History of Shabbona Elementary

Shabbona Elementary School was built in 1922-23 to replace the old wooden school house that once stood on the same sight. The building was originally used for grades 1 - 12 with the first floor being used for 1-8 and the top floor as the high school. The enrollment in early years varied from 60-95 students. Many memorials and momentos are displayed throughout the building honoring those who have represented the community by serving our country with military service during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm. Honors for athletics and community service are also displayed. A real sense of history is felt throughout the building because of the many objects on display.

The monument shown above was donated by the classes of 1922-23 in honor of Chief Shabbona for whom our school and community is named. Chief Shabbona was born an Ottawa Indian and later married a Pottawatomi woman and became the Pottawatomi chief in this area when her father died. Throughout the early 1800's, Shabbona was a friend of the white settlers in the area, often warning them of impending attacks by enemy tribes.