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Sec. 4 Page 2 The Mainland Times 1963 Historical EditionPROFESSOR SIMMS LANDMARKMARQUE EDUCATIONWhen P. S. Simms becameprincipal of the La Marque colored school in 1928 there was nothing to indicate that the tiny organization would grow into the magnificent educational institution which it is today.rVMore problems than teaching faced the young teacher when he first came to La Marque. The old frame build -was in need of repair and Cleaning before school started.paid the $20 for the repairand cleaning of the building.” In 1928 there were only tworooms and two teachers with39 pupils from the 1st to the 7th grades. Prof Simms’ room was furnished with 10 double desks and a chair and desk for the teacher.The white school board included Louis Margot and Pat■ “I asked the permission ofMr. Kennedy, the superinten-dent, to hire some one to repair and clean the bulding,” $rof. Simms recalled as he forted through some old files. I “The superintendent told |fie there was no money. I asked the same of the colored9|toard and their reply was Jhe same—no money. At this |me we had organized a Mother’s Club, whose name liras later changed to P.T.A. tjrhe Mother’s Club worked andProf. P. S. Simms••••■I*. 9.lt;\ •••HIriti'f.ttSweeney. Calvin Bell, H. Hobgood and Rev. Bellwereon the colored school board. It was a common school district with a county superintendent.The school showed some growth during the ten years having three classrooms,three teachers,about 60pupils with an eighth grade being added.It was in 1938 when the colored schools began to really expand. The presentLincoln school was built. Ithad 13 classrooms, 13 teachersincluding the principal who also taught three or four classes daily The enrollment had grown to 125.Now the school had primary, elementary, junior high and senior high departments.“The superintendent did not grant my request to add anindustrial department until ayear later, ” Prof Simms said, “Mrs. Grace Britton, a patron, loaned the school a sewing machine and theP.T.A. paid Mrs. EuginaSimms to teach the girls sewing after school a few days a week.“It was during the commencement exercises the following spring, when these girls wore the dresses they had made. Mr. Price and the members of the board were so impressed with this activity that a sewing and cooking department was added themmM!*cV**•'V•; v.-’ • .. ...- '. ■■■ 4'j? Mi'-”.-.. . ' , .y %* *•*Ay' ::*V .. f?■.lt; %f: £• '4X *SIMMS ELEMENTARY is the n
Newspaper Details
Mainland Times
La Marque, Texas, US
Thu, Oct 31, 1963
Page 24
Full Page
Clipped by
Matthew D.
USA 19 Aug 2020
Other Publications Near La Marque, Texas
Mainland Times
Times In La Marque
La Marque Times
