Browning High School Bobcats

Portrait of Browning High School In Its Prime

Courtesy of Dennis Reiley

Browning Railroad Depot - 2008

Photo Submitted by Roberta VanBriesen

The History of Browning High School

Browning (population 130) is situated in western Illinois about 25 miles southeast of Macomb. The town is nestled on the banks of the Illinois River in east-central Schuyler County. Illinois Route 100 is the "main drag" to and from Browning. The Dutchman Creek flows through the town's northside. A great history of Browning can be read at the following website address:

http://www.museum.state.il.us/RiverWeb/harvesting/history/settlement/browning.html

We are fairly certain that Browning residents began a school system for their children by the late 1800s. By the early 1900s the town's population had reached 455 residents and definitely had a school building in place. Browning supported its own high school through at least the 1947.

The following history of the school was sent to us by Dennis Reiley, a graduate of Browning Grade School in 1955:

Browning High School Building - 2007

Submitted by Dennis Reiley

"Browning High School closed it's doors in May of 1947. Browning had been a three-year high school and those that graduated in 1947 had the option of going on to Rushville for a 4 year diploma. In the fall of 47 Browning joined the Schuyler Community Unit Dist. #1 with the high school then in Rushville and Browning now being a grade school with classes 1 thru 8. In or about 1958 a kindergarten was added."

Browning High School was annexed into the Rushville School District. A K-8 facility remained at the high school building for several years after the merger.

Browning High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800s / early 1900s

Year closed: 1947

Annexed to: Rushville School District

Browning HS team nickname: the "Bobcats"

Browning HS team colors: Royal Blue & White

School Fight Song: "Go Browning Bobcats"

To the tune of "On Wisconsin"

Thank you to DENNIS REILEY

Go Browning Bobcats, Go Browning Bobcats

Go and fight fight fight!

Dribble down the sideline

For a basket is in sight!

RAH RAH RAH

We’ll stand behind you, Whatever may be tide!

So spread far the fame

Of Browning’s name

Go you Bobcats

Win this game!

Browning HS Building Sideview - Gymnasium

Courtesy of Dennis Reiley - 2007

Athletics

We are certain the Browning boys competed in basketball. It s probable that baseball and track were offered as well. School team records and coach's names are among the items we are seeking at this time.

Browning High School Gymnasium - 2008

Submitted by Roberta VanBriesen

Boys Basketball

According to the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org) the Browning High School boys basketball program won two District titles during their existence. The titles came in the mid-1940s. Unfortunately the team records and the coach's names of these teams are not available at this time.

1943-44 District Champions

1946-47 District Champions

Memories of Browning School

From alumnus Martha Layne:

"I was a Browning Bobcat from Kindergarten-Eighth grade (1971-79). There was no High School at that time. It was an awesome school!!

I can still smell the new wax on the hard wood floors on the first day of school. The school had 6 levels. The kindergarten room was to the side and a level lower than the gym and then first and second grade rooms (one for each grade) was the next level up from the gym. A wide flight of stairs up from there was third and fourth grade rooms (again, one each). A tall flight of steps (I used to know the number of stairs) on either side of that level went to the top level (one to go up and one to
go down) which was seventh and eighth grade (of course one room for each grade). Like I have said, there were no high schoolers going there when I went there...I remeber them catching the bus in front of the building to go to Rushville. The bell was in the tower above this level and if you were in the eighth grade and you asked and had been good, you got to pull the big rope and ring the bell after school. The cafeteria was in the basement next to the boiler room...I had to go there twice...it was known as the paddling room...
It was a wonderful country school. It had the best teeter totters in the world and the tallest slide I'd ever seen. The younger chilren played in the front of the building and the older ones had a choice of the front or the back. I loved it and have enjoyed my trip down memory lane"

Seeking More Information

More information is being sought about Browning High School; use the Guest Commentary Form to sumbit. Corrections are welcome as well. If you have more Information about BHS, including photos of the school, nickname, other athletes and other great teams and high school memories you would like to share please write to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or you may also write us via USPS at:

Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, IL 60631