The 1937 Pearland High School

A terrible storm ravaged Pearland in 1915. Among the important structures it destroyed was the town's high school. For the next 22 years, Pearland teenagers traveled to Webster to attend classes. The long commute severly curtailed their involvement in school and community life. Despite the difficulties of farm life and the depression years, it was important to the townspeople that they be able to educate their children in Pearland. In 1937 they approved a new school bond. Architect Henry Stubee designed the new high school building and the Morgan Bouiffle Construction Company of Houston erected it. Fifty-eight students attended Pearland High School in fall 1937. The first challenge they and their carefully assembled faculty tackled was that of accreditation. This was achieved in the school's first year so that every Pearland graduate would have the option of going on to college. The school was a focal point for social and recreational activities as well as academics. The Pearland Oilers excelled at several popular sports; THE GUSHER, later called THE PIPELINE, was the school newspaper. The yearbook also was called THE GUSHER. Other groups such as the Boys' Travel Club, the Spanish Club and the Choral Club also were active. The school colors were deep maroon and white. The structure is a typical early 20th century schoolhouse made of brick veneer, a solid material built to withstand time and weather. It survives with few alterations. Architectural features of interest include the offset central entry bay with shed dormers. A new high school was erected in 1953 and this structure became part of the Pearland elementary schools. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999 Incise: Pearland's first accredited high school, Common School District Number 1, Brazoria County Public Schools, 1937-1938 J. Paul Rogers, Superintendent County Schools B. B. Ainsworth, Superintendent Pearland Schools Board of Trustees: George M. Wall, president; Clyde Oblinger, secretary; F. E. Moore, member Teaching Staff: B. B. Ainsworth, superintendent and teacher; Billy M. Wall, principal and teacher; Lloyd C. Hawkins, coach and teacher; Oleta Campbell (Hawkins), teacher; Fay Brookshire (Hunter), teacher; Hazel Skinner (Muetz), teacher; Virginia Ainsworth, librarian.

The 1937 Pearland High School is a historical marker in Pearland, Brazoria County, dedicated in 1999. It is one of 125 historical markers documented in Brazoria County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 223 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.5642, -95.2837 near Pearland. The nearest cataloged historic site is First United Methodist Church of Pearland (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Zychlinski Park, Robert L. and Julia Martin Hunter, and Old Settler's Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5039011765. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.