The History of New Boston High School
The village of New Boston is located on the banks of the Mississippi River along Il. Rt. 17. New Boston
(population 632) is located in the western portion of Mercer County placing it approximately 40 miles due southwest
of the Quad Cities.
The town origin and school history are not clearly known. What is known is that New
Boston took part in a consolidation effort after the 1959-60 school year of all of the schools in western
Mercer County. The result was the Westmer School system of which New Boston is now a part of
along with Joy, Keithsburg, and Eliza. The high school for the new DIstrict is located in Joy.
Lu Ann Krengle, who was a freshmen when New Boston High School closed, provided the following
information on the school building:
"Both the grade school and the high schools were housed in the same building. When a student came in the
front entrance, straight in front of them was a stairway going to the second floor. Once you climbed the first set of stairs
you either turned to the left and went to the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade class rooms or continued up another flight of stairs
to the high school homeroom and class rooms."
New Boston does have an elementary school for the Westmer School District for grades PK - 5. A portion
of the original New Boston school building still stands and is used as part of the Westmer elementary school.
New Boston High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late 1800s
/ early 1900s
Year closed: 1960
Consolidated to: Westmer School District (Joy)
School nickname: the "Bears"
School colors: Blue & Gold
School Fight Song: unavailable
Athletics
New Boston's boys could shoot the rock! Two streaks define New Boston HS basketball. District
titles were won in 41, 42 and 48, 49, 50 , and 51. The District Championships were followed up with Regional titles in 42
and 49. Unfortunately Coaches names and team records are not available, though one would assume the '42 and '49 records
were quite impressive. No evidence of other sports offered at the school could be found on the IHSA web site (www.ihsa.org) . It would be a good bet that New Boston offered Track, Baseball, and Cheerleading. Assistance with this information
is being sought. The best seasons in which IHSA hardware was won by the Basketball team are listed below.
Boy's Basketball
1940-41 N.R.A. District
Champions
Defeated Seaton for championship
1941-42 N.R.A. District/Regional
Champions
1947-48 N.R.A. District
Champions
1948-49 N.R.A. District/Regional
Champions
1949-50 N.R.A. District
Champions
1950-51 N.R.A. District
Champions
Memories, Facts , and Information
From our good fan Lou Ann Krengle:
"The boys used to play their basketball games, in the 1940's, in Baner Hall on Main Street in the upstairs
portion of the building. The building is now the New Boston Community Center but the up stairs part has been closed.
There
is a New Boston High School reunion. This year there were about ninety attendees.
Some memorable people from New Boston High School's past include Bus Thoman, coach in the
1940s, and Miss Mable Knox, principal through the late 1950's."
Seeking Further Information
School fight song, team records, great coaches, town history, school history - all of these
are items we are seeking information to from a New Boston fan. We are especially seeking a photo of the old high school
building. If you can help us send a School Submission Form or Guest Commnetary Form with the information you possess.
You may also write us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or:
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, Il. 60631
