Mason City’s first public school was established in 1858 in an upper room of the town’s second commercial store building. The first building built exclusively as a school was erected in 1860. During this period there were several private or “select” schools in operation. The first building on the West Side School block was built in 1868. It was a three-story brick building, constructed for $20,000. A fire destroyed the building in 1888, and a new building was built known as the High School although both grade and high school classes were held there for years.

  The first building on the East Side School block was built in 1882 for $7000. This building was also destroyed by fire in 1890. The building we knew as the East Side Grade School was then erected. A note of interest:  all of these buildings were built of bricks made in Mason City.

  As our enrollment grew, the need for more school facilities was felt. An addition was built in 1917 consisting of a gymnasium, large assembly hall, offices and classrooms connected to the West Side School by an archway. NOTE: THIS IS THE BUILDING THAT IS PICTURED ABOVE AND DESTROYED BY FIRE IN 1963 (JM).

   March 5, 1963 was a day we all remember – our High School was almost completely destroyed by fire.  A stunned community reacted to this disaster as only a small community can. Townspeople and faculty helped with moving what was salvageable. Our churches generously offered their facilities for classroom and study space. For one and a half years students experienced the “campus” style of life going from one church to another for classes. September 8, 1964 the first students entered our new High School.

   In 1988 the referendum to consolidate was brought before the three school districts of Easton, San Jose and Mason City. This issue passed and the Illini Central Unit District was formed. The doors closed on Mason City High School, which graduated 3,103 students in its 110 year existence. Opening are new doors to a new and bright future for our children and grandchildren with many opportunities available for their advancement in this rapidly changing society."