Monroe Center High School

Monroe Center High School Building

Submitted by Roberta Van Briesen

Monroe Center High School Building #2

Submitted by Roberta Van Briesen

The History of Monroe Center High School

Monroe Center (population approximately 350) is located in northeastern Illinois about 10 miles south and a little east of Rockford. The town sits on Illinois Route 72 1mile east of Interstate Highway 39 in northeastern Ogle County. The CMSP & P Railroad runs through Monroe Center as well.

Monroe Center does have a website (www.monroecenter.org) however the history of the town and its school system is in need of research. It is probable that Monroe Center had a high school in place for its children by the late 1800s or early 1900s. The high school served the town and surrounding farm kids through at least the late 1950s. At some point, probably in the late 1950s or early 1960s, it was decided to close Monroe Center High School and join forces with the nearby Stillman Valley.School District. We do know that Monroe Center High School was open through at least the 1952-53 school year as William Henry Hackman graduated from MCHS in 1953.

Monroe Center HS Class of 1938 - Reunion 2010

Rockford Register Star Newspaper - submitted by Roberta Van Briesen

Monroe Center High School Students Early 1900s

Submitted by Roberta VanBriesen

Monroe Center does have a grade school for grades Pk - 5.

The fate of the original Monroe Center High School building was provided to us by Phil Knight:

"The old high school was demolished in the late 60's, after sitting abandoned for more than a decade. The old high school gymnasium was left remaining. The Monroe Township Fire & Ambluance District (http://www.monroecenterfire.org/) took possession of the gymnasium and built its firestation next to it. The fire station has a full-sized gym attached to it that is available to be rented."

Monroe Center High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800s / early 1900s

Year closed: late 1950s

Annexed to: Stillman Valley School District

Monroe Center HS nickname: the "Panthers"

MCHS team colors: Blue & White

School Fight Song: "We're :Loyal to You"

Quick Facts Info Provided by PAM ATCHISO

Monroe Center HS Gymnasium

Now Village Fire Department - Courtesy of Roberta VanBriesen - 2007

Athletics

Monroe Center High School competed in basketball and did so quite well. It is probable that the school competed in baseball and track as well. School team nickname, colors, fight song, and team records and coach's names of MCHS teams are all being sought.

Boys Basketball

The boys basketball team of Monroe Center HS won a total of four District titles (www.ihsa.org). The titles came in three different decades with three of the titles coming in an eight year period. The team records and coach's names for these and other MCHS basketball teams are not currently available.

1937-38 District Champions

1946-47 District Champions

1951-52 District Champions

From Brian Hoxsey:

"In 1952, Monroe Center High School defeated Kirkland High School "Komets" in the Monroe Center District Tournament title game 53-44. Monroe Center was led by Dick McKnight (18 points) and LeRoy Mincemoyer (14 points)."

1954-55 District Champions

Football

Monroe Center played tough on the grid iron too. Some of the better season records posted by the MCHS boys as researched by Tom Sikorski are in turn listed below.

1954 5-2 2nd place (tie) Route 72 Conference Coach Gordy Johnson

1955 2-5 Last team. Coach Gordy Johnson

Last win in school history was 27-20 over Pecatonica.

Need Your Assistance

If you have any further information regarding the many successes attained at Monroe Center High School before its merger with nearby Stillman Valley, please write to us via e-mail at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631