The HIstory of Martinton High School
Martinton (population 375) is located in upper-eastern Illinois, some might even say lower northeastern
Illinois. Martinton sits in the northeastern portion of Iroquois County. The town is situated about 15 miles southeast
of Kankakee. County Road 2100 E runs by the west side of town and connects it to U.S. Route 52 about 1 1/2 miles to
the south. The Union Pacific Railroad passes through the east side of town.
A brief history of the town of Martinton and its former high school are being sought. Any in-put you
may have is welcome. The following information was supplied to us by Mark Stuckey:
"The village of Martinton was established in 1875. I am not certain what the last year for
Martinton High was, but Martinton grade school was closed in 1967. At that point it was 1st through 6th grade. Then in 1968,
the newly formed school district opened it's new building in rural Donovan for K-6 grade. Prior to 1967, Martinton grade school
was a 1st through 8th grade school. In 1966, the 7th and 8th grade classes began the consolidation with Donovan, Beaverville,
and Iroquois. When the Martinton school building was closed, the Martinton Lions club purchased or was given the building.
They tried to keep it open for their meetings and also as a community center. It became to costly to maintain and was torn
down around the late 1970's."
Our guess is that Martinton High School was established in the late 1800s or early 1900s. It is probable
that Martinton High School served the town and surrounding farm kids at least through the late 1940s, possible even longer.
At some point, possibly the late 1940s, the residents of Martinton agreed to consolidate their educational
efforts with the folks of nearby Donovan. We are certain that there is currently no school available in Martinton.
Martinton High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
late 1800s / early 1900s
Year closed:
late 1940s?
Consolidated to:
Donovan School District
Martinton HS team nickname: the "Elks"
Martinton HS team colors: Purple & Gold
School Fight Song: unavailable
