The Freshman Campus, previously known as just McHenry High School, was built one hundred years ago this year. Over that time McHenry, along with MCHS has evolved to fit the new age of McHenry residents.
McHenry has lived a thousand lives; starting as a little farm town, becoming a tourist attraction and now one of the fastest growing cities in Illinois.
“MCHS was initially a part of Landmark in 1893,” said Thomas Hillier, a McHenry librarian and member of the McHenry Historical Society. “By the 1920’s, school was becoming much more important, and Landmark just didn’t have the size in the school to hold all of those students anymore. So in 1924, they built one of the biggest buildings in the area, East Campus.”
McHenry’s population would sky rocket, as many new families found a place to live and make a home in. The influx of people would help one of McHenry’s biggest strengths hold steadfast, its ability to change with the people that joined its community.
“East Campus became a landmark in McHenry,” said Hillier, “it quickly became a building that people could point towards and be proud about. The school grew as many people realized that farming was hard work, and just wasn’t for them.”
With Freshman Campus becoming a historical landmark in McHenry, the student body would soon outgrow one campus. Construction would soon begin on what is now known as Upper Campus, giving more opportunities and space for the growing McHenry community.
“The process was a bit different for us,” said Jill McEvoy, former MCHS guidance counselor and alumni. “We started out with two years at East and two years at West. A lot of the modernization it has now wasn’t done when I attended, it really is beautiful now.”
Modernization would continue to be a big trend in McHenry with many new innovations, like McHenry’s riverwalk. McHenry would continue growing, not only for its student body but also for the families and adults that live here.
“The nickname for McHenry is ’The Heart of the Fox,’” said Barry Phelps, MCHS building sub and McHenry resident for 17 years. “It’s beautiful how it has evolved. The biggest thing is it is modest and controlled. Despite all of its growth, it has never lost its small town feel. It has always kept its small town roots.”
McHenry’s history is rich and has continued growing with each passing year. Many people and events have left their marks on the ever growing town, and yet it has always stayed true to its roots. McHenry’s strongest quality is its ability to change and better itself for the people that reside in our small town.