Gober Public Schools
Gober, Fannin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The town known as Gober was settled in the 1840s, and was first called Grittersville. A town site was platted in 1885 and the town was renamed to honor early settlers. Public education in Gober began in a one-room schoolhouse that also served as a church and social center. In 1924 fire destroyed the school, but it was replaced by a two-story frame structure. A new brick school was erected in 1938-39, and the Gober Independent school District was formed. The school closed in 1969 due to declining enrollment.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
First settled in the 1840s as Grittersville, the town was platted in 1885 and renamed Gober to honor early settlers. Public schooling began in a one-room building that doubled as church and social hall; after fire destroyed it in 1924, a two-story frame school rose in its place, followed by a brick schoolhouse in 1938-39 and the formation of the Gober Independent School District. Declining enrollment closed the school in 1969.
Why it matters
The rise and closing of a rural school district mirrors the life cycle of countless small American farm towns, whose fortunes rose and fell with their schools.
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Themes & tags
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