A history of the schools of Edgar County, Illinois
The cultural development of a community is dependent, in part, on the development of Its school system. The purpose of this study was to trace the historical development of the school systems of Edgar County, from the date of the first school in the county, 1820, through 1968. Brief histories of the political boundaries of Edgar County, and the public school systems of Illinois were also Included as background material.
This study was concerned with the growth of the schools of Edgar County, and with the development of each of the present school districts. This study tracer, the formation of the school districts from the early village and city schools, through the formation of the township schools, and to the organization of the present Unit Districts which are in operation in the county.
Information concerning the history of the schools was collected from histories of Edgar County; histories of Illinois; histories of the townships and villages of Edgar County, which were written by early residents of the county; newspaper files; official records, such as, Laws of Illinois, Annual Statistical Reports of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Annual for the Edgar County Public Schools 1907-1967; local school board minutes; and from personal interviews of present and past board members, teachers, county superintendents and local historians. The Information gained from these sources was used to trace the establishment, use, termination, or present status of the school districts in Edgar County.
The one room country school is no longer a reality in Edgar County. A few such buildings still remain. Host, however, have been torn down, or are in a bad state of repair. Some have been remodeled into homes. Others have been converted into community centers and still serve their communities In this capacity.
The cultural heritage of the citizens of Edgar County is rich in the traditions of our schools. This heritage which we have inherited from our forefathers should not be forgotten. However, many of the records of the schools have been lost or destroyed; most of the people associated with the early school systems have died; and all that remains of the early schools are the memories.
Table of Contents
PREFACE I
LIST OF TABLES III
LIST OF MAPS IV
I. THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL BOUNDARIES 1
II. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS OF ILLINOIS 5
III. EARLY SCHOOLS OF EDGAR COUNTY 8
IV. PARIS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 95 14
V. COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2 22
VI. COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 3 27
VII. COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4 33
VIII. COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5. 38
IX. SCOTTLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 41
X. SUMMARY 41
APPENDIX 46
BIBLIOGRAPHY 52
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The history of Edgar County dates back to the early part of the eighteenth century. From 1673 to 1765, the Illinois Territory was claimed by the French. In 1717, Illinois became a part of the French colony of Louisiana. In 1765. France relinquished her claims to the Illinois Territory and it became a province of England until 1773. After the surrender of Kaskaskla to George Rogers Clark on July 4, 1778, the Illinois Territory was a county of Virginia. The new county vaguely defined as to boundaries was attached to that commonwealth. This act was passed In October, 1778, and proclamation of the act made June 17, 1779.
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