Mineola in Wood County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Mineola Schools

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

1. Mineola Schools Marker

Inscription. When the Texas & Pacific and the International & Great Northern Railroads intersected in 1873, the town of Mineola was created. Settlers quickly saw the need for educational facilities for their children. Shortly thereafter, private schools were established, one of which was taught by Miss Billie Wren from Ward-Belmont. Schools for the African American community also opened under the leadership of Robert Mason Jones. Many of the early schools were in churches with pastors as the instructors. T.L. Scruggs of the Baptist Church of Mineola opened a private school until 1882 as well as the Powell Chapel School. While many of the schools were private and received tuition from the students, in 1881 the City of Mineola began to collect a tax to help support the local schools, in addition to occasionally funding repairs and maintenance.

In August 1902, a bond issue was approved to construct two new schools: One for the African American students and one for the Anglo students. C.G. Lancaster was hired to design the schools. These buildings, constructed in 1902 and 1903, were the last city-funded school buildings, as all other school facilities were constructed by trustees of the Mineola Independent School District. Funding the schools was a combined effort within the community, with the city purchasing equipment such as desks and citizens, such as Mr. Lorenza Dow Callaway, offering free housing for teachers, and generous donations from the Meredith Foundation. In 1968, the school district fully integrated and McFarland High School closed. Through vocational training, athletics, arts programs and core curriculum as well as extensive community involvement, the Mineola schools have provided an exceptional education for Mineola residents.

Marker is Property of the State of Texas

Erected 2016 by Texas Historical

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Commission. (Marker Number 18493.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1902.

Location. 32° 40.303′ N, 95° 30.147′ W. Marker is in Mineola, Texas, in Wood County. It is on West State Loop 564 south of Country Club Drive, on the right when traveling north. In front of Mineola ISD Admin building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 West State Loop 564, Mineola TX 75773, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wisener Field (approx. half a mile away); Callaway House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Thomas Clinic Building (approx.

Mineola Schools Marker at the Mineola ISD Admin Building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

2. Mineola Schools Marker at the Mineola ISD Admin Building.

The Mineola High School is beyond the trees behind the Admin Building.

0.7 miles away); Williams Medical Clinic Building (approx. 0.7 miles away); Mineola Masonic Lodge No. 502, A.F. & A.M. (approx. ¾ mile away); St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.8 miles away); Birthplace of Miss Ima Hogg (approx. 0.9 miles away); O. P. Pyle House (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mineola.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 1, 2024

3. Mineola Schools Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 427 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3. submitted on September 2, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.