Madisonville in Madison County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Marian Anderson High School
Despite the difficulties students and educators faced, the school continued to grow. By the 1920s, a new facility was needed. Funded by the Julius Rosenwald Foundation, a new schoolhouse opened in 1926. It had a cafeteria and eight classrooms, some of which could be opened together to form an auditorium. The school was the site of interscholastic events, proms, parent-teacher association meetings and special programs. Citizens also gathered at the school for the community Juneteenth celebration. In addition to its regular curriculum, the school offered woodwork, painting and general repair training, as well as facilities for canning and for a farmers' shop during the Great Depression.
In the 1940s and 1950s, several rural schools consolidated with Madisonville Colored High School. During the 1950s, the school district constructed new facilities at this site, and the students voted to change the school's name to Marian Anderson High School, in honor of the world renowned contralto.
Madisonville was one of the last school districts in the state to integrate, and Marian Anderson High School closed in December 1970, serving later as an intermediate campus. An alumni group continues to meet, raising funds for scholarships to benefit Madisonville's youth and working to preserve the history of the city's African American community.
Erected 2004 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13126.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1970.
Location. 30° 56.687′ N, 95° 55.346′ W. Marker is in Madisonville, Texas, in Madison County. Marker is at the intersection of West Trinity Street and Casey Street, on the left when traveling west on West Trinity Street. The marker is located on the southwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 901 West Trinity Street, Madisonville TX 77864, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wilson Chapel Methodist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); CCC Camp Site (approx. 0.4 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Baptist Church of Madisonville (approx. half a mile away); Truman Kimbro (approx. 0.6 miles away); Shapira Hotel (approx. 0.6 miles away); Madisonville Church of Christ (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madisonville.
Also see . . . Marian Anderson. Wikipedia
Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897 – April 8, 1993) was an American contralto. She performed a wide range of music, from opera to spirituals. Anderson performed with renowned orchestras in major concert and recital venues throughout the United States and Europe between 1925 and 1965.(Submitted on April 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.