The History of Beaverville Holy Family Academy
Beaverville (population 391) is located in upper-eastern Illinois, some might even say lower-northeastern
Illinois. Beaverville sits in the northeastern portion of Iroquois County. Beaverville is located in a country
setting at the intersection of County Roads 3000N and 2500E. Illinois Route 1 passes by about four miles to
the west while U.S. Route 52 travels by Beaverville approximately four miles to the south. The Illinois/Indiana border
is 8 miles east of Beaverville. The Kankakee, Beaverville, & Southern Railroad passes through Beaverville as well.
Beaverville sits about 20 miles southeast of Kankakee.
Beaverville first incurred the name of St. Mary's. Upon the construction of the railroad through
the area, it was discovered that the name of St. Mary's was already in use. "Beaverville", the name of a nearby
post office, was then accorded the name of the town. The township of Beaverville was established in 1921.
The town has had many successful businesses.
Holy Family Acedemy began in 1895 and served as a co-educational grade school for grades 1 - 8 until 1966.
The Academy offered a four-year high school for girls only through 1969. Courses were offered for training
to become a nun. It was operated by the Provincialate and the Novitiate of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary. High school students came from the
area and from Indiana, Chicago, and even from outside of the United States. Most were boarders during the week
at the school.
Holy Family Academy Quick Facts
Year opened:
1895
Year GS closed: 1966
Year HS closed: 1969
Year bldgs. razed: 1977
School Colors:
Blue & White
Sports in HS not offered
