[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E81-E82]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             WHITESIDE SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS 150TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the Whiteside School District in Belleville, Illinois 
which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. This school has a 
rich history and has enhanced the Belleville area by consistently 
demonstrating excellence in teaching.
  Mr. William Lot Whiteside, the original owner, was granted land by 
former President James Monroe in 1817. He deeded the one-acre property 
to school trustees in 1843 for $100 and a one-room schoolhouse, named 
after the Whiteside family, was built. A formal school district was 
established in 1865. At the turn of the century, a second room was 
added to the school enabling this two room schoolhouse to serve 
children from Belleville to Shiloh.
  A new school was built in 1958 on five acres of land acquired from 
the Whiteside family and placed directly in front of the old two room 
schoolhouse. The new school consisted of three classrooms, a multi-
purpose area, and an office. Subsequent additions took place in 1965, 
1973, 1979, 1987, and 1996 to meet the needs of its growing student 
body.
  With enrollment currently over 1,000 students, the Whiteside School 
District is now expanding to a second building which will stand on a 
hill once occupied by Mississipian Indians. Middle school students will 
occupy the new facility, roughly one mile from the original school 
site. The new building is scheduled to open in 2002.
  Since starting as a one-room schoolhouse, the Whiteside School has 
operated continuously for 150 years and has been producing students 
that make and will continue to make a significant contribution to not 
only Southwestern Illnois but the nation as well. Their impressive 
level of achievement and accomplishment for a century and a half is a 
milestone for the school district and the education profession as a 
whole. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in expressing our 
appreciation to the Whiteside School District for its

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dedication to service and our very best wishes as it celebrates its 
150th year.

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