Chestnut High School "Wildcats"

Chestnut High School Building

Courtesy of Sue Ollis

The History of Chestnut High School

Chestnut (population approximately 300) is located in central Illinois in the lower eastern portion of Logan County. Illinois Route 54 is the main roadway leading to and from Chestnut. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad runs through town as well. The Salt Creek flows just to the west of Chestnut. The city of Lincoln is located about 15 miles to the northwest.

The history of Chestnut and its former high school is being sought. According to http://www.rootsweb.com/~illogan/Chestnut.htm, Chestnut is named after a railroad executive of the same name when it was platted in 1872. We believe that Chestnut residents began an educational process for their children in the mid- to late-1800's. It is probable that a high school was in place by the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Chestnut High School served its children for several decades. At some point talks were begun to close Chestnut High School and join forces with nearby Mt. Pulaski High School. We believe this effort became a reality in the early 1950s. Chestnut High School was closed and students began attending classes in Mt. Pulaski.

This arrangement continues today. There is no school currently operational in Chestnut. The original Chestnut High School building was razed many years ago. A machine shop building now stands where the former HS building once stood. It is thought that the Chestnut.school was operational as a grade school through the 1970's.

Chestnut High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800's/early 1900's

Year closed: 1950's/1960's

Annexed to: Mt. Pulaski School District

Chestnut HS team nickname: the "Wildcats"

Team colors: Yellow & Black

School Fight Song: unavailable

Athletics

The Chestnut High School Wildcats probably competed in baseball, basketball, and track. Unfortunately, there is no record of Chestnut athletics on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org). We are confident there were many good teams and athletes in CHS' storied past. It is also known that Chestnut competed in the Tri-High Conference during the early-1940's with Congerville, Emden, and Shirley Ben Funk. If you have ANY information on the athletic and other extra-curricular activities which took place at Chestnut High, please contact us via the means listed below.

Memories

From former student of Chestnut schools, Darren McCormick:

"I grew up in the community and attended Chestnut Grade school through 8th grade (1974). The school remained open for a few years after I graduated---but for how many I'm not sure. I don't know if you've tried this avenue or not---but you might consider putting an appeal in the Mount Pulaski newspaper for more information on the old Chestnut High School. [The Lincoln Courier would be a good appeal source for both Chestnut and Beason High School information.] Jeff Clements, who is mentioned on your Beason High School website, was in my graduating class. He, like several other students who attended Chestnut Grade School, ended up at Beason High School. I, and the majority of my class, attended Mt. Pulaski High School.

I'm guessing that the school song didn't change. I've got family who were cheerleaders who might be able to get you the words to the school fight song if you'd like for me to try and dig those up. If memory serves me right Jeff Clements' Dad and Mike Lowe's Dad were standout athletes in High School in Chestnut."

Need More Information

The folks who worked to make Chestnut High School a reality and a success should not be forgotten. There are many missing items that should be shared and remembered forever. A photo of the original high school building is especially being sought. If you have this information, please e-mail it to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631