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Two High Schools Become One And Then Become Two Again

Before Rockford Central High School was built in 1884, located at 201 S. Madison Street, students attended two separate school districts, one being located on the East side of the Rock River, the other on the West side. These school districts were established in 1854, and opened buildings in 1857. By 1862, each district established a high school, creating an East-vs-West issue that would continue on for 20 years until they united at the new Central High School.

Rockford Central High continued in operation until 1940. Its death knell actually sounded in 1938 when the school failed a state fire safety inspection and housed a population of 3,300, well above its stated limits. Replacement was necessary but impeded by the lack of funding during the Depression. To alleviate this untenable situation, the city enlisted the aid of architects to work up a plan that they could present to the Works Progress Administration for possible funding. The WPA approved the concept for two senior high schools to replace Central, a junior high and an addition to Welsh school for a total of $3,000,000. These projects were completed in 1940, creating East and West High Schools. And so, East-vs-West begins again.

Side Note: Rockford Central High School was considered a very large school for the IHSA and because of their size, they had a tremendous amount of athletic success. The RABS (nickname based on their school colors, Red and Black) overall won eight state championships, including three in boys basketball (1911, 1919, 1939), four in track and field (1896, 1927, 1933, 1935), as well as a swimming championship in 1933. Rockford became the first school to win three IHSA championships in basketball.