Palestine in Anderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Alonzo Marion Story
Story came to Texas at the age of 21 and taught mathematics in Midway. He also served as a mail clerk before moving in 1912 to Palestine, where he taught math at Lincoln High School, the school for African American students. He taught there until 1917, when he moved to Austin to be principal of the state's Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute for African Americans.
In 1924, Story was offered a job as principal in Dallas. Instead, he returned to Palestine's Lincoln High School, where he taught math and served as principal. Beloved and respected, Story stayed until retiring in 1949, teaching his last years with no eyesight. After retirement, he tutored from his home.
In 1953, the school district opened a new facility and named it Alonzo Marion Story High School in honor of the revered educator. After desegregation, the school became a junior high and then an elementary school before being destroyed by a tornado in 1987. In 1990, the district built a new school named for him.
Story dedicated his life to education. In addition to his roles as teacher and principal, he was director of religious education at West Union Baptist Church and served on the executive committee of the Texas State Teachers Association and as vice president of the East Texas Teachers Association. His immeasurable contributions to Palestine are reflected in the community's commemoration of his life.
Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12859.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Disasters • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 31° 46.59′ N, 95° 36.669′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. Marker is at the intersection of Loop State Highway 256 and Moody Street, on the left when traveling south on State Highway 256. The marker is located at the front entrance to the school. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5300 TX-256 Loop, Palestine TX 75801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. William Freeman (approx. half a mile away); Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); Hodges - Darsey House (approx. one mile away); Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (approx. one mile away); Seven Oaks (approx. 1.2 miles away); Timothy Stephen Smith (approx. 1.2 miles away); Micham Main (approx. 1.2 miles away); Purvey Lee (P. L.) Chism (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.