Annual Festival Information

Hamilton Primary School
107 E. Main
Otterville, IL  62052

Hamilton Primary School was the first free school in the
State of Illinois and the first integrated school in the nation.

NEWS:

On Thursday, March 15th at the Jersey Community Unit #100 School Board meeting the board voted unanimously to return the bell to its original home; the Hamilton Primary School. The bell has been returned to the school and will be on display during the annual festival the weekend of June 9 and 10. We will have a float in the Jersey County Fair Parade in July for all to see the bell.

Bell from historic school found. The bell dated 1872 was found under debris in the Jersey Community School District bus garage. There has been discussion of the School District donating it to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. There has also been discussion of selling the bell to the highest bidder, or returning it to the Hamilton Primary School. 

The Otter Creek Historical Society would like to see the bell returned to its original home. If you agree, please write to Mr. Ed Settles, Superintendent, Jersey Community Unit School District #100, 100 Lincoln, Jerseyville, IL 62052., Attention: School Board Members.  The Society will be attending the March 15, 2012 School Board meeting at 7 p.m. at the Administration Office at 100 Lincoln in Jerseyville. All are welcome to attend. If possible, please come and show your support to returning the bell to its home.