Bryan in Brazos County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Odd Fellows University and Orphans Home
Photographed by James Hulse, April 3, 2021
1. Site of Odd Fellows University and Orphans Home Marker
Founded 1870 by Odd Fellows Lodge. Housed in a 2-story frame building. Taught drawing, English, French, German, Greek, Latin, music, philosophy, geometry, trigonometry, science, surveying, penmanship. Had primary to young adult students, attracted here from an 80-mile area. Records do not show planned orphanage ever operated. Funds came chiefly from tuition fees.
During 5-year career, school taught future Texas leaders. The building was sold (1875) to W.W. and B.L. James and Mrs. V.D. Eaton, for Bryan Academy. It housed St. Joseph's Church 1876 to 1903.
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 8691.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 30° 40.435′ N, 96° 22.065′ W. Marker is in Bryan, Texas, in Brazos County. It is at the intersection of North Preston Avenue and William Joel Bryan Parkway (Farm to Market Road 158), on the right when traveling north on North Preston Avenue. The marker is located along the northwest corner of the school. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 109 North Preston Avenue, Bryan TX 77803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. 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: St. Joseph School (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Joseph Catholic Church (within shouting
this page online
Photographed by James Hulse, April 3, 2021
2. Site of Odd Fellows University and Orphans Home Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, April 3, 2021
3. The view of the Site of Odd Fellows University and Orphans Home Marker from the street
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
