Simpson High School

Simpson School Building - 2011

Photo Taken by James Horaz

Simpson School Photo - 2011

Courtesy of James Horaz

The History of Simpson High School

Simpson (population 54) is located in the far southern portion of Illinois in the east-central portion of Johnson County. The main road leading to and from Simpson is Illinois Route 147. Simpson is located on Route 147 about seven miles east of Interstate Highway 24. A town of note near Simpson might be Carbondale, about 30 miles to the northwest (as the crow flies, of course). Cedar Creek flows through Simpson as well.

Simpson's history and educational past are in need of research. The town was probably in the business of educating its children as far back as the late 1800s. It is known that the town and surrounding farm kids enjoyed Simpson High School at least through the early 1940s. It is quite possible that it was the late 1940s, when the state-wide consolidation effort took place, that the high school in Simpson was deactivated. We do know that at some point the kids of Simpson began attending high school with their neighbors seven miles to the southwest, Vienna.

The history and fate of Simpson High School are in need of research. Very little is available on the internet. We are hopeful that a local resident or history buff can help us with the details.

Simpson High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800s

Year closed: late 1940s (1949?)

Consolidated to: Vienna High School

School nickname: unavailable

School colors: unavailable

School Fight Song: unavailable

Athletics

It is a fact that Simpson High School competed in the sport of boys basketball. It is quite possible that track and baseball were offered as well. We know of the school's participation in basketball because of its mention on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org). As you can see in the "Quick Facts" area, we are in need of a lot of information on the school's athletic, as well as overall, history.

Boys Basketball

The boys basketball team at Simpson High School had three seasons in which they were the "king" of the small schools in their area. District Championship trophies were won in 1929, 1931, and 1940. Unfortunately team records and coaches names are not available.

1928-29 District Champions

Harrisburg Sectional Tourney

Lost to Pinckneyville 42 - 18

1930-31 District Champions

Carbondale Sectional Tournament Results

Beat Pinckneyville 19 - 17

Beat Murphysboro 12 - 10 (O/T)

Lost Sectional Championship (Sweet 16)

14 - 12 in O/T to Johnson City who would

go on to finish in 4th place.

(See Below)

1939-40 District Champions

Jim Jones provided us with this tidbit of information regarding the Simpson High School boys of 1930-31, who set a record that will never be broken:

"I have this great piece of information for you concerning Simpson High School, taken from page 39 (the 1931 tournament) of _100 Years of Madness: The Illinois High School Association Boys' Basketball Tournament (an excellent book if you don't know about it - I got a copy from the IHSA store):

"Johnston City rallied past Benton in the sectional semifinals at Carbondale and then beat Simpson in overtime in the finals. With an enrollment of just 29 students, Simpson was the smallest school EVER to make the final 16 of the state tournament."

Truly incredible to think that Simpson almost made the "Elite Eight" with just 29 kids! Johnston City would finish 4th that year."

We Need Your Help.....

...in making the memories and hard work of those who made Simpson High School a success never be forgotten. ANY information you may have about Simpson or its former high school is being sought. You can e-mail photos and information to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631