Allendale Community Consolidated School District #17
101 North 3rd Street
P.O. Box 130
Allendale, Illinois 62410

Phone: 618-299-3161
Fax: 618-299-2015

The privileges for area education among the pioneer children were of the most meager kind, yet the first settlers did what was within their power and means to give their children the advantages of an education sufficient to meet the requirements of the time.

The first classes taught in the area were at Fort Compton, by Ruben Fox, as early as 1814 or 1815. As early as 1815 - 1818 Robert Gibson taught classes in a log dwelling that was converted into a schoolhouse about 1820 in the Timberville area. Later a schoolhouse was built in Timberville near the Harvey Schafer Farm. After many years it was moved to Allendale where it was used until a brick building was built in 1879 at a cost of about $4,000.00

In 1897, the first session of summer school was held. Forty-four students were enrolled. The superintendent was J.E. Ramsey and the teacher was A.M. Shepard. This building housed grades one through eight until 1914 when the ninth grade was added, followed one year later by the tenth grade.

About 1920 it became necessary to move the 7th and 8th grades to a deserted store building to make room for the 11th grade. The Superintendent, Harriet Beringer, encouraged the town to build a new building to accommodate all grades in one building.

On September 12, 1925 School Trustees J.H. Jordan, Melvin Smith, and E.D. Wright purchased the existing school property from W.M. Price, Cora B. Price, Bayard P. Leeds, and Lottie Leeds for the sum of $735.00

In 1926 five schools consolidated to form District #17. These schools were O.K., McFarland, Armstrong, Drennen, and Allendale, With the help of a bond issue a new three story brick school building was ready for the September 1926 school year at a cost of approximately $49,000.00 A Daily Republican-Register newspaper article following the dedication and placement of the cornerstone said that the buidling was one of the finest ina town of this size to be found anywhere in the territory. District #17 operated as a three-year high school until 1929 when rooms were added over the gym at which time fours years of high school were available.

School board members at the time were S.H. Price, President, members A.L. Gher, L.G. Stillwell, Elijah Wolfe, J.H. McClain, Ranson Higgins, and F.J. Dorney, J.T. Timberlake was County Superintendent of Schools.

In the 1940’s Orio, Old Hickory, Beasley, and Douglas joined the district followed by Adams Corner in the early 1950’s. Many building improvements were made over the years to meet the needs of the educational system of the Allendale area. Among those were the construction of the cafeteria and agriculture building in 1949 and the new classrooms, science lab, and gymnasium in 1964.

In 1986 condemnation of the 1926 structure forced the use of community buildings and churches to house classes during the 1986-1987 school year. In 1987 high school students were tuitioned to District #348 because of inadequate space at the Allendale School.

On January 7, 1989 at 5:23 p.m. the school building was destroyed by a tornado which also destroyed approximately one third of the homes in Allendale. Even though the buildings are gone, the knowledge we received, and the memories we share will live on.

Three areas are essential for the happiness of mankind, religion, morality, and knowledge. The Allendale Community Consolidated School emphasizes the improvement of teaching and student-teacher relationships. By doing so, it clings to the values which have been central to the institution’s purpose since its inception.

Addendum - By Grover C. Burkett, Superintendent July 1987 - 1994.

The Board of Education voted on January 17, 1989 to build a K - 8 school at the previous location to the Allendale School. Groundbreaking occurred on April 2, 1990 with Governor Jim Thompson present as well as numerous dignitaries present. Due to weather the groundbreaking was held in the Allendale Christian Church with standing room only capacity crowd.

ARC Construction firm of Evansville along with several other subcontractors proceeded to construct a School Building designed by Garrison & Jones Architectural Firm of Carbondale. Harlan Bohnsack was the chief architect and Paul Askew was the Construction Supervisor. Ron Holstein of CDB kept a close eye on the progress of the Building.

The day finally came when the faculty and students could move to the New Allendale School. Some moving occurred after February 25, 2991. The move began at noon on Wednesday, February 27, 1991 and was virtually completed by that evening. Teachers used an institute on February 28 to prepare for classes on March 5. The State Tornado practice drill was held the first day. Open house was held on Thursday prior to a Volleyball Game.

The Dedication was held on May 13, 1991 at 1:30 p.m. to allow students the opportunity to participate. The Honored speaker was Cheryl Bradley who was a Principal at Allendale during 1985-1986.