Site of Scranton Academy
Cisco vicinity, Eastland County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A private, coeducational school organized in 1903 to augment Scranton Public School (opened 1887). Scranton, a small farming-ranching community, was only 13 years old when citizens founded the academy, by public subscription. The school expanded rapidly, reaching an enrollment of 325 by 1910. At its peak all grade levels (then numbering 11) were taught. First president, O.C. Britton, presided 1903-1908. He was followed by W.W. Griffin (1909), S.P. Collins (1910-1911), and J.E. Temple Peters (1911-1915). Under Peters, courses were standardized, a science program begun, and a modern laboratory and library added. Later presidents were J.W. Hawkins (1916), and L.E. Ratten (1917). Among early trustees were G.W. Bailey, F.G. Boyd, A.P. Brown, W.D. Clinton, W.T. Gattis, E.B. Lane, J.J. Ray, W.T. Rutherford, A.M. Sprawls, J.R. Sprawls, and John L. Woods. In addition to basic subjects, school offered a teacher training program. Physical plant consisted of a large classroom building, a 500-seat auditorium, two dormitories, scientific laboratory, and library. During its lifetime, the academy contributed much to the town's culture and its graduates entered many different walks of life. It closed with the advent of World War I in 1917. (1971)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1903, citizens of the small farming and ranching community of Scranton pooled their money by public subscription to found a private, coeducational academy alongside the existing public school. It grew fast, enrolling 325 students by 1910 and teaching all eleven grades, with a standardized curriculum, science laboratory, library, and teacher-training program under a succession of presidents. The academy filled a large classroom building, a 500-seat auditorium, and two dormitories before closing as World War I arrived in 1917.
Why it matters
Scranton Academy reflects how rural communities of the early 1900s invested their own resources in education, building ambitious schools that shaped a generation before the disruptions of the World War.
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Related people
- · O. C. Britton
- · J. E. Temple Peters
Related events
- · World War I
Themes & tags
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