The History of Toledo High School
Toledo (population 1,166) is located in the lower-eastern portion of Illinois. Toledo
was platted in 1854 and sits in the center of Cumberland County, serving as its County Seat. Toledo sits on Illinois
Route 121 about 2 miles west of Interstate Highway 70. Branches of the Cottonwood Creek flow through the east and south
sides of town.
Toledo was officially incorporated in 1866. The Peoria, Decatur, and Evansville Railroad had a
great influence in the town's early growth, however there does not appear to be a railroad still traveling through Toledo. Early
names for thet town included Prairie City and Majority Point. For more on the town's history check ou the following
web address: http://www.iltrails.org/cumberland/villages.htm. Toledo is located about 15 miles south and a little west of Charleston.
The first school in Toledo was built in 1861 with an addition put on in 1881. A gymnasium was added
to this school in 1924. The first graduating high school class was the class of 1890. Toledo High School continued
to exist until a consolidation effort of the schools in Cumberland County took place in 1948. The Toledo High School building
continued to serve in this capacity until 1952 when the new Cumberland High School building was finished.
The Toledo school building continued to be utilized as an elementary school until 1967. It was then
sold and used as a private business.
Toledo High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
late 1800s
Year consolidated:
1948
Year building ceased as HS: 1952
Consolidated to:
Cumberland School District (Toledo)
Toldeo HS team nickname: the "Terriers"
Toledo HS team colors: Blue & Gold
School Fight Song: "Hail
To Thee Our Alma Mater"
School song taken for page 139 of "The Book of Ruth" written by Ruth St. John Thomas,
provided by Lloyd Steen:
Hail to the our Alma Mater, Now to thee we sing:
We are proud to bear thy colors, Hear thy praises ring.
Here's
to her chosen name we'll ever
Love and cherish too;
And we pledge our true devotion
To the Gold and Blue.
May
we cherish thy tradition
Hold thy banners high;
Ever guard thy name and glory,
Dear Toledo High.
