The History of Claremont High School
Claremont (population 212) is located in southeastern Illinois in east-central Richland County. Claremont
sits about 5 miles east of Olney on Claremont Road just south of U.S. Route 50. The CSX Railroad line passes through
town as well. According to the Wikipedia web address of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claremont,_Illinois , the town of Claremont was established in 1853. The O & M Railroad line passed through the area in 1855
helping to solidify the town's early growth.
The history of Claremont High School is in need of more research. We were sent information on
Claremont High by a fan of the Glory Days site, Bill Pierson. Bill tells us that the school building in Claremont
housed both the grade and high school classes until in 1947. In that year the school district was consolidated into the
newly formed East Richland School District located in Olney.
Claremont High School was a three-year high school. Claremont HS students who wanted to complete a
fourth year of school continued on at Olney High School.
Samuel Lynch provides the following information about the Claremont school building:
"The Claremont school continued on as an elementary school
(grades 1-8) for many years after the HS was moved to Olney. I attended the elementary school from 1965-1973.
I am not sure how long after I graduated 8th grade that it continued as an elementary school but I believe
at least until the 1980s."
Claremont High School Quick Facts
Year opened: early 1900s
Year closed: 1947
Consolidated to: East Richland School District
(Olney)
CHS team nickname: "Cardinals"
Uniform colors: Red & White
School Fight Song: unavailable
