 Year closed: 1976 School colors: Navy Blue & White School nickname: “HC” School song: Provided by Mary Tewhey (verse 1) and Lee (Kraft) Euler (verse 2): Deep in the heart of every girl, There’s a love that she has for her school. Our voices high, our hopes shall not die, ACTIONS not words is our rule Raise your voices, proudly say There’s a school that shall ne’er be defiled. Although in time our ways may part, We’ll be true to Holy Child Here’s to the girls Whose voices proclaim A love of their school and their King Our aims are high Our hopes shall not die Our song shall constantly ring
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