Pearl High School

Pearl High School Building 2005

Submitted by Evan Thomas

Pearl High School Building - 1960

Courtesy of Dale Summers

The History of Pearl High School

Pearl (population 187) is located in lower western Illinois in the southeast corner of Pike County. Pearl should not be confused with Pearl City or Old Pearl. Pearl is located on the banks of the Illinois River along Illinois Route 100 at County Road 10. Hill Creek and the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad run through the center of town. For more information on Pearl go to: http://www.pikeil.org/communities/pearl.html .

The history of the school system in Pearl is in need of research by a local fan. It is assumed that Pearl High School was established in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Its closing came in 1955 when Pearl residents agreed to pool their educational efforts with the residents of nearby Milton. The result was the creation of the East Pike School District. East Pike continued until 1979 when it too was closed. The kids of Pearl are now sent to Pittsfield for their education upon the school's closure.

Pearl High School Building - 1960

Submitted by Dale Summers

The following information was supplied to us by Sue Cox:

"I can add for sure is that Pearl had a grade school K-8, probably using part of the H. S. building until the late 1970's. I know for sure because I taught there in the year '76-'77. At that time it was kdg, combination 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, 7&8. Their grade school teams were known as the Lions. At that time Ray Davenport was principal."

Unfortunately the Pearl High School building has been razed.

Pearl High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800s / early 1900s

Year closed: 1955

Consolidated to: East Pike School District

School nickname: "Eagles"

School colors: Purple & Gold

School Fight Song: unavailable

Thank you to ONA DAY JOHNSTON for the Quick Facts info.

Athletics

Pearl High School definately offered boys basketball and boys track. They may have also offered baseball. Coach's names, team records, and great accomplishments of Pearl High School are being sought.

Boys Basketball

The Pearl High School boys brought home one District title during their existence. We are interested to know of the other great seasons at Pearl where IHSA hardware was not won, but a perhaps a conference title or 20 win season needs to be discovered. The District basketball title is listed below.

1939-40 District Champions

1954-55 17 - 6 School's final season Coach George Lemons

Basketball memories:

**From William M. (Bill) Thurmon:

"I attended Pearl High School in 1953-54 and 1954-55. I was a Sophomore and a starting guard on the Pearl High School team that in 54-55 went 17- 6. Our coach was George Lemons and he was a former graduate of Milton High School class that went to the Sweet 16 of the Illinois State Basketball Championship in the late 30's or early 40's."

Boys Track & Field

One male athlete at Pearl High School brought home a medal from the Illinois High School State Track Meet. Henry Grubs claimed a 5th place finish in the mile run in 1950. This was done under the old one-class system. Great job Henry!

1949-50 Henry Grubs One Mile Run 5th Place

Seeking Further Information....

...about the many successes accomplished at Pearl high School. The great teams and individual efforts of those who attended PHS should forever be remembered. If you would like to share information with us, especially a photo of the old high school building, please e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. or write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

Pearl High School Building Grounds - 2008

Photo by Roberta VanBriesen

"Pearly" Street

Pearl, Illinois