Manito High School Tigers

Manito High School

Inscription on HS Building

The History of Manito High School

Manito (population 1,733) is located in central Illinois about 20 miles southwest of Peoria. Roads leading to the northeastern Mason County city are County Road #4 and County Road #15. The Chicago & Midland Railroad also leads you through the town of Manito.

Research and information is scarce on the internet regarding the history of Manito and its high school. It is quite probable that Manito offered an educational system for its children by the late 1800s. We are told a log cabin schoolhouse was in place in the Manito area by 1854, though it burned down within a few years after its construction. It is probable that high school curriculum was in place by the late 1800s. Manito residents supported their own high school for several decades. In the late 1940's, consolidation talks arose between Manito and other local school districts in its immediate area. The talks resulted in the formation of the Forman School District in what appears to have taken place in 1951.

Manito Forman served the town until it was part of another consolidation effort resulting in the Midwest Central School District being formed in 1991. The high school for this district is still held in Manito.

Manito High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800's

Year Consolidated to Forman: 1951

Manito HS team nickname: the "Tigers"

Manito School colors: unavailable

Manito HS Fight Song: unavailable

Manito HS Gymnasium

Now The Foreman Center

Athletics

We know that basketball and track were definitely offered at Manito High School. It is a good bet that baseball and possibly football were also played there. School team colors, fight song and conference affiliation are all being sought.

Boys' Basketball

The Manito High School boys basketball team won two District titles before its consolidation to the Forman District. Unfortunately, team records and coaches names of these and other good Manito squads are not currently available.

1926-27 District Champions

1927-28 District Champions

Mason County Tourney Runner-Ups

**From our good friend Phil Shadid:

"Information regarding the MASON COUNTY BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT, which was held for 68 years, and ended in 1989.

Manito High School won the Mason County Tourney 2 times and finished second one other time!!"

Boys Track & Field

Two Manito High School tracksters brought home a medal from the IHSA State Track Meet. During the time period when these medals were won, the track program for the IHSA was a one-class system, making the accomplishments of the Manito boys even more incredible.

1928-29 ?? Bender 1 Mile Run 2ND Place

1942-43 Lawrin Lawson 200 Yard Hurdles 4TH Place

Photo Friendly

The photos on this page were taken in January of 2006 by our good friends Jon, Jim, and Dan Wheat!

Seeking More Information

If you have any further information regarding the many achievements and successes of Manito High School, especially a photo of the school building, please write to us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. We can also be contacted via real mail at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, IL 60631