New Baden High School "Zebras"

New Baden Elementary School

New Baden, Illinois

The History of New Baden High School

New Baden (population 3,001) is located in western Clinton County in southwestern Illinois. New Baden is located at the intersection of Il. Routes 160 and 161 just north of Interstate Highway 64. A nearby town of note would be East St. Louis located 26 miles to the northwest of New Baden. There is an un-named pond on the north side of town and the Southern Railroad runs through the south side of the city.

New Baden was established as a town in 1838 (http://www.wesclin.k12.il.us/commun~1.htm) . The town was named for its many immigrants who hailed from Baden, Germany. In 1896 a tornado struck, demolishing nearly every building in town. The residents quickly rebuilt and changed the name from Baden to New Baden.

The school system was probably established in the late 1800s. We learned that in 1913 the enrollment of New Baden High School was 14 students. NBHS served the community for nealy six decades when consolidation talks were started with its neighbor to the north, Trenton. This consolidation effort succeeded in 1956 or 1957 with the creation of the Wesclin School District.

The High School for Wesclin is located in Trenton. There are two elementary schools located in New Baden. It is not known if either school is the original High School building or not. A photo of New Baden Elementary School for grades K- 3 is posted above. New Baden also supports a grade school for grades 4 - 6 called St. George's. A photo of this school is posted below.

New Baden High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800s

Year closed: 1956 or 1957

School nickname: the "Zebras"

School colors: Black & White?

School Fight Song: unavailable

Athletics

The New Baden Zebras definately played basketball. Their three District title trophies verify this. It is believed the Zebras may have also competed in baseball, track, and possible football. Assistance is needed from a fan or alum from the area. The best of the New Baden basketball exploits are listed below.

Boys Basketball

The Zebra boys basketball te3am earned three District titles during their existence including two coming "back to back" in 1940 and 1941. Unfortunately the records and coaches names for these two teams are not available. If you have any information on these or other great New Baden teams please write to us at eganann@sbcglobal.net.

1927-28 District Tourney Results

                  1st Rd New Baden 17 Beckemeyer 15
                  2nd Rd New Baden 31 Okawville 9
                  Semifinals Carlyle 36 New Baden 18
                  3rd place New Baden 15 Patoka 13

1929-30 District Tourney Info

2nd round New Baden 15 Greenville 13

(N. B. to the semifinals)

1939-40 District Champions Coach C.G. Heberer

1940-41 District Champions Coach C.G. Heberer

Team members are as follows, (provided by Carol Talley):

Ralph Bann #9, William Fauke #12, Kenneth Hardy #14,

Gregory Hemann #5, Robert Hemann #3,

Glenn Hertenstein #7, Melvin Hertenstein #10,

Herman Hofbauer #8, Oscar Knipp #18,Oscar Mallrich #6,
Ralph Musec #11, Jack Peter #19, William Renth #20,

Allen Schneider #22, Norman Sendt #4, Danny Young #15
J.W. Collins, Principal, C.G. Heberer, Coach

1950-51 District Champions

Searching for More Information

We are needing verification of some of the facts posted here. We are especially curious about the old high school building and records of the great New Baden Zebra teams. You can e-mail us information and photos at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il. 60631

St. George's Grade School

New Baden, Illinois