Du Quoin Lincoln High School

Du Quoin Lincoln High School

Du Quoin, Illinois

The History of DuQuoin Lincoln High School

DuQuoin is a city of 6,448 residents located near the tip of southern Illinois in the southeastern corner of Perry County. U.S. Route 51 and Il. Route 152 intersect on the north side of town. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad runs through the middle of town. Creeks in the area include the Blacksop, Sixmile, Halfmile, and Reese Creeks. Cherry Lake is located on the northeast side of the city. A larger city for reference is Carbondale located about 20 miles to the south of Du Quoin. The town is quiet except during the late August week when one of the "State Fairs" invades town.

Lincoln High School was a short lived high school which opened in the early 1900's, possibly around 1910. The school remained active until the mid 1940's during World War II. It was then annexed into the DuQuoin school system. What made Lincoln High School unique was its original purpose. It was developed for the African-American population of DuQuoin. DuQuoin Lincoln was an all-black high school and was probably not a member of the IHSA. It was a member of the "Southern Illinois Conference of Colored High Schools."

The High School building served as a school for the DuQuoin School system for decades after its closure. In fact, it was still active through the 2000 school year when a new DuQuoin grade school was built. It is still standing tall and proud, full of history. The photo above was taken in April of 2005.

Information Request:

"My relatives were born in DuQuoin, Ill in the early 1900's went to the Lincoln High School probably in the mid 1900's. I am looking for photos or information on the students at that time. If you have school information for the below. Please email me at myravj2003@yahoo.com

Myrtle V. Roberts Johnson - 1909 - 1971

Leroy A. Roberts - 1903- 1956

Harold A. Roberts 1915-1983

Florence R. Roberts Fairfax - 1906-1979

Mable A. Roberts Davis -1916-1986

Thank you. "

Du Quoin Lincoln High School Quick Facts

Year opened: early 1900's

Year closed: mid 1940's

Year all school functions ceased in building: 2000

Building use today: Privately owned

School nickname: the "Warriors"

School colors: Orange & Black

School Fight Song: unavailable (did have a school band)

Du Quoin Lincoln

Photo of Championship Team of Late 1920s

Athletics

The Du Quoin Lincoln High School Warriors were members of the highly competitive "Southern Illinois Colored Schools Conference". Member schools included schools from the towns of Cairo, Colp, Mounds, Mounds City, Brookport, Metropolis, Carbondale, and East St. Louis. Lincoln High School offered basketball as well as baseball and track. Some of the basketball successes will be touched on below. If you have any information on the successes of the track and baseball teams please drop us a line.

Boys Basketball

The Lincoln High School Warriors of DuQuoin enjoyed many great seasons and many conference championships. The team pictured above in fact is from the late 1920's, and won the first SICCHS tournament title in 1927 in addition to being the runner-up in 1929. The Warriors brought home three straight Conference championships and were rewarded wth a Silver Basketball with all of the player's names engraved on it. It is believed this trophy was kept for several years in a local church; however, its whereabouts as of this writing are unknown.

Members of this team included Sylvester and Valdor Vessel, Andrew Lanum, Maynard Farris, Orlando Scott, Julian Holmes, Alex Hooks, Cecil Johnson, and Robert "Honey " Jackson. Many of these names were the forefathers of some of the great players in later DuQuoin High School years.

Rides to the away games were given to the players in private cars. Some of the drivers and owners included Professor Smith, E.W. Owens, and Holsey Dabner. Home games were played at the nearby West Park School Gymnasium. What a unique school and unique period of life in Illinois.

Great Coach

Professor Charles "Fess" Smith was a well known coach in the conference and turned out many great teams at the school. It also just so happens that during his tenure he was the ONLY teacher for the High School portion of the school.

Seeking More information

If you have any more information you would like to share regarding DuQuoin Lincoln High School please complete a School Submission Form or a Guest Commentary Form. You can also e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631