DeKalb Township High School Collection

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-053

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

These records partially document the history of the DeKalb Township High School from 1864 to 1987, with the bulk of the collection dating from 1903 to 1950. Although there are no records documenting administrative activities, the materials do provide information on social functions and organizations and sports events. The majority of the collection consists of high school publications: The Barb; The Barblet; New Pennies; and the Kalibre, the annual yearbook. Also included is one of the first composition books from 1864-1865, and a sewing class notebook from 1917. Researchers should note that the collection also contains material which documents the Benign Order of the Yannigans. The Yannigans, a social club that sponsored and was involved in community sports, was formed in 1909 by several high school boys and continued to meet annually until 1941

Dates

created: 1864-1982
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1965

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

The first record of a graded school including high school level classes in DeKalb is that of a school built in 1861 at Third and Prospect Streets. In 1874 a class of four was graduated from this high school by Principal Ella C. Dunbar. This school was accredited by the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University by 1894. When D.F. Herr became Superintendent of Schools in 1896, the four year course schedule and half-year promotions were instituted. The DeKalb Township High School building was constructed in 1903. Additions were made in 1923 including a swimming pool, woodworking shops, athletic facilities, and a library. This school remained in use until the new building was built on Barb Boulevard and Fourth Streets in 1966. In August of 2011 a new DeKalb High School was dedicated at 501 West Dresser Road. [The former High School on South Fourth Street has become Huntley Junior High, and the former Huntley is now Founders Grade School.] As the area around DeKalb grew the Administration of the schools changed. From 1901 to 1954 separate systems were used for the elementary and high school, but in 1954 DeKalb set up a community unit district, # 428, to replace the dual system. This is the system under which the schools are presently administered.

Note written by

Extent

3.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

individual donations, Waite W. Embree

Method of Acquisition

The DeKalb Township High School Collection came to the Northern Illinois University Archives through individual donations (1965-1970's), and from material collected by and donated by Waite W. Embree in 1967 to the University. Between January and May 1978 these items were transferred to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center by the University Archivist. Additional materials were added to the collection at later dates.