Mary Jane Gentry

Born in Boston in 1912, Mary Jane Catherine Gentry became an accomplished educator, historian, author and world traveler. Her 1946 University of Texas master's thesis, written under supervision of Walter Precott Webb, was entitled "Thurber: The Life and Death of a Texas Town." Today, it is a classic in Texas cultural and social history, and still guides much of the continuing research and interpretation of that historic town. She also co-authored The Story of Texas, adopted as a seventh-grade history textbook and used by children throughout the state. Gentry taught in public schools at Thurber, Springer Gap, San Angelo, Austin and Odessa, and at Odessa College before passing away in Dallas in 1996. (2007)

Mary Jane Gentry is a historical marker in Strawn, Palo Pinto County, dedicated in 2007. It is one of 45 historical markers documented in Palo Pinto County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 53 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.5409, -98.4984 near Strawn. The nearest cataloged historic site is Mount Marion Cemetery (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Strawn, Bethel, Strawn City Hall, and Thomas House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507013990. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.