The History of Magnolia High School
Magnolia (population 279) is located in southeastern Putnam County at the intersection of Il. Routes 18
and 89. The Little Sandy Creek runs by the northwest side of town. A town of reference in the area is LaSalle
which is located 15 miles northeast of Magnolia. The town of Magnolia was the first permanent settlement in Putnam County.
The school system in Magnolia was established in 1837. The first High School serving the children
of the town was established in 1870. The brick school building was built in 1912. The State of Illinois recognized
Magnolia Township High School as school district # 732 in 1916. This School District served the students
of Magnolia well until consolidation talks with nearby (McNabb) Swaney High School surfaced in the mid 1940s. At
first the Magnolia students attended Swaney High School on a trial basis beginning in 1946. In 1948 an official
vote was taken by the residents of Magnolia and the consolidation/annexation of Magnolia High School was complete.
The Magnolia school building was used for several years as a grade school before closing. Magnolia's
former high school building finally met an all-too-familiar and sad fate. We were informed by "jazzeroni" that the building
was demolished in 2006. You can read about the plans for the demolition at the following web address:
Magnolia High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
1870
Year brick high school building built: 1912
Year high school closed:
1948
School nickname:
unavailable
School colors:
Maroon & Gold
School Fight Song:
unavailable
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