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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/06/1994 - Regular Minutes - Historic Preservation Committee HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1994 - 7:00 PM CENTRAL PARK CONFERENCE ROOM 1000 KRENEK TAP ROAD MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Halter, Chairman; Deborah Jasek, Greg Keith, Mary Jane Hirsch, Vernon Schneider MEMBERS ABSENT: Florace Kling, Lois Beach, Joan Lamkin, Bill Lancaster, Gary Basinger STAFF PRESENT: David Gerling, Special Facilities Superintendent I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:18 p.m. by Gary Halter. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There were no corrections to the minutes for the March 2, 1994, meeting. A motion was made to approve the minutes and seconded. The minutes were approved with no further discussion. III. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: An application, submitted for 201 Suffolk Avenue by Donald and Barbara DeLucia, was reviewed by the committee. David said Mr. DeLucia wanted to get the application approved as soon as possible so that he could get his marker up before the end of the month, when out- of-town guests would arrive. David stated that the DeLucia's were the second family to live in the house. The original owners, the Gay's, lived there for 55 years. The application stated that asbestos siding was installed in the 1950's, and Greg asked if the Committee ever suggested that siding, etc., be removed before an application was approved. David said no, that the City's marker program was mainly a designation and a means to gather information for later years. Vernon stated that he felt that this was one of the classic older homes in the Southgate area and it needed to be preserved. Greg asked how this home compared to the other homes that had been approved for markers in the past. Gary H. stated that it met all the requirements, in that Langford designed it and it was occupied by a former Mayor of College Station. A motion was made to approve the home for a marker by Mary Jane, and Gary H. seconded the motion. The motion passed with no opposition, making this historic home#24. Gary H. stated that the City of Bellaire has tried to do a marker program similar to College Station's. He sent Jeff Dunn, the Chairman of the committee there and a former student of his, information on College Station's marker program. A lot of the old homes in Bellaire are being Historic Preservation Committee Wednesday, March 2, 1994 Page 2 torn down in order to build larger, more expensive homes. Mr. Dunn would like to get a program started there. IV. CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF NORTHGATE PROTECT: 11-1V Gali Dolev and Joey Dunn with the City Planning Department were present to hear what (�1_ C J information the Committee had gathered regarding Northgate. Greg Keith said that he had 9J A-XLk, talked to Christine Apperstini and Jack zttbig. Jack Zubig was a tailor on the northside who CAben.5ter v had a family business which was started in 1929. He started working with his father in 1936. His father died in 1964. He told Greg stories about the trolleys and about the merchants on the north side. He told Greg how every six months or so all the merchants would pitch in and purchase three or four bicycles and leave them on campus near the dorms. They wouldn't give them to a specific cadet, they would just leave them on campus for the students to use to ride over to the north side. Cars were practically nonexistent then. Greg has more information that he gathered from Mr. Zubig. He talked to Christine Opperstini, whose father, Albert, operated the campus variety store located to the right of Charlies' Food Market (now Texas Aggie Bookstore). George Boyett, was the owner. It was stated that he owned everything to the west of the bike shop, and the Mitchell's owned everything to the east. Christine told Greg that one of the biggest differences she saw was that then most of the businesses were family owned and operated. She said her father loaned out money a lot, and basically he'd extend credit to anyone who would walk through the door. She said that he only collected about half the debts, and usually the professors were the ones who had bad credit. Greg stated that he ran through the list of questions that had been put together by City Planning, but that he didn't get a real good response. The two he talked to were more interested in telling their stories. He said he would get the information typed up. Deborah Jasek had not been able to get in touch with Martha Camp. She got some info on St. Mary's Church. She spoke with Bill Scott the Deacon, who said they were just getting started on doing the history of their Church. Students are doing this for them and they were going to go to Austin so that they could go through the diocese history. She has a copy of the program on the dedication of the existing church. The first church did not burn down as was originally thought - it was torn down because it had been outgrown. It was very small with severe structural problems, one being a basement that water remained flooded most of the time because of seeping water. She said she should have more information on the Church's history within a few weeks. Gali asked Deborah if she had looked into the old EAGLE newspaper records again. She said she had not been able to do so because she'd been working on gathering the information for the "Black Education in Brazos Valley" marker, but that she should have more time now that she had that project finished. Greg stated that it may be easier to look through the bound volumes of old newspapers which are located in the archives. Gary H. said that there were some of those volumes missing, which could be gotten off of microfilm. Vernon stated that the microfilm goes back to the 1890's, but Gary said that there were some issues missing even from the microfilm. Gali explained that she wanted pictures or information about major events that took place regarding the buildings in Northgate. Deborah said she had located a picture of the student co-op, and that she would get a clear copy of the picture for Gali. Historic Preservation Committee Wednesday, March 2, 1994 Page 3 Gali stated that she has an old picture from 1939, of the Church of Christ and the First Baptist Church which were located side by side on Main Street. The United Methodist Church now stands where those two churches stood, and she is trying to determine if those two buildings were converted to the Methodist Church or if the buildings were removed to make way for the Methodist Church. Deborah said she could check through the old copies of THE BATTALION. In it there was a section on church services, and she would look to see if it gave addresses. It may be possible to figure out what church was where by the addresses in those ads. Gary H. said that sometime in the 1930's the federal government did an aerial photo of the US., and the City has some very early aerial photography which may be useful to Gali. Gali stated that she had some aerials she'd gotten from A&M, in which you can see the building from the top and the Greek Revival columns, but she wants to know what happened to the building. David stated that Lois Beach, although unable to be at the meeting, had dropped off copies of the HISTORY OF THE A&M PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. These were passed out to the committee. David stated that it was written by Will Worley, who could furnish names if more information was needed. David said that Lois had informed him that she had not been able to talk to Mrs. Reynolds. Vernon Schneider stated that his wife works over at A&M United Methodist Church and that there is a box of historic information on the church, which has been misplaced. She is searching for the box in the hopes that it was not mistakenly thrown out. Vernon stated that one of the most significant things happening in Northgate now are the utility and street improvements. At the last City Council meeting, funds were approved to bring in a consultant from Dallas/Ft. Worth to do a master plan for the entire Northgate area, which would involve the buildings, widening the streets, etc. Vernon told the committee that now was the time to let the City know if they wanted to be a part of the Northgate master plan process. He said that a lot of things would be done and that Northgate would not look the same five years from now. Gary H. asked if Jane Kee would be the person to submit the committee's ideas to and Vernon said yes. The consultant has not been hired but Vernon feels that the Council has made a strong commitment to move ahead, get the master plan going, and integrate a lot of the different ideas. Gary H. suggested that when the consultant is hired it would be a good idea to meet with him after he's had a chance to study what exists. Vernon said the input from the Committee could have a real impact on what would be done in Northgate, as far as preserving the look and feel of the area. Gary said that great concern should also be given to improved pedestrian access at Northgate, which is now virtually non- existent. Vernon also let the Committee know about the debate going on with the Church of Christ. He stated that at the last Church Conference it was voted to tear down the old church, but Dr. Sicilio (sp?) has made a project of trying to save it. The church is a beautiful example of architecture but the building itself is of little or no value. Due to structural problems, the building cannot be used except for a small living area in front. Vernon asked Gary if Dr. Sicilio had gotten in touch with him and Gary said he had not. Joey Dunn stated that City Planning had gone over and looked at the church, and a structural engineer - Mr. Per Schneider - was there and was going to get a report together on the building. One report has already been done on the church, but Per Schneider's analysis of the structure would be from a preservation point of view. Vernon said the results of the report may not change the vote to tear it down, because there were a lot of different issues involved. There has even been discussion of a trade-off between the church and the city. Greg asked if a date had been set for demolition yet and Vernon said he did not believe so. Greg stated that with the development of Wolf Pen Creek in the southeast part of town, it makes sense that the next big thrust should be Northgate (to open up Patricia Street, extend a boardwalk, etc.), since most of the other areas of town around campus are unavailable (residential, owned by A&M, etc.). Vernon said that there are negotiations going on now with the City and A&M, and A&M is very interested in upgrading or changing Northgate. Gali told the Committee that the Northgate project was a facade renovation project going on in Historic Preservation Committee Wednesday, March 2, 1994 Page 4 conjunction with the Main Street construction project, and that the sidewalk issue was only a small portion of the total project. She stated that the intention was not to make Northgate into something it never was, but to remove from the buildings, the excess shingles, colors, etc., that have been added in the last fifty years. In this way the buildings will look much as they did when they were first built. Gali stated that there is plenty of time to agree on the details of sidewalks, etc., before it gets to the construction phase. Vernon said that work will be starting soon on College Main. Gary H. asked what the plans included. Vernon said rebuilding the streets, putting in new water and sewer lines, utilities, and streetscaping. The streetscape plan for Northgate has not been completed. Vernon feels that now is the time to take into consideration the streetscape plan for the entire area. Greg stated that he was concerned because the streetscape plans he'd seen were all very modern and really wouldn't fit in with the Northgate area, at least as far as the lamps and benches were concerned. Gali stated that consideration has been given to the fact that Northgate is a special area and the plan has been in the process of design and approval for several months. Deborah, Greg, and Gary H. all said they had information they would get to Gali and Joey as soon as they could. V. REVIEW INVITATION AND DISCUSS DETAILS FOR COLLEGE STATION RAILROAD DEPOT MARKER DEDICATION: David Gerling passed out an invitation /program to all Committee members. He informed the committee that 400+ invitations would be mailed out during the upcoming week. Gary asked where the marker was and David told him it was being held at the Central Park maintenance shop, and would be installed the Wednesday before the dedication ceremony. Greg asked if anyone knew if the Class of '94 would vote on the depot as a class gift before the ceremony. Gary said he didn't know, but that he had made sure that David Godbey was invited to the dedication ceremony. Gary also stated that David Godbey had called him and informed him that the class officers were very enthusiastic about the depot as a class project. The class still had to vote on it, but it was number one on the list of gifts. Deborah said that she had heard that the class officers were going to hold a special class meeting and vote then. She also said they have earmarked $80,000 for it. Greg commented that if the vote passed, it might be worthwhile to mention the reconstruction of the depot at the dedication ceremony. Gary said he spoke to Larry Ringer about the project and he was supportive of the idea. Mayor Ringer suggested that once the Class of '94 approved the depot as their gift, the Committee forward a recommendation to the City Council to appropriate money for the City's share of the cost to construct the depot. David said that this request would need to be in by May 14, 1994 in order to get in on next year's budget. David asked the committee if they wanted to have a shuttle pick them up at City Hall and take them to the depot dedication ceremony. Several members said they could walk. David said he would check with every member to see who needed a ride, and something would be arranged. Gary suggested to David that the City consider buying a parking permit for campus. Historic Preservation Committee Wednesday, March 2, 1994 Page 5 VI. BLACK EDUCATION MARKER UPDATE: Deborah passed around copies of the first draft for everyone's review. Gary suggested everyone look it over for the next meeting. She said the only thing she knew that would change was that she was going to put the words "suspected arson" into the information, since she found out that at the time of the fire there had been six major fires in ten days. The fire at Lincoln School was the second of those six major fires. Deborah stated that the newspapers at that time did not mention arson, however, they did about twenty years later. None of the cases were ever solved. Gary H. said everyone suspected the fires were arson, but there was never any proof. VII. OTHER COMMITTEE CONCERNS: Vernon Schneider stated that this was his last Committee meeting, since he would not be running for City Council again when his term expired. He told the members that he had enjoyed being on the Committee and he felt that the work of the Committee would become increasingly more important. He commented that he felt Hub Kennedy would be a good man to bring into the Committee as Council Liaison because he had a strong interest in preservation. Gary commented that the City Council would be the ultimate decision on who was chosen. Mary Jane Hirsch commented on the reunion of people who had lived on campus, which had been held. She said they met at the retiree's luncheon, and she asked if it would be possible for the Committee to give a reception for those people. Gary said he would love to have them come to a meeting and record their comments and stories about life on campus. Mary Jane said some of them had pictures and it would be great to talk to them. David stated that his wife had attended a meeting where a lady from Brazos 2020 was speaking. The comment was made that Clara Mounce, a Bryan librarian, had been discussing doing a living history or book on Brazos County, and would be going around getting people to tell their stories of Brazos County. Since this was something that the Conference Center Advisory Board had expressed an interest in doing, David said he would contact Clara Mounce and get her thoughts on what she was planning to do. In this way there wouldn't be different groups repeating the same process. VIII. ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. c x z Z O Q Q = 0 w Z U a z O p g D O O 8 w w C9 p 4= pw c c c Q g Z ' - Z w O z M Ili O 0 c c O O W z O 0 J W = O w O Q U Z J O W W W O Q 5 p Q - QmQ a zo U 0 z-1 -, C z W LLI w = C w I- z U _ ~ O o c Q Z .d. 0 w w w 0 0 U Q = d 0o Q p UJ o a S Q Q= = w= cn p = (� Q z cn P Q z w v O CI) - -N 4 ---'4A. o pt 8c)u , ' , 5zZ� ALL / 1 c'� =0O W v `^ { '4 A� J Z w, Z 0 w , O < _ cn D F- co co z F- L U w_ W ,. 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C ? k .✓ >r,1 `t' " I s , d` v , Gdl x ., ^ffit x F .: G f• :f 1 1 t �.,' t k ` ! ' YY {. r � ^p„ v ;st 4 = t e^ •..s: g�t { ( �Ja r •3�Ff- v�`•�i+,tV� 'rf7. is �� f f " 4 ' HISTORY OF TIIE ��: °��r� �a � Adclrl PRES;Bil�� NtH R �! f ,r College Statlon,Texas 6 ! A a J i f s ,. ? ` f i2? [. 3 l ' 4.�:. �l`fio ��� s UY.r"�r?; a =, i s r T s •r z. " t E _• + r t Formed on February �., t : �, .• Y , A923 as a missio urc with 26 charter ,members, the A &M Presbyterian Church is now self - supporting. with its own outreach. Formerly a part of Brazos Presbytery,'it is now a member "ot the Presbytery. of New Covenant; a presbytery consisting of all churches in Southeast Texas. As such, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church c (USA lurk .. ii, r i :< i� & rn ' Sd y r i t �l For a number of years _after ts organizio ,t ehurcha suppled . by interim pastors, and in' August .1928, the late Itev:� arman Anderson - of TaftTX accepted the call as full -time pastor.'.: At that time,r the ,cong�regation~'included 25 nembers and met on the second floor of'the YMCA ;Building on Sunday ,nights. ` Before, • acquiring its church building in 1948 the present 'sanctuary was originally a• U.S. Army Chapel moved he from Victoa, TX the pongregation worshipped, through- the much appreciated courtesy ;of th e A ' college pf t Texas, the ` YMCA •Building, Gluon Hall, the old Assembly Hall,aswellajnthecajnpus : Theatre. The resent` educational wing $ " ''" p g was built in ' t wa • thu h ti4e. untiring,e.ffgrt of the Rev. that at sufficient funds ere � o`f � ividual gifts and S ynod contribution, to `'purchase the presen 'eh l3 : u • ' ats. ..a.• +:, s 1 a y . ,•'�- f 4� t �t :S •., i .# .� ± �Jr , fir ..k f't >�ti .• fif�, F iislw� ra x In 1962, the sanctuary was remodeled,u - Bed breto Bolton, kti. architect and former member of this con � a desi n • ro a • on y �t �'' . 3 s�ys�i wF.i ✓f "an ••[ `} f The Presbtrian student w :rk in the a rs •one rou h the Birch` b '.w a.. k+;' ,''- rC �i 'rMSr - • ,y+.'yyp #'r•:' ?!: (41,. h, y the Rev Anderson.' Later, the Rev. Charles Workman was sent to head this work which eventually n * " Ma,. y included • other denominations.,► very active student work programis, now being conducted . by the Rev. Michael Miller who maintains an <. *�"t 4 c !f ry[ ,. office in theM Presbyterian Church, bait sharp a ership'�'with three other ' churches (United Campus Ministry). For t 4� s } e las';" six 'Years,, Rev.' Miller has had it'P c. f fit f r help in the form of seminary students doihjt a yer'sffieTd work f f a s. Following Rev. Anderson's retirement, the Rev. H. Bruce fisher accepted the call y ;•fy� g,:! t��ff ' s.a� i d -� .r .. as pastors July, `1963. During Dr. Fisher ,; s er al$ eeply meaningful E t , events were initiated which are now celebrated a_ nnually: `;One . of these is' the Maundy Thursday Dinner and Communion: Service. ;;The„ enebrae Service (Service of Darkness) _ is another. In the Fall of ' 1980,the Rev. Fisher introduced an adult seminar on Sunday mornings dealing with contemporaryissues.' - A renovation of the fellowship hall and church'school rooms was completed in November ,1974. °'In 1980, extensive work' w8is''dorie' on` "Y a ed'ucafionaI wing grid the congregation voted to remodel extensively the sanctuary and office wing. These renovated _facilities were dedicated at_, the eleven a'c1ock - :;worship service on September : 12, 1982, with guest preacher Dr. Harrison Taylor,former Director of the Niklos Place. Retreat Center, MO- Ranch,:` and former-executive secretary of the General Assembly's Council on Theology and Culture. A luncheon in the fellowship hall followed the service. t On February 12, 1981, the A &M Presbyterian Church was incorporated by the State of Texas; .George. W. Strake, Jr., Secretary of State - Charter #549696. On Sunday, February 6, 1983, the church observed its sixtieth birthday with the - morning worship service and a special luncheon program honoring past and present 1 I(`.,',.. + !a ..` liiY- ?:At,;., , a+71"t'"kc - •; a. -, _ !{_:.•T;; r .t M } ., zr ' 'r a members. enthusiastically looks ' forw t a p it ; + e k' egt sixty growth in the 'l'1 service of our Lord. �' "A A In the summer of 1983, we celebrated with Presbyterians all over our nation the reunion of our two denominations which had' been separate' Since'fhe Civil War, we rejoiced in our one national Presbyterian Church, THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.). Our program was enriched in the years 1984 through 1986 with the comin i of two seminary interns, who worked in our church between „their middle and senior years at seminary. We were fortunate to have two excellent interns, both students at Princeton Seminary. Stuart Lord worked frota'the "Fall, of 1984 through the summer , of 1985. Al Krummenacher served as intern . from the Fall of 1985 through the summer of 1986. • : r ,, , r ' : V v, • , . r. - 1986 also saw Wendell Landmann retire 'after serving many years as c oir director. _ - • Mike Alexander accepted the position ni January`ot . that 'yejc ,and S until •, October, 1988. Fern Hamman, long time organist retired in O Mrs. Bill _:;�. Sensibaugh �NMene) served as'Choir Director /Organist Prom ' dctober;, �1988 July w , _ .' 31, 1989 `when` ° she ° `and her husband moved a` Florida: 'Tor wards, Conroe, TX, ' ms s took the organist /choir' director position troin r,1989 to Dec. 31, 1989. Mrs. • Stefan Gartner (Karen) was hired as Choir Director on Januar_�y 1, 1990.. o date .. ., ., •.: .' �;. n '� ' C,F .,1k w .Li. ! +. - } . +.+, we do not have a permanent organzst. + rat r 4i• , :- �° e ` Rev. Dr. Bruce Fisher was honored at a iteception • on ay,`December 4 , 198 on - the occas of his retirement as pastor'of the A &M Presbyterian Church after 25 years service. His final day was Dec 31; 11 , �,� YY ' y , , L x r • .. F , N4 - - � - ir.Ra� .i ' 4, R ,� i S . .) I 43W' i J : !4 • fir rv$: -� i.. i. �vf: }� . "� ^' ilk. 4 I,. {. ` . -The Rev:: William A. Baine 'came on February IS;,18u as ° Interim Pastor arnd 'stayed until September 24, 1989. The Rev. " Jack Harrison served as Temporary Pulpit Supply from October 1 to December 17, ',1 , ; ��, :.-sw f« �, -2., . + 2 t I , On October 22, 1989 the REV. DR. THOMAS W..ESTES was called to be Pastor of the ,'A &M Presbyterian Church. He and his - wife Sally, arrived December 15, •1989 and he preached his first sermon on Sunday, December 24, 1989. ' had last served ` - Fox Valley Presbyterian Church of Geneva, IL.., -Tom has a Doctor of Ministry D egree in Pastoral Counseling and Care from McCormick Theological Seminary. The Estes' have five grown children. :4- '4.7. : , ,, _ . ; On Sunday, January 28, 1990 Dr. Es w Installed as Pastor ,of the A &M p.m. with a reception' Presbyterian Church at 3 ion following in the fellowship hall. i per Y 4.rr r ri rte:..t�, w, .ry; �: r;r.».. Lincoln School Black Education in College Station Many of the black citizens of Brazos County settled in the area as a result of slavery. In 1864 there were 2,013 slaves in Brazos County. Formal education did not exist for black citizens during this time period. Formal education for blacks began in Brazos county in 1871, as a result of the passage of the Public School Act of 1871. Education for blacks, who resided in the 55 square mile area which now constitutes the A &M Consolidated School District, in the late 1800's and at the beginning of the 1900's was provided by a network of small area schools. In 1910 there were 39 buildings in which black schools were located throughout Brazos County. Twenty -two of the buildings were rented, and seventeen were owned by the public. Many were small, 1 -4 room buildings and were often located in or near black churches. Schools of this type were located near Washington Chapel Baptist Church and St. Matthis Church. One hundred twenty seven students attended classes at the various black schools in the A &M Consolidated School District in 1923. In 1928 black schools located in the A &M Consolidated School District included Peach Creek, Sulphur Springs, Wellborn, Shirock, Dowling and Providence, Union Hill, Washington Chapel, and College Hills.' For the next 15 years the number of students attending classes grew steadily and by 1938, 246 students were attending classes. All of these schools were elementary schools. The A &M Consolidated School District, which did not have a black high school, had an agreement with the Bryan Independent School District to allow students to attend Kemp High School in Bryan. The tuition fees for students who attended Kemp High School were paid for by the A &M Consolidated School District. The district also provided transportation to Bryan for the students. As the number of black students that attended high school in the district increased over the years, and the cost of tuition and transportation for the students to Kemp High School steadily increased. As a result of this continuing cost and in an effort to provide a more comprehensive education to the black scholastic population of the district, discussions pertaining to constructing a black high school for the school district began. On January 8, 1941, the A &M Consolidated Board of Trustees began discussions about the need for a black high school in the District. Arguments for the construction of a high school included: the significant savings over time in tuition and transportation costs, and encouraging more area students to attend high school.' A bond election was held on March 29, 1941, to acquire capital for building among other projects a black school. The site was selected for the school, and five acres were purchased from the Matthew and Fanny R. Davis estate for the sum of $100 per acre.' The site was located at the southwestern limits of College Station at what is now Eleanor and Holleman streets. Plans for the school progressed rapidly and the school opened its doors for the 1941 -42 academic year. Initially, the school consisted of a building containing six classrooms, a principal's office, and 1 a homemaking cottage.' A curriculum for the black high school, which was initially known as A &M Consolidated Negro School, was adopted. Courses approved by the school board included: English, History, Negro History, Practical Arithmetic, Elementary Science, Vocational Agriculture, Industrial Shop, Home Economics, Defense Training Work, and Training for adult maids.' E. M. Cunningham was selected as the principal for the school. Mr. Cunnignham also served as the Vocational Agriculture teacher; other faculty members were They Myrtle Owens, Edna Harris Tarrow, Willie A. Tarrow, A.J. Thompson, and Ruth Cunningham. Elementary schools located within College Station, as well as those from outlying areas were moved to the new school. Grades 1 -11 were established in 1941, and grade 12 was added the next year. The first graduates for the new school received their diplomas in 1942. They were: Lola V. Robison, O.B. Townsend, Ethel Mae Eaton, Clarence Burrell, Dan McGill, and Dora Jewel Townsend. The school continued to flourish and expand. In 1945 it was noted in a serial published in The Battalion, that the black school for College Station had a budget of $15,000 annually. It employed 10 teachers and 296 children attended school that year. A small plot of additional land located one block from the original school site was purchased from Edward V. and Birdie Beatrice Hrdlicka on October 13, 1945, for $600. This land was purchased for use as a football and athletic field for A &M Consolidated Negro School. On June 13,1946 the name of the school was changed from A &M Consolidated Negro School to Lincoln Schoo1. Willie A. Tarrow was named as the school's new principal. In 1947 the Vocational Agriculture and Industrial Shop class under the guidance of the Vocational Agriculture teacher expanded the shop building by building an additional room. The material for this project was acquired by dismantling buildings at the old Minter Springs school site. Attendance at the school grew rapidly, and citizens of the city were concerned about the school's cramped facilities. Specifications for a new High School Building on the Lincoln campus were drawn and submitted by R. G. Schneider, Architect and Engineer, on December 1, 1948. This building endeavor was a portion of an overall expansion of A &M Consolidated facilities in 1948. In February 1949, C. L. Andrews was awarded the building contract for the four classroom building, which was to be located west of the elementary school building. Lincoln School served as the social hub of College Station's black community, and at least for a short period of time as a spiritual meeting place. The College Station Church of Christ requested and received permission from the school board to use rooms on the campus as a meeting place on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday or Thursday nights. In return the congregation agreed to the district for the utilities costs and any additional janitorial services required.' The Lincoln campus growth continued in an effort to better serve the community. The 2 construction of tennis courts for the Lincoln campus were the topic of discussion, and approved by the A &M Consolidated School Board in May 1950. Expansion of the school continued throughout the 1950's. The A &M school board discussed future construction for Lincoln campus throughout the fall of 1950. On June 14, 1951, bids for an industrial arts shop and science building were taken and the building was completed in April 1952. A number of milestone and events occurred involving Lincoln School in 1953. In January bids for the construction of a Gymnasium were opened. The specifications for the gymnasium included the requirement of piers for future expansion of the building and room for construction of a stage and dressing rooms. Public School Week in 1953 was observed at the school through a radio program and an open house. Progress on the establishment of a school library continued. On September 4, 1953, Lincoln School was accredited by the State Department of Education. As the focal point of the comunity grew the personality of the school developed. The school colors were purple and gold and the mascot chosen for the school was the panther. The school mottos was, "Forward forever, backward never," and their school song was "0' Lincoln High." 0' Lincoln High 0' Lincoln High we love you true. We love the purple and gold too. To you we will always be true. 0' Lincoln High how we love you. The purple and gold mean much to me. Let's try to keep our colors true, We pledge a better school to be, 0' Lincoln how we love you. As the school grew the area that could be used as an athletic field was found to be inadequate. In 1956 discussions concerning a possible trade of 80,000 square feet of property owned by the school district with a 120,000 square feet parcel owned by the Hrdlika heirs. The land trade was completed on February 11, 1957. A &M Consolidated paid the Hrdlika estate $10.00 for the additional square footage. This trade allowed the athletic fields to be located adjacent to the school and to be more readily accessible to students. Expansion of the school continued with the addition of a homemaking cottage. Bids for the construction of the homemaking cottage were announced on July 17, 1956. Discussions on plans for integration of the A &M Consolidated School District began on June 15, 1956. This was the first of a series on ongoing meetings and seminars on the subject. It was decided to adopt a "wait and see attitude."' In the early 1960's the A &M Consolidated Independent School District received notice that the National Association for the Advancement 3 of Colored People was requesting immediate integration of College Station schools. The plan for integration adopted by the school district was a stair step method. Under this plan, the black elementary grades would be fused with white elementary grades one grade at a time. Every year a new grade would leave Lincoln and become integrated. Attendance at Lincoln became voluntary. Two of Lincoln's teachers were reassigned to A &M Consolidated High School and several white teachers were relocated to Lincoln. Teachers for special education and speech taught at both schools. By 1965, grades one and two had been phased into the A &M Consolidated school system. On January 20, 1966, a fire at Lincoln School was reported to the Texas A &M University Fire Department. At the time the fire started an adult education class was being held in one of the buildings. The fire department was notified at 7:45 p.m., however the first truck did not leave the fire station for 15 minutes. A second and third truck was dispatched 10 minutes later. These delays were unexplained in all documents. The trucks were also hampered in reaching the fire by large crowds that gathered to watch the fire. The fire, whipped by high winds was well established by the time the firefighters reached the scene. Once the firefighters arrived the blaze was contained in about an hour and no deaths were reported. The ten classroom high school building, principal's office, teachers' lounge, and library were destroyed. Buildings that were not damaged included the gym, two classrooms, auditorium /assembly hall, homemaking cottage, cafeteria building, science laboratory, and industrial arts shop. The damage to the Lincoln School complex was estimated at $65,000 and displaced 100 students. The majority of records and documents pertaining to the school were destroyed in the fire. The cause of the fire was never determined, however it was speculated that the fire may have been set to force integration to occur more quickly. High school students were transferred to A &M Consolidated High School. The 38 students in grades three, four, and five returned to class at Lincoln the Monday following the fire. Grades six, seven and eight also attended Lincoln School, but reverted to a departmentalized program with a seven period day. These lower grades remained a Lincoln due to space limitations at the other schools in the Consolidated system. Teachers from the school were reassigned. At the end of the 1965 -66 school year, Lincoln's doors were shut, and the remaining students were integrated into the other A &M Consolidated schools. The school Board decided that it was not feasible to rebuild the burned facilities. In 1967, the City of College Station discussed what could be done with city property that was adjacent to Lincoln. An informal agreement was made by the city and school district to temporarily use the school property as a city park. The buildings remained unused, except for the occasional gatherings of small church groups. In 1968, the school board agreed to lease the land and facilities at Lincoln to the city for a period of 10 years. The City Council directed the Parks and Recreation Committee develop detailed plans for the property and buildings. 4 References 1. Buford, Micheal Dwain, Up From Cotton, Bryan, Texas, 1988. 2. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, 1923. 3. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, 1929. 4. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, 1938. 5. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, January 8, 1941. 6. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, March 31, 1941. 7. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, May 8, 1941. 8. "Lincoln Center in College Station: Essential Elements of Programming for Minorities," page 16, Texas Recreation and Park Society. 9. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, June 24, 1941. 10. Hughes, W. L., "Your City, Eighth of a Series ", The Battalion, August 12, 1945. 11. Deed from Edward V. Hrdlicka and Birdie Beatrice Hrdlicka filed in the State of Texas County of Brazos, 1945. 12. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes June 13, 1946. 13. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, October 7, 1947. 14. General Contract Specification for Facilities for the A &M Consolidated School District, submitted to the A &M Consolidated School Board, December 1, 1948. 15. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, February 9, 1949. 16. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, March 5, 1951. 17. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, May 20, 1951. 18. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, June 14, 1951, and April 17, 1952. 19, A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, January 5, 1953. 6 20. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, September 1954. 21. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, July 8, 1956. 22. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, February 11, 1957. 23. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, July 17, 1956. 24. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, June 15, 1956. 25. A &M Consolidated School District, School Board Minutes, January 14, 1957. 26. Texas A &M University Fire Department, Dispatch Logs, January 20, 1966. 27. "Damage Totals $65,000," "Lincoln School Blaze Displaces 100 - -Plans Studied Today," Bryan Daily Eagle, Friday, January 21, 1966. 28. Balliew, Ann, The City of College Station 1938/1988, page 43, Intaglio Press, College Station, Texas, 1987. 29. "Consolidated Board Shuffles Pupils," Bryan Daily Eagle, Monday, January 24, 1966. 30. City of College Station, Council Minutes, April 19, 1967, and April 24, 1967. 31. City of College Station, Council Minutes, February 26, 1968. 32. City of College Station, Council Minutes, January 15, 19669, February 24, 1969, and March 24, 1969. Other References Randle, Irene Ethelind, A Comparative Study of Common Schools for Negros in Brazos County, thesis, Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College, Prairie View, Texas August 1944. Balliew, Ann, The City of College Station 1938/1988, Intaglio Press, College Station, Texas, 1987. Parks, Deborah Lynn, History of the City of College Station, 1938 -1987, M.A. thesis, Texas A &M University, College Station, Texas, May 1984. Hughes, W.L., A Project in Rural School Consolidation and Its Contribution to the Solution of the Rural School Problems of Brazos County, M.S. thesis, Texas A &M College, 1922. 7 • In 1969 the College Station Parks and Recreation offices were located at Lincoln. The facilities were used for continuing education classes and served as a neighborhood recreation center. City property adjacent to the school was used for an all purpose sports field. The homemaking cottage served as the Parks and Recreation Department Office, and the industrial arts shop was converted into a shop for the department. The property was renovated and restored in 1972. In 1978, the city bought the land from the school district and the facilities were entirely refurbished. On June 6, 1980, the Lincoln Center was officially dedicated and began to serve as a tribute to the school that once stood on the site. The Lincoln school trophies are displayed at the Center. The memories and influence of Lincoln School remain. The Lincoln Former Students Association was formed in 1982. The association, which is comprised of students who attended Lincoln School, holds biennial reunions. The association provides scholarships for black students and actively participates in preservation of the history, heritage, and memories of Lincoln School. 5 APPLICATION FOR COT T F,GE STATION HISTORIC MARKER Check one: t. 4 4ouse Building Owners Name Donald C. and Barbara H. DeLucia Address 201 Suffolk Avenue, College Station TX 77840 -3017 Phone (409) 764 -7832 Address of Historic Structure: 201 Suffolk Avenue Former campus house yes Describe historical, architectural, or other significance: • Ernest K. Langford - Architecture Department Head and longtime mayor of College Station designed this home for J. Gordon Gay and his wife Emma before College Station was even incorporated. First or second house built in Oakwood addition (1932) J. Gordon Gay and Emma Gay family home for 55 years please see attached information Please attach photograph and return to: College Station Parks and Recreation P.O. Box 9960 College Station, TX 77842 Attn: David Gerling CA-EX_ 3/30/94 Signature Date 201 Suffolk Avenue The J. Gordon Gay Family Home 1. Historical Significance The J. Gordon Gay Family Home at 201 Suffolk Avenue in College Station was designed by Ernest K. Langford, Head of the Architecture Department at Texas A &M, and longtime mayor of College Station. This house was designed and built in 1932 and was perhaps the first or 'second home constructed in the Oakwood addition. This was of course, prior to the incorporation of the City of College Station. Gordon and Emma Gay were early founders and life -long sponsors of the spiritual and cultural life of the student and campus community. The Gays came to A &M in 1928. Gordon Gay became associate and then general secretary of the Y.M.C.A., and later coordinator of religious life at A &M, a life of community service lasting over forty years until retirement in 1968. The Gays were founders in the A &M United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent for 30 years. They were also involved in Scouting in early College Station. One city manager of College Station, North Bardell, also lived for a while in the apartment the Gay's sometimes rented to students at A &M. 2. Architectural Significance We am not qualified to judge the architectural style or significance of the house, but we would be interested in the Historical Preservation Committee's comments. 3. Intrinsic Significance The architect, Ernest K. Langford, is perhaps the most significant architectural item of interest. We find the numerous copper exterior accessories, and the early local construction interesting. We also relish the fact that the fences and brick walks were designed by one of the Gay's sons, and constructed in the workshop on site by the Gays and A &M Student volunteers. 4. Social Significance The "cottage" was originally designed for Mr. and Mrs. Gay, and then the upstairs was finished out to accommodate the children (eventually four boys). The garage, apartment, and workshop were added later, as was the sunroom along the back. This is I imagine typical of most families in the past, growing the home rather than moving. The Gays lived in this home for 55 years. 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Gordon Gay who has devoted over 40 years of his life to Texas A &M and the YMCA. Mr. Gay passed into semi - retirement last year, but he still remains active at the YMCA. Under Mr. Gay, the ideas of Religious Emphasis Week, and Freshman YMCA Camp became reali- ties. In 1956, he was honored with the Association of Former Students Award for Distinguished Achievements in Student Relations and twice received a Student Achievement Award. In 1957 he became coordinator of religious life, as well as YAACA general secretary, a post which he had then held for five years. Mr. Gay helped develop a recreation center in Hensel Park and was well -known for the steak frys he held there. Mr. Gay is the father of four sons and was very active in Scouting, having served as chairman and as treasurer of a troop committee. He was a member of the official board of the A &M Methodist Church and has been a Sunday School superintendent for 25 years there. The Education Building of the church was named in his honor. Through these and other areas, Mr. Gay has served four decades of Aggies untiringly, and we are proud to dedicate the 1969 AGGIELAND to him. v. 4-* It ttt‘ .. � . $ .;I 1 t i • , . . _ „ t Qay�.+�� .. . 4$'. 11:-x 4 4,, 4, EMMA LOUISE RYAN GAY December 3, 1904 - May 3, 1989 Gordon and Emma Gay came to College Station in 1928, where he became associate and then general secretary of the Y.M.C.A. He served thirty years as Sunday School superintendent of A &M United Methodist Church. Emma, along with Gordon, was a part of the working organization of the church. She served in many capacities as a disciple of Jesus Christ, including being a faithful member of the Doers Class. Emma will be most remembered in the church for her drawings and commentary of the stained glass windows. Of special note is her rendition of the Rose Window in the Chancel of the church. Emma was an artist as well as a disciple. Her painting entitled "Many Gifts, One Spirit" has been a favorite of the congregation since its completion in 1975. It hangs in the church office and always receives the admiration of visitors or newcomers to the congregation. When people recount those who made the sacrificial contributions that led to the founding of a great church, they will think of Emma Gay and her church, A &M United Methodist Church. Her love and concern for others will be long remembered. We thank God for her life and rejoice that she has received the crown of life from her Creator. Memorials should be designated to A &M United Methodist Church or the Gordon and Emma Gay Scholarship Fund of the Association of Former Students at Texas A &M University.