Site of Friberg School
Wichita Falls, Wichita County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Friberg School was created in 1895 to serve families in this area. By 1896 students attended classes in a granary owned by Will Friberg; the following year John Friberg donated land here and a 2-room schoolhouse was erected. The school also served as a community gathering place, and by 1922 increased enrollment led to the addition of a third room. Upper level students began attending Wichita Falls High School in 1931, and in 1956 Clay County's Thornberry School consolidated with Friberg. After a 1969 fire left only the cafeteria intact, Friberg School closed.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Friberg School opened in 1895 to serve farm families on the Wichita County prairie, its first classes meeting in Will Friberg's granary before John Friberg donated land for a two-room schoolhouse. It doubled as the community's gathering place, growing to three rooms by 1922 as enrollment climbed. After older students shifted to Wichita Falls High School and a neighboring district consolidated in, a 1969 fire finally closed the school.
Why it matters
The rise and fall of this rural schoolhouse mirrors the arc of countless small farm communities — from local one-room schools to consolidation into larger districts.
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Related people
- · Will Friberg
- · John Friberg
Themes & tags
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