Bay City in Matagorda County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Early Bay City School

Photographed By James Hulse, February 11, 2022

1. Site of Early Bay City School Marker

Inscription. In 1901 this land was a pastoral scene of trees and a strawberry field outside the city limits. That year the Bay City Independent School District purchased most of this block for $300. A two-story, eight-room frame school was erected here, and classes were transferred from a two-room schoolhouse at Avenue D and Eighth Street, which had been used since 1895.

One of the teachers, Miss Tenie Holmes (1874-1952), began her career in 1896 at a private school in Bay City. From 1898 she taught public classes at Avenue D, then moved to the first school on this site, which served from 1901 to 1905. She retired from Bay City schools in 1936, then conducted a private school until her death. An elementary school was named for her in 1952.

Additional lots and a second block were acquired here in 1930, and "Bay City High School" was built on this site. The one-story structure was designed by architect Harry D. Payne, and exhibited Spanish Colonial Revival details in brick, cast stone, and tile roofing. The campus expanded in 1937 with the purchase of a third block.

The 1930 building was converted to a Junior High School in 1949, and in 1962 it became "John H. Cherry Elementary school." The structure was demolished in 1986.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Erected

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1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4773.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 28° 59.068′ N, 95° 57.623′ W. Marker is in Bay City, Texas, in Matagorda County. Marker is at the intersection of 8th Street and Cottonwood Street, on the right when traveling west on 8th Street. The marker is located at the corner of the school playground. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2499 8th Street, Bay City TX 77414, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bay City U.S.O. Building (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bandstand (approx. 0.4 miles away); "Bandstand" The Gazebo (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bay City Library (approx. half a mile away); Original City Hall Building (approx. half a mile away); First Presbyterian Church of Bay City (approx. half a mile away); McLendon Building (approx. half a mile away); Secrest Jewelry Co. (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bay City.

Also see . . . Bay City, TX.

Bay City, the county seat of Matagorda County, is an incorporated city at the junction of State Highways 35 and 60, in the north central portion of the county ninety miles southwest of Houston. The
Photographed By James Hulse, February 11, 2022

2. The Site of Early Bay City School Marker
community is named for its location on Bay Prairie, between the richly productive bottomlands of the Colorado River and Caney Creek. Source: The Handbook of Texas

(Submitted on February 12, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Site of Early Bay City School Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 11, 2022

3. The view of the Site of Early Bay City School Marker from across the street

Another marker for the older building that was destroyed image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 11, 2022

4. Another marker for the older building that was destroyed

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 12, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.