Cameron in Milam County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
O.J. Thomas High School
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, June 1, 2020
1. O.J. Thomas High School Marker
Inscription.
O.J. Thomas High School. . Early efforts to serve the educational needs of Cameron's African American students centered on church instruction at a place called "Little Rocky" Church in the Marlow Community. In 1923, Oscar John Thomas (1894-1977) joined the district to serve as principal and teacher. Under his leadership, the district secured financing from the Julius Rosenwald fund and built a new facility in 1925. The school was renamed for Thomas in 1938. Thirty years later, during integration, the facility became Cameron Junior High. A 1974 petition changed the name back to O.J. Thomas. In 1995, the junior high closed, and in 1998, the building was sold to an alumni group for use as a community center.
Early efforts to serve the educational needs of Cameron's African American students centered on church instruction at a place called "Little Rocky" Church in the Marlow Community. In 1923, Oscar John Thomas (1894-1977) joined the district to serve as principal and teacher. Under his leadership, the district secured financing from the Julius Rosenwald fund and built a new facility in 1925. The school was renamed for Thomas in 1938. Thirty years later, during integration, the facility became Cameron Junior High. A 1974 petition changed the name back to O.J. Thomas. In 1995, the junior high closed, and in 1998, the building was sold to an alumni group for use as a community center.
Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12894.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 30° 51.44′ N, 96° 59.147′ W. Marker is in Cameron, Texas, in Milam County. Marker is on West 6th Street west of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cameron TX 76520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 327 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.
