A school was established in Royalton by the late 1800s. Royalton High School served the town
as, at first, a three year school, and later earning a four year high school status. The original school building was
found unsafe in 1936. A new building was quickly constructed and ready for use in 1937. This is the building you
see pictured above. Royalton High continued to be the pride and joy of Royalton residents until the early 1960s.
It was then that dwindling enrollment led to a consolidation effort with its neighbor four miles to the northeast, Zeigler.
This effort became a reality in 1962 with the creation of the Zeigler-Royalton School District.
The high school for the new district landed in Zeigler. The Royalton folks had the grade school and
junior high in their town for the new Zeigler-Royalton District, however all schools for Z-R School District are, today, in
Zeigler.
After the school was discontinued, the Royalton High School buildng was utilized in many capacities, as
relayed to us by Adam Rosoho:
"The Royalton High School building served as the Royalton City Hall. The Royalton Public Library
was housed there as well. The Royalton Police Department also used the building. The Library moved out in 2001
and the City Hall/Police Department moved out around the same time. People still rent the gym to play basketball."
The Royalton High School building fell into a dilapidated state. The building
was razed and only the gymnasium remains. To read more about Royalton High School go to www.royaltonillinois.com/RHS.html .
Royalton High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late
1800s / early 1900s
Year closed: 1962
Consolidated to: Zeigler-Royalton
High School
Royalton HS team nickname: the "Pirates"
RHS team colors: Black
& White
School Fight Song: "Royalton
Loyalty"
(sung to Illinios Loyalton - Click play below and sing along!)
"We're loyal to you Royalton High,
We're
"Black and White," Royalton High,
We'll back you to stand
Against the best in the land,
For
we know that you can Royalton High,
Rah! Rah!
So pass out that ball Royalton High,
We're backing you all Royalton High;
Our team is our best protector,
On! boys, for we expect a vict'ry from you
Royalton High!
Rah! Rah!
Fling out that dear old flag of
Black and White,
Lead
on your sons and daughters
Fighting
for you
Like
men of old, on giants.
Placing
reliance, shouting defiance
Oskee-wow-wow---------
Amid
the broad green plains that nourish our land,
For
honest Labor and for Learning we stand.
And
unto thee we pledge our heart and our hand,
Dear Alma Mater, Royalton High!
