The History of Kinderhook High School
Kinderhook (population 249) is located in northwestern Pike County, just 10 miles east of the Mississippi
River in the western portion of Illinois. Three Illinois Routes (57, 96, & 106) intersect in Kinderhook. A
town of note in the area is Quincy, just 20 miles to the northwest of Kinderhook. The Norfolk & Western Railroad
makes its way through Kinderhook as well.
Education in Kinderhook started early and has continued for probably over a century. Kinderhook
High School existed on its own until some point in either 1948 or 1949. The exact year is not known; however, Kinderhook
and the nearby towns of Hull and New Canton consolidated their school districts to form the West Pike School District.
The following timeline for the formation of the West Pike School District was provided by long-time Hull
resident Dixie Ward:
In 1945 the Hull High School building was destroyed by fire.
1947-49 Community meetings were held to organize West Pike Community
Unit District #2
1948-49 Bonds were approved and renovation began at New Canton to build
suitable facility for elementary students
1949-50 Construction begins on Hull Elementary School building.
Midterm 1950 All 27 rural schools in the district close. Students
move to the Hull High School Gymnasium which is a separate building from the school that burned. New Canton High
moves to Kinderhook High School. Kinderhook grade school students move to New Canton High building.
1950-51 Hull area students leave old gym at Christmas bread and move into new
Hull elementary building for opening January 2.
1951-52 Hull Elementary School houses grades 1-8 and 1-3 from Kinderhook. New
Canton Elementary houses grades 1-8 and 4-6 from Kinderhook. Grades 9-12 continue to go to Kinderhook High School.
1952-53 Kinderhook High School closes. West Pike High School opens for
grades 7-12. New Canton houses grades 1-6 from the southern part of the district. Hull houses grades 1-6
from the northern part of the district.
The fate of the original Kinderhook High School is being sought; however, it is known that Kinderhook is
home to the West Pike High School and the building may be used for that purpose.
Kinderhook High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late 1800's
Year closed: 1949
School nickname: unavailable
School colors: unavailable
School Fight Song: unavailable
