214@100: District 214, born in controversy

Since its inception, High School District 214 has been making history. In 1914, the few students taking high school classes were doing so out of a small elementary building, and some residents - many of them women - wanted to change that. At the time, the Supreme Court had not validated the Women's Suffrage Act, and men's and women's ballots were still kept separate. When the creation of District 214 came up for a popular vote, more men voted against the proposition than for it, but the women's vote carried the measure by 16 votes. There were 17 blank ballots, and the opposition claimed the proposition lost. It took another eight years, but eventually the Supreme Court validated the election and District 214.

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district214@dailyherald.com.