Kerrville in Kerr County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Doyle Colored School

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, June 8, 2019

1. Doyle Colored School Marker

Inscription. The Doyle School began as an African American school in 1909. The African American community raised $53 to move the frame building of the former school for white students after a new one was built. The land where the building was moved was donated by Anna W. Doyle, who was the head teacher for nearly two decades. The one-room schoolhouse had no utilities until running water was installed in 1920 and electric lights were installed in 1923. The black population in Kerrville was small and only 25 students from five north Kerrville families attended. The school expanded to include three classrooms, an auditorium, two bathrooms and a storage area. There was still no formal name for the school at the time. As enrollment grew to about 75 students in 1940, husband and wife B.T. and Itasco Wilson and Miss L.E. Cheeks were hired as teachers. B.T. (Prof) Wilson was revered in the community for his dedication to the students of Doyle. It was Wilson who decided that the school should be named after Anna W. Doyle.

The school had high enough enrollment for athletic teams, cheerleaders, a choir and a marching band. Classes included sports, theater, music and home economics, alongside traditional academic subjects. Integration of the Kerrville schools in 1964 reduced the school to a one-year program for elementary students. After one year, all African American students were integrated. In 1970, Doyle became a kindergarten campus under the direction of Starkey Elementary School Principal, Fred H. Tally, and Head Teacher, Jean Tally. B.T. Wilson continued to positively influence students in his new position and the sixth grade school was eventually named for him. The Doyle School building was sold to a non-profit neighborhood association and remains open as a community center.

Erected 2015 by Texas Historical Commission.

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(Marker Number 18323.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 30° 3.38′ N, 99° 8.597′ W. Marker is in Kerrville, Texas, in Kerr County. It is on West Barnett Street west of Paschal Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 West Barnett Street, Kerrville TX 78028, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Barnett Chapel Methodist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Famous Door Cafe (about 500 feet away); Mount Olive Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); H-E-B (approx. 0.4 miles away); Beitel Lumberyard (approx. half a mile away);

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, June 8, 2019

2. Doyle Colored School Marker

San Antonio & Aransas Pass Passenger Train Depot (approx. half a mile away); Scott and Josephine Carr Schreiner (approx. half a mile away); Zion Lutheran Church (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kerrville.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2019, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 945 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2019, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.