Oquawka High School

Oquawka High School

Oquawka, Illinois

The "Original" Oquawka High School

The History of Oquawka High School

The city of Oquawka (population 1,539) is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River in far western Henderson County. Il. Route 164 is the main highway in town. A larger town of note in the area is Monmouth which sits 16 miles east of Oquawka. More information is being sought regarding the town's history.

The residents have a long history of good education in regards to their children. Oquawka High School provided many years of solid learning and the production of good solid citizens. It was in 1914 that the first students attended classes of Oquawka Township High School. According to Marilyn Thompson Stailey, these first classes were held in the German Lutheran Church in Oquawka. It was in 1948 that the towns of Oquawka and Gladstone initiated consolidation talks. This initiative was completed and became a reality. The Gladstone / Oquawka School District was started, effectively ending the the solo educational system of Oquawka.

You can learn more about Gladstone / Oquawka High School by reading their page on this site. The Gladstone / Oquawka School District eventually joined a consolidation effort of all the schools in western Henderson County. The students of Oquawka now attended school as part of the Biggsville Union School District for that school consolidated to the West Central School District also in Biggsville.

Oquawka High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1914

Year closed: 1948

Consolidated to: Gladstone-Oquawka High School

School nickname: the "Indians"

School colors: Black & Gold

School Fight Song: "On Oquawka"

Sung to the tune of ON WISCONSIN.

Thank you to Marilyn Thompson Stailey

Oquawka High School

Different Angle

Athletics

Oquawka High School definately offered boy's basketball as part of their extra-curricular activities. We are also confident they may have offered track, baseball, and possibly football. Assistance is being asked for regarding the OHS athletic program.

Boy's Basketball

The Oquawka boys brought home two District titles coming in 1938 and 1947. There is no other mention of their successes on the IHSA web site.

1937-38 N.R.A. District Champions Coaches names unavailable

1946-47 N.R.A. District Champions

Memories

From Marilyn Thompson Stailey:

"The basketball and baseball teams were very good for such a small town. We won many games and tournaments. The school newspaper was called Wigwam Whispers. The last issue of the paper was printed for the year 1947-1948. Basketball team members of the 1946-47 District Champions included Don Meloan, Charles Ruberg, Bud Berlin, James Gillette, Charley Parsons, Hal Olson. Cheerleaders: Eileen Nolan, Ann Swann, Patty Peters, & Pauline McGraw.

Info from year book of 1943-44:

B. Clark Campbell was the Principal and Coach 1943-44. This was his third year as Superintendent. (He had been teacher and Principal of the Oquawka Grade School for sometime. The Grade School was in the building of the original High School). There were 119 individuals listed as members of the military having served or servinng. The name of year book is Riverside Echos

Info from year book 1946-47:

B Clark Campbell was Coach and, also, Principal

Info from year book 1947-48:

Coach was Carl L. Wheelock"

Need Your Help

We always are looking for a staunch supporter of the school and town to help us in gathering information. If you can help please complete a School Submission Form or a Guest Commentary Form. We are especially interested in photos of the school building and great teams or individuals from Oquawka. You may also e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. or write us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

The High School Building

Oquawka, Illinois

From the Side

Oquawka High School