Celina in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Alla School

Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022

1. Alla School Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1866 Moses and Mary Jane Hubbard and their daughter Alla moved from Missouri to Collin County, where Hubbard was a successful doctor, farmer, and one of the largest landholders in the area. Concerned with the inadequacy of the local school, the Hubbards supplemented Alla's education at home and then sent her to Pritchett Institute in Glasgow, Missouri, where she earned a degree in literature in 1880.

A talented writer, Alla Hubbard returned to Texas and married Dr. B.F. Spencer in 1884, but died five years later. In 1895 her parents founded a school in her memory. Named Alla School, it was formed from the consolidation of the nearby Emerson and McWhirter School Districts and was completely financed by the Hubbards. With an initial enrollment of 108, Alla School opened in 1896 with nine grades, no scholastic age limit, no tuition, and an eight-month school term. The Hubbards, aware of the benefits of a solid educational background, instituted these uncommon features at a time when there was little support for free public schools. In 1958 the Alla School merged with the Celina Independent School District, funds from the Hubbard Estate,

The Alla School Marker with the cornerstone of the old school building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022

2. The Alla School Marker with the cornerstone of the old school building

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however, continue to serve public education in the Celina schools.

Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 120.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 33° 22.088′ N, 96° 45.84′ W. Marker is in Celina, Texas, in Collin County. Marker is on County Highway 105, 0.1 miles east of North Preston Road (U.S. 289), on the right when traveling east. The marker is located on a small brick column north of the Celina High School building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3455 North Preston Road, Celina TX 75009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Crossroads Cemetery (approx. 2.8 miles away); Celina Historic Square (approx. 3.3 miles away); Nelson Hotel (approx. 3.3 miles away); Old Celina Cemetery (approx. 4.8 miles away); Town of Gunter, on Old Gunter Ranch (approx. 5.9 miles away); Chambersville Methodist Church (approx. 8½ miles away); Chambersville Cemetery (approx. 8½ miles away); Chambersville (approx. 8.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Celina.

The view of the Alla School Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022

3. The view of the Alla School Marker from the street

The view of the Celina High School behind the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022

4. The view of the Celina High School behind the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 3, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.