Plantersville High School receives THC marker
PLANTERSVILLE - The Texas Historical Commission recognizes Plantersville High School as a significant part of Texas history by awarding it an official Texas Historical Marker. The designation honors the location of the school as an important and educational part of local history.
A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will be held Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m. behind Plantersville Town Hall. Grimes County Historical Commission welcomes the public to share in and witness this exciting historical event.
“The Official Texas Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures and the importance of their preservation,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC. “Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our state’s history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural resources.”
A subject qualifies for a marker based on two criteria - historical significance and age. Historical significance is established by reviewing its role and importance in local history and the age requirement depends on the topic. The THC’s official Texas Marker policies are outlined in the Official Texas Historical Marker Procedures.
“It is vital that as we move forward, we do not forget our past. Not only will the Texas Historical Marker provide awareness in the community of our history, but it will become a building block for the promotion of local tourism,” said Marilyn Bettes, researcher of Plantersville history. The last graduating class was in 1942 and the building has since been torn down but the foundation of the “red brick two story building” still remains and is visible in the pasture behind Plantersville Town Hall. The owner of the property has offered to leave the gate open so spectators can walk up to the remaining foundation.
There are two other THC markers in Plantersville - Plantersville Baptist Church and Plantersville Cemetery. With the addition of the Plantersville High School marker there are three Texas Historical Commission markers located within a one-mile radius.
Texas has the largest marker program in the United States with approximately 15,000 markers. Seventeen states have used the Texas program as a model. THC reviews more than 300 marker applications each year.
THC is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas. For more information visit www.thc. texas.gov.