Melissa School

The first schoolhouse to serve the residents of Melissa was constructed on land acquired in 1882 by trustees James Graves, John Gibson and George Fitzhugh, pioneer area settlers. Since the deed stated the property was to be used "forever exclusively, for educational and religious purposes", the one-room schoolhouse was the site of community worship services on Sundays. The first teacher in the school was Mary Huckerston, who taught all grades, and the first principal was F.O. Jones, later a professor at Texas Christian University. A new brick schoolhouse was completed at this site in 1910 to accommodate Melissa's growth as a railroad center. It was built through the efforts of W.N. Osburn, a long-time advocate of the town's educational program. Severely damaged by a tornado on April 13, 1921, the structure was later rebuilt. The district's continued growth through consolidation with nearby schools resulted in the need for a new building, which was constructed in 1838-40. For over a century the Melissa School has provided a quality educational program that reflects the community's ideals. Graduates of the school include numerous business, professional and civic leaders. (1982)

Melissa School is a historical marker in Melissa, Collin County, dedicated in 1982. It is one of 186 historical markers documented in Collin County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 319 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.2851, -96.5711 near Melissa. The nearest cataloged historic site is Melissa Christian Church (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Scott-Barker House, Saint Paul Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Melissa.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5085006185. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.