H.R. No. 100



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, On May 2, 2004, the Texas Historical Commission is 
honoring Marian Anderson High School in Madisonville with the 
dedication of an official historical marker, recognizing the 
important historical and educational role this institution played 
in that community for nearly 100 years; and
	WHEREAS, In 1880, Madisonville opened its first school for 
African American students in a one-room schoolhouse on the 
northeast side of town, with Spencer Davis serving as the school's 
first teacher; five years later, the school was moved to the current 
site, on land donated by Reverend Neal McCloud, who, along with a 
number of other ministers, taught the 40 students enrolled at that 
time; and
	WHEREAS, By the 1920s, the student body had grown 
substantially; with funding from the Julius Rosenwald Foundation, a 
new building was erected, opening its doors in 1926; the new 
facility encompassed a cafeteria and eight classrooms, some of 
which could be opened together to form an auditorium; and
	WHEREAS, The site of interscholastic events, proms, 
parent-teacher meetings, and other special programs, the school 
also served as a gathering place for community events and 
activities, including the celebration of Juneteenth by area 
residents; in addition to its regular curriculum, the school 
offered classes in woodworking, painting, and general repair, and, 
during the Depression, it provided facilities for canning and a 
farmers' shop; and
	WHEREAS, After several rural schools consolidated with 
Madisonville Colored High School in the 1940s and 1950s, the school 
district constructed new facilities at the site, and the students 
voted to change the school's name to Marian Anderson High School, in 
honor of the world-renowned African American contralto; the 
Madisonville Consolidated Independent School District closed 
Marian Anderson High School in December 1970; an alumni group 
continues to meet, raising funds for scholarships to benefit 
Madisonville's youth and working to preserve the history of the 
town's African American community; and
	WHEREAS, Although this venerable institution eventually 
outlived its usefulness, the dedication of a historical marker 
ensures that the school's long and noteworthy history will be 
preserved for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby commemorate the  dedication 
of a Texas State Historical Marker at Marian Anderson High School in 
recognition of the school's important role in the history of the 
Madisonville community.

                                                                          Dunnam

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 100 was adopted by the House on May 
11, 2004, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House