Lela School
Lela, Wheeler County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Soon after the establishment of this community along the proposed rail line for the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf railway in 1902, residents called for the creation of a school to serve their children. Both the community and the school were known as Story until the post office opened under the name Lela. Fannie Womble served as the first teacher in the Story (Lela) school, with John Purcell, J. V. Ford and J. T. Close as first trustees. Although the community was founded because of its abundance of good underground water, it did not keep pace with Shamrock (5 mi. E) and by 1920 many of the residents and businesses had moved to Shamrock. About the same time, the long dry creek flooded and the community of Lela, including the school, moved up the hill one-half mile north of its original site. The discovery and production of natural gas brought renewed prosperity to this farming and cattle region in the 1920s. After the Lela School building burned in 1927, civic leaders arranged for the construction of a new brick school building that would be large enough to accommodate the increased population brought on by the economic growth. Although the 1928 brick school building originally housed all grades, the top two grades were discontinued after several years, and Lela students traveled to Shamrock to complete their education. After nearly 90 years, the Lela School district closed in 1992 and was annexed to the Shamrock school district. Its history remains a strong part of the rural heritage of Wheeler County. (2001)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Lela sprang up around 1902 along the proposed line of the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf railway, and residents quickly organized a school, first known as Story. When flooding forced the community uphill, the school moved with it, and the discovery of natural gas in the 1920s brought new prosperity and a brick schoolhouse. After nearly ninety years, the Lela district closed in 1992 and merged with nearby Shamrock.
Why it matters
Lela's school charts the rise and fall of a small railroad town on the Texas plains, where the local schoolhouse was the heart of rural community life.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · Fannie Womble
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Tower Building
Shamrock, TX
The distinctive Tower Building rose in 1936 along the newly bustling U.S. Route 66, one of many roadside businesses built to serve a nation newly on wheels. Designed by Pampa architect J. C. Berry and built by local entrepreneur J. M. Tindall, it combined a gas station and diner in curvilinear Art Deco lines, once trimmed with glowing neon. It remains a polished example of the Mother Road's golden age.
Old Pakan School
Lela, TX
The school took its name from Sam Pakan, Sr., a Slovak immigrant whose success in Chicago let him buy land here in 1904. Ten other Slovak families soon joined him, and together they pooled their money to build their first school in 1907. Family names like Linkey, Mertel, Macina, and Hrnciar still recall that founding community.
Site of Dozier Schoolhouse
Dozier, TX
In 1893 the men of the newly settled Dozier community built a one-room schoolhouse for the children of the surrounding Panhandle farms and ranches, with Seigniora Russell as its first teacher. Like many frontier schools it served triple duty for church and community gatherings and was moved three times before being rebuilt in 1913. The school consolidated with Samnorwood in 1934, and an elementary grade lingered until 1941.
Nicholson School
Collingsworth County, TX
Opened in 1915 and named for county judge Arthur Clyde Nicholson, this school anchored a thriving farming community in Collingsworth County, peaking at 150 students in 1929. Rural consolidation ended its run in 1937, and today only a concrete cellar marks the spot.