Breckenridge Texan

By Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

The Stephens County Commissioners approved a resolution supporting efforts to gain historical recognition for the site of the former Booker T. Washington School, which was a significant institution for African American students in Breckenridge until 1964.

At the Feb. 24 meeting, J.D. Wilson, who attended Booker T. Washington School until it closed and the students transferred to the other Breckenridge schools, addressed the commissioners about the years-long effort to secure an official State of Texas Historical Marker for the site of the old school. He and a small committee of community members have been working for about 10 years to get a marker for the site in the area of South Roberts Avenue and Power Street.

The committee has already prepared the necessary documentation for the Texas Historical Commission and has funds for the marker, Wilson said, noting that one former teacher, Mattie Marie Orman, is 86 years old and lives in California.

“We’re just trying to get this final push, to try to get this thing through,” said Wilson, who lives in Abilene now. “They say we need something from the commissioner’s court here to apparently help push this through. … It’s been a long time coming.”

Wilson presented historical information about the school, noting:

“Between the years of 1921 and 1927, Negro families were drawn to Breckenridge during the oil boom era. Prior to that, only a few came in as mule drivers. Initially, the Negro children attended school in the two Afro American churches, which are Mount Olive Baptist Church, which is still here today, and Bethel Baptist Church, which is still here today. In 1926, the Gunsolus Creek flooded much of the flats in the southeast section of Breckenridge; as a result the two African American churches were relocated to higher ground, where they stand now. Additionally, in the summer of 1927 the Breckenridge Independent School District moved the frame building from the old school campus on the hill to the corner of Roberts and Power streets, and that’s where the campus sits now. This became the location of the Booker T. Washington School for all the African American students in Breckenridge until 1964. The nearby community enclosed the building with cinderblocks to make it more secure. The students enrolled there represented the blue and gold Tigers, as the girls won the basketball state championship in 1960.”

Stephens County Judge Michael Roach presents J.D. Wilson with a brick from the Booker T. Washington School. Roach picked up the brick when the old school was being torn down. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

According to the U.S. National Archives, “in a nationally televised address on June 6, 1963, President John F. Kennedy urged the nation to take action toward guaranteeing equal treatment of every American regardless of race. Soon after, Kennedy proposed that Congress consider civil rights legislation that would address voting rights, public accommodations, school desegregation, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs, and more. Despite Kennedy’s assassination in November of 1963, his proposal culminated in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. President Lyndon Johnson signed it into law just a few hours after it was passed by Congress on July 2, 1964. The act outlawed segregation in businesses such as theaters, restaurants, and hotels. It banned discriminatory practices in employment and ended segregation in public places such as swimming pools, libraries, and public schools.”

A few months before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed, the BISD Board voted in favor of integration, according to the BISD School Board minutes of Dec. 10, 1963. Click here to read more about Breckenridge’s Booker T. Washington School in a 2024 column by Jean Hayworth.

BISD started integration with grades 7-12 in 1964 and continued with the elementary schools the next year. By 1966, the school district was totally integrated, Wilson said. In 1967, the building was turned into a community health center and later used by a Community Action Program until 1976. It sat empty until 2004, when fire destroyed the building. All that is left now is the original foundation.

“We got all this information, but we just need a little push to get this thing done and get it over the hill,” Wilson said. “And we’re at the stage of sending in the application.”

During the meeting, County Judge Michael Roach presented Wilson with a piece of the original school building, explaining that he picked up the brick when the building was being torn down.

Wilson noted that the historical recognition efforts extend beyond the marker. “When they did a bunch of work up there, we told them to leave the sidewalks there, because sidewalks have got names in them that was written from the ’50s and all that.”

Roach then read a portion of the resolution before the commissioners voted to approve it:

“The Stephens County Commissioners Court hereby supports and endorses the formal pursuit of historical recognition of the Booker T. Washington site, including but not limited to applying for state historical marker or inclusion in other relevant historical registers. Stephens County Commissioners Court encourages local government agencies, community organizations, historians and citizens to collaborate preserving the memory and physical remains of the Booker T. Washington School, thereby ensuring that this vital piece of our shared heritage is honored. The Stephens County Commissioners Court acknowledges the importance and recognizes the celebration of the diverse culture and educational history within Stephens County and commits to supporting efforts that highlight such contributions. Finally, a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to any appropriate historical or preservation authorities to demonstrate Stephens County’s commitment to memorializing and protecting this historically significant site.”

After signing the resolution, Roach told Wilson, “We’re certainly committed to helping you get across the finish line.”

The application deadline is in September, but Wilson indicated that earlier submission might allow for approval this year and marker placement next year.

The Stephens County Commissioners Court presented J.D. Wilson with a resolution supporting the historical recognition of the Booker T. Washington School site. Pictured from left are Precinct 1 Commissioner David Fambro, County Judge Michael Roach, Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Warren, J.D. Wilson, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark McCullough and Precinct 4 Commissioner Tanner Wade. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Cutline, top photo: J.D. Wilson talks to the Stephens County Commissioners Court about the application for a historical marker at the site of the Booker T. Washington School. The building burned about 20 years ago, and the foundation is the only thing left. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)