The unknown history of Crete-Monee
- Crete-Monee Blog
- Jun 3, 2024
- 2 min read
By Derrin Couch
Reporter/Photographer
The history of Crete-Monee is unknown to the people who live within, but to see how significant a small town could surprise anyone.
Students take a picture in front of the old building.
Many students and residents of Crete are unaware of its history, which isn’t taught in school.
The School
According to Crete’s website, In the early years, Crete was originally known as Wood Corners, founded in 1893 by Willard and Diantha Wood. The first teacher was Willard Wood, founder of Wood’s Corner, which was later renamed Crete.
One hundred years later, in 1932, the people of Crete voted to establish a high school education in their community for more students to attend.
The town built a new high school in 1953, a second site for a new campus. Removing grades nine through twelve would open more classrooms for the grade school’s expansion.
A new facility was built and became known as the “Warrior Dome in 1965. The existing gymnasium and locker rooms were converted into an auditorium-cafeteria with a stage and seating capacity for 1500 Crete’s newest and grandest landmark, which never survived the first winter.
The dome would later collapse in 1965 due to a heavy snowstorm. There were many structural problems, and the roof was designed poorly, but the dome was insured and rebuilt in 1968 mainly because the foundation, footings, wiring, drainage, sewage, heating, and base had not been destroyed.
2000’s Until Now Part 4
According to Crete’s website, students and faculty were excited to start school in their new glass and brick building on September 6, 2007. The new high school complex at 1515 West Exchange is divided into three primary zones: Academic, Fine Arts, and Athletics, which are connected by a single-wide concourse.
Another addition to the school was the eastern two-story portion, which houses the athletic section, including a gymnasium, a field house, and a full-size auditorium.
The Campus for grade schoolers and the dome no longer exists; it is just a high school, still with a football field, fieldhouse, and other things within Exchange St.
The Town
Crete has two well-known historical events: the Underground Railroad and WWll.
According to the book Crete Remembrance, during the Underground Railroad, Crete was a key stopping point at the Congregational Church, where members were committed to the abolition of slavery and helping those who escaped slavery reach freedom.
Several public families served as members of the Crete Congregational Church and were conductors of the Underground Railroad. It was a system of people and places that helped protect, move, feed, and shelter freedom seekers.
WWII is in memory of people who served from Crete. As they say, the people of Crete never avoided or neglected their duties. Crete was ranked number third in the state for men in the service. Many months later, war was declared.
The Army obtained 61 men, the Navy got 15 men, and the Marines obtained four men, with 82 of them serving in the Crete area. More than 264 men and woman from Crete answered their call to serve their country.
The town was once great and had its ups and downs, but it could be great again in the future with new renovations for the school and the community.
Read more about the school’s general history
コメント