Farmer City Moore Township HS "Farmers"
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Farmer City Moore Township High School
farmercitymoorehs19121999mons.jpg
1912 - 1999

Farmer City Moore Township HS
farmercityearlyhsbldgdav.jpg
1872 - 1911

The History of Farmer City Moore Township High School
 
Farmer City (population 2,055) is located in eastern Illinois along Interstate Highway 74 about 20 miles northwest of Champaign. The town is located in far northeastern DeWitt County at the intersection of U.S. Route 150 and Illinois Route 54. Two railroad lines, Conrail and the Illinois Central Gulf, intersect in Farmer City. The Salt Creek flows through Farmer City as well.
 
The following history of the town and its school system was written by Kev Varney:
 
Farmer City's roots trace back to 1830 when Dennis Hurley came from Ohio to settle in an area to be known as Hurley's Grove. Along with several other enrominent figures, Hurley helped shape the area in what is now northeast DeWitt County into a town that would be first called Mount Pleasant, then changed to Farmer City in 1869 when it was apparent that there was another town with the same name...not to mention that the post office was called Santa Anna.

Education was began as early as 1835 for school-aged children, and it would not be until 1872 that an combination grade school-high school was built in Farmer City. That building lasted 39 years before being condemned and new buildings for each the grade and high schools had to be built. As a result, farm land that was willed to the board of education by Joseph G. and Sabina Moore to help pay for a new high school was used to do just that and the name changed to Moore Township (then later Moore) High School in 1912.

Farmer City Moore Township High School Building
farmercitymansfieldhsdav.jpg
Submitted by Dana Nichols

That building remained a high school until being demolished around 1999 for a new, state-of-the-art facility that was built right behind the 1911 structure. A gymnasium that was added in 1935 does remain with the current structure that now houses Blue Ridge High School. In 1971, Farmer City and Mansfield combined their school districts, and the prep students were instructed in Farmer City. One interesting note: the yearbook at Farmer City Moore Township/Moore HS was called "The Owl."
 
Memories
 
**From former principal Duane Gronau (1959-1973):
 
    "My regards to the alums and students of a long era. I began teaching social studies at Moore High in 1953 and then became principal from 1959 until 1973. I still have the fondest memories of the athletic events; the musicals Mr. Thomas produced; homecoming pardes; student council activities; and even the classroom. Students continually told me later how important economics was to them in their lives. 
    My wife and I operated "Deweys," the area gathering place, for 35 years and many students worked with us there for years. Most all know we sold Deweys in 1991 and I went into the Smith-Johanns Insurance office then. I left that completely the 1st of the year in 2010. I moved to Bloomington in the fall of 2009 and now live in retirement there.
    My "hello" to the 100's as well as to many others I grew to know who attended the school before I was there and afterward.
    If you wish to contact me my e-mail address is dewey.gronau@gmail.com .
Thank you / Mr. Gronau (Dewey now to many.) 
 
Farmer City Moore Township High School Quick Facts
 
Year opened:                        1872
Year closed:                         1971
Consolidated to:                    Farmer City-Mansfield High School
School nickname:                  the "Farmers"
School colors:                       Purple & White
School Fight Song:                unavailable
Athletics
 
The Farmer City Moore Township High School Farmers won IHSA hardware (www.ihsa.org) in the boys sports of basketball and track. Limited information is also available on the football teams of FCMHS. What is listed is the incredible success of the track teams of the late 1890's (not a misprint)!  School fight song, great coaches, team records, as well as conference affilliation are all being sought.
 
Track & Field
 
The Farmer City Moore High School boys pulled up the plow and were the terrors of the oval track for the small schools of the late 1890's. The boys competed hard in the one-class system and hung tough with the likes of Springfield, Peoria, and Chicago. It wasn't just one good athlete that carried the torch. As you will see, there were many good athletes that added to the thinclad's success. Two of these athletes, in fact, won the state championship in their events!!
 
1892-93   Team Finished SEVENTH in STATE MEET Competition!!
 
               Individual Medalist
               Marshall Hall                440 Yard Dash            STATE CHAMPION!!
 
               Final Team Standings
               1)  Peoria HS                            42
               2)  Chicago Lake View HS          31
               3)  Geneseo HS                        13
               3)  Springfield HS                      13
               5)  Urbana HS                           11
               6)  Chicago Hyde Park HS           7
               7)  FARMER CITY MOORE HS    5
               8)  Champaign HS                       4
               9)  Neoga HS                              3
               9)  Watseka HS                          3
 
1893-94   Team Finished TENTH in STATE MEET Competition!!
 
               Individual Medalist
               E. Robinson              50 Yard Dash                  STATE CHAMPION!!
 
               Final Team Standings
               1)  Urbana HS                              22
               2)  Chicago Hyde Park HS            20
               2)  Peoria HS                               20
               4)  Champaign HS                        17
               5)  Chicago Lake View HS             14
               6)  Cairo HS                                 11
               6)  Mattoon HS                             11
               8)  Chicago Englewood HS            10
               8)  Yorkville HS                             10
             10)  FARMER CITY MOORE HS        5
 
1897-98   Team Finished NINTH in STATE MEET Competition!!
 
               Individual Medalists  
               C. Carter                   Hamer Throw                 3RD Place
               ?? Herrick                 220 Yard Dash                3RD Place
               ?? Newland              880 Yard Run                  3RD Place
               ?? Norris                   400 Yard Bike Race        3RD Place
 
                Final Team Standings
                1)  Aurora East HS                    36
                2)  Peoria HS                            28
                3)  Chicago Englewood HS         19
                4)  Chicago Hyde Park HS         13
                5)  Lewistown HS                      11
                6)  Decatur HS                           9
                6)  Champaign HS                      9
                8)  LaGrange Lyons HS               5
                9)  Marengo HS                          4   
              10)  FARMER CITY MOORE HS    4
 
1922-23B  Individual Medalist
                Relay Team              880 Yard Relay               2ND Place
 
1925-26    Individual Medalist
                ?? Lashbrook            Discus                            5TH Place
 
1961-62    Individual Medalist
                Pat Mullen                 440 Yard Dash                2ND Place
 
Boys Basketball
 
Farmer City Moore High School roundballers had some good seasons on the hardwood court as well. Unfortunately, the coaches' names and better team records of these and other great FCMHS teams are not currently available.  Below are listed the better team accomplishments as listed on the IHSA web site.

Several basketball scores involving Farmer City High School in the IHSA State Tournament were located on a site titled "Illinois Postseason Basketball Scores." These scores are posted below as well.

1921-22               Urbana District Tournament      Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Tuscola 31-18
 
1933-34               Monticello District Tournament  Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd Beat Sadorus 31-21
                            2nd Rd lost to Tolono 22-20
 
1934-35               Monticello District Tournament  Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd Beat Sadorus 25-23
                            2nd Rd lost to Bement 45-20
                            Bement lost to Champaign in title game
                            Champaign lost to Springfield in Elite 8
 
1935-36               IHSA District Champions         Coach's name & record needed
                            District Scores Needed
                            Fisher Regional Tournament
                            1st Rd lost to Mahomet 26-24
   
1936-37               IHSA District Champions         Coach's name & record needed
                            District Scores Needed
                            Gibson City Regional Tournament
                            1st Rd lost to Melvin 22-11
   
1937-38  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed.
  
1938-39               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Weldon 24-20
   
1939-40  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed.
1940-41  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed. 
  
1941-42               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Bloomington 37-18
  
1942-43               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Clinton 37-21
   
1943-44  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed.
   
1944-45               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Clinton 45-29
  
1945-46  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed.
 
1946-47               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Clinton 56-34
                            Clinton beat Bloomington in title game
  
1947-48  13 - 11  Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach Harry Hall
                            1st Rd lost to Clinton 46-40
                            Clinton beat Bloomington in title game
      
1948-49  27 - 3    Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach Harry Hall
                            1st Rd Beat LeRoy 51-36
                            Semi-final lost to Bloomington 49-42
                            Bloomington lost to Clinton in title game
   
1949-50  21 - 3    Clinton Regional Runner-Up    Coach Bill Brady
                             1st Rd Beat Maroa 55-43
                             Semi-final Beat Bloomington 31-26
                             Title Game lost to Clinton 39-38
       
1950-51  24 - 3   Clinton Regional Tournament       Coach Bill Brady
                           Losses were to Champaign, Normal, &    
                           1st Rd of Regional to Leroy 53-51
                           Leroy lost to Argenta in title game
 
1951-52               Clinton Regional Tournament       Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd Beat Heyworth 47-34
                            Semi-final lost to Clinton 55-43
                            Clinton lost to Bloomington in title game
  
1952-53               Clinton Regional Tournament       Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd Beat Leroy 54-33
                            Semi-final lost to Bloomington 66-45
                            Bloomington beat Clinton in title game.
  
1953-54               Clinton Regional Tournament       Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd Beat Heyworth 58-54
                            Semi-final lost to Bloomington Trinity 58-57
                            Trinity beat Clinton in title game
 
1954-55               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Argenta 65-62
                           
1955-56               Clinton Regional Runner-Up    Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd Beat Bloomingotn Trinity 88-61
                            Semi-final Beat Maroa-Forsyth 62-60
                            Title Game lost to Clinton 67-57
  
1956-57               Clinton Regional Tournament       Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd Beat Clinton 68-60
                            Semi-final lost to Argenta 78-63
  
1957-58               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Maroa 84-57
  
1958-59               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Clinton 64-56
  
1959-60               Farmer City Dist. Runner-Up   Coach's name & record needed
                            Semi-final Beat Wapella 61-47
                            Title Game lost to Beason 85-84
  
1960-61  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed.
 
1961-62               Wapella District Tournament      Coach's name & record needed
                            Semi-final lost to Beason 81-75
  
1962-63               Wapella District Tournament      Coach's name & record needed
                            Semi-final lost to Downs 59-50
                          
1963-64               IHSA District Champions         Coach's name & record needed 
                            District Scores Needed
                            Bloomington Regional Tournament
                            1st Rd Beat Heyworth 64-45
                            Semi-final lost to Bloomington Trinity 56-54
                            Trinity lost to Bloomington in title game
 
1964-65  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed.
1965-66  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed.
1966-67  Postseason scores, record, and coach's name needed.
 
1967-68               Deland-Weldon District Tourney Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Urbana U-High 50-40
 
1968-69               Clinton Regional Tournament     Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Champaign Central 94-44
                            Central finished 3rd in IHSA State Tourney
 
1969-70               Deland-Weldon District Tourney Coach's name & record needed
                            1st Rd lost to Mansfield 57-56
  
1970-71               Champaign Regional Tourney     Coach's name & record needed
                            **1st Rd lost to Monticello 67-61
**Final game as Farmer City High School, became known as Farmer City-Mansfield in the summer of 1971.

1971-72  Farmer-City-Mansfield High School won Regional Tournament.                      
 
One of the best players to run the hardwood of FCHS was Tony Cadle. In the 1955-56 season, Cadle had a scoring average of 26 points, which surely made him the defensive target of most opposing schools. Cadle scored 757 of the team's points in 27 games.
 
Football
 
There is very limited coverage on the IHSA website regarding the history of the Farmer City Moore Township High School Farmers gridiron prowess. There is only one record of significance listed on the IHSA website. The first season listed is that of 1946-47. The other notable interest is that of Coach Bud Maynard.  Coach Maynard led the FCMHS boys from 1958 until its consolidation with Mansfield in 1972. He continued at Farmer City-Mansfield for several years after that. 
 
The following information has been researched and added by Kev Varney. Football was offered at Moore Township as early as 1917, and had its heyday between 1929-1939. The 1931 team was 8-2, defeating Clinton, Monticello, Paxton, Lexington, Chenoa, and Leroy, while losing to Normal and Mattoon. The 1970 team was also successful for legendary coach Marvin (Bud) Maynard, going 8-1 thru a schedule of mostly Sangamon Valley Conference foes. This was a team that was rated in the pre-season as high as number three statewide in a prep publication for schools having enrollments of under 500 students.
 
     1970-71 Final Scores

   Farmer City 13, Heyworth 0
   Farmer City 41, DeLand-Weldon 0
   Farmer City 27, Colfax Octavia 14
   Farmer City 28, Mahomet-Seymour 6
   Farmer City 27, Milford 8
   Fairbury-Cropsey 12, Farmer City 0
   Farmer City 40, Fisher 0
   Farmer City 27, Leroy 6
   Farmer City 73, Mansfield 14

The better records and conference championship teams are being sought. Here are some provided by Tom Sikorski!
 
1947  6-2                                                               Coach Harry Hall
1948                                                                     Coach Harry Hall
1949  7-2                                                               Coach Bill Brady
1950  8-1     Lost to Gibson City in a snow fest         Coach Bill Brady
                   last game of season.
1951  5-3-1 
1953  5-2-1
1954  4-2-2                                                            Coach Jerry Slack
1955  6-2    Sangamon Valley Conf. Co-Champs  Coach Don Sullivan
1958  4-2-2                                                            Coach Bud Maynard
1960  6-2                                                               Coach Bud Maynard
1961  6-3                                                               Coach Bud Maynard
1962  6-3                                                               Coach Bud Maynard
1963  7-2                                                               Coach Bud Maynard
1969  5-2-2                                                            Coach Bud Maynard
1970  8-1     Ranked #3 Pre-Season                      Coach Bud Maynard
 
1958-59  through 1973-74                                 Coach Bud Maynard
 
Coach Maynard won 143 football games in his career with Farmer City schools placing him #125 all-time among Illinois High School Football coaches.
 
For the 1948-49 season Glen Calhoun made the News-Gazette "All-Area First Team." Calhoun continued his college career at Purdue University where he was named captain in 1953.  
 
Jim Tague, in the1950 season, made the Chicago Daily News Little All-State First Team and Dan Morrissey made the "All-Area 2ND Team." Tague would continue his college career at Illinois State Normal University, earning his position as captain in 1958.
 
John Thomas was named captain at Illinois State Normal University in 1957 after a fine career at Farmer City Moore in the early 1950's.
 
If You Would Like To Share More Information...
 
...about the many accomplishments of Farmer City Moore Township High School please write to us via e-mail at dr.veeman@gmail.com, or via real mail at:
 
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva
Chicago, Il.     60631