Presented by the Class of 1975 in celebration of their 50th Reunion 

Friday, September 5, 2025 • 5:30 to 9:30 PM • City Park, Chillicothe, IL 

Every town has stories. Every school has traditions. But few have a legacy as layered, proud, and uniquely enduring as the story of the Grey Ghosts—the beloved mascot of Illinois Valley Central High School, originally Chillicothe Township High School. 

The Class of 1975, celebrating its 50th reunion, is proud to present Ghosts in the Park—a community celebration that honors the past, celebrates the present, and reconnects the Grey Ghosts across generations. This event is for every class, every teammate, every friend, and every face that ever walked the halls of CTHS or IVC. 

The story of the Grey Ghosts began in the late 1930s, when the high school basketball team received brand-new grey uniforms. After a game, someone remarked that the players looked like “grey ghosts” gliding across the court. Coach Virgil Keithley brought that phrase back to school, and it stuck. At the same time, Chillicothe had just lost its bid for a new bridge across the Illinois River. The bridge went to Lacon. Local businessman Frank Bacon, worried about the town’s future, wrote a warning letter that the city would lose its railroad, close its gravel pit, and become a “ghost town.” Students turned that phrase on its head and made it a badge of pride. Thus, the Grey Ghosts were born—rising out of fear and becoming a symbol of strength. 

By 1940, the nickname appeared in the Peoria Journal Transcript. By 1941, it was proudly printed in the yearbook. And by the late 1940s, school colors were officially changed to maroon and grey. 

In 1971, four creative seniors—Jeff Morris, Keith Gray, Bob Schielein, and Howard Hansen—gifted the school with the first official Grey Ghost mascot illustration. The image of a ghostly figure bearing “IVC” on its chest became an icon, still proudly displayed in the gym today. When the new high school opened in 1976, the name remained, even as new generations took up the mantle. Now, in 2025, we come together to celebrate it all.

Ghosts in the Park – Friday Night Kickoff 

A Celebration of Ghosts — Past, Present, and Future 

Featuring: 

• Live Music from 5:30 to 9:30 PM by Vinyl Tap with Russ House from the Class of 1974 
• Food and Drinks from Gilmore’s, Nat’s Place, Molly’s, and the American Legion 
• Photo and Memorabilia Gallery — see your school years come back to life 
• Alumni Booths and Local Organizations, including Pearce Community Center, the Parks Foundation, and IVC Band Boosters 
• Special Event Permit for beverages from local businesses 
• Lawn chairs encouraged — relax, connect, and enjoy a night of music, memories, and laughter

A Community-Wide Invitation 
While this event is hosted by the Class of 1975, it is not just for one class. It is for everyone who has ever been a Grey Ghost. We’re extending a special invitation to alumni from the Classes of 1965, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1978—many of whom have already confirmed they’re attending. Whether you graduated in the 50s, 60s, 70s, or even the 2000s, this is your moment to come back home and be part of something unforgettable. 

If you or someone you know has memorabilia they’d like to share, or photographs to contribute to the gallery, please reach out to the planning committee at [email protected].

From the Halls of CTHS to the Legacy of IVC 
Chillicothe Township High School, before becoming IVC in 1968, was known for its strong academics, competitive sports, and deep community roots. Illinois Valley Central High School built upon that foundation, forging new traditions while honoring the old. From legendary coaches and athletes to band members, artists, cheerleaders, performers, student leaders, scholars, builders, volunteers, writers, and every student who brought their own spark to the halls of CTHS and IVC—this celebration is for all of you. You helped shape what it meant to be a Grey Ghost.

Once a Grey Ghost, Always a Grey Ghost 
As Josh Taylor, Class of 1961, once said: “It’s more than just a mascot — it’s a bond that lasts forever.” 

Whether it has been 1 year, 5 years, or 50, you are still part of something special. 

You are part of Chillicothe. 
You are part of IVC. 
And forever, you are forever a Grey Ghost!