Laurel in Jones County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Oak Park School

Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 2, 2017

1. Oak Park School Marker

Inscription. Oak Park Vocational High School, located at this site, opened in September, 1928. Based on the pattern of Tuskegee Institute, the school provided academic, vocational, and agricultural education to African American students, and included faculty housing and dormitories. Among the school's graduates are Ralph Boston, an Olympic gold medalist in the long jump, and world-renowned opera singer Leontyne Price. A fire destroyed most of the school complex in 1957. A new Oak Park High School building was constructed the following year.

Erected 2004 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1928.

Location. 31° 40.403′ N, 89° 8.406′ W. Marker is in Laurel, Mississippi, in Jones County. Marker is at the intersection of Queensburg Avenue and Oak Park Boulevard, on the right when traveling north on Queensburg Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1205 Queensburg Avenue, Laurel MS 39440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ralph Boston (approx. 0.6 miles away); Masonite Corporation

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(approx. 0.7 miles away); Dr. King Visits Laurel (approx. one mile away); Jones County Blues (approx. 1.4 miles away); Hotel Pinehurst (approx. 1½ miles away); Laurel City Hall (approx. 1½ miles away); Jones County Courthouse (approx. 1½ miles away); Amos Deason Home (approx. 5½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laurel.

View of marker in front of Oak Park School auditorium. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 2, 2017

2. View of marker in front of Oak Park School auditorium.

Oak Park Elementary School occupies buildings next to marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 2, 2017

3. Oak Park Elementary School occupies buildings next to marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 881 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 3, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.