Site of Oletha Common School

Site of Oletha Common School Settlers at the turn of the 20th century educated their children in small schools within walking distance of their homes. Limestone County schools in this area were Union, established in 1895; Independence, 1897; Mount Joy, 1911; and Barnett Prairie and Center Point, both part of the Center Point Common School District, 1911. As local populations grew, rural school districts began to combine resources. In 1934, Independence and Center Point consolidated to form Oletha Common School District No. 45. Mount Joy joined them later that year and Union consolidated with them the following year. Dr. R.W. and Cora Jones donated a site at this location for the construction of a five-room schoolhouse. The school, which also housed an auditorium, served as a gathering place for community activities, fund raisers and meetings before burning in 1936. At that time, the district built a second school with five classrooms, a gymnasium, stage, office and library. Community members later supplied cafeteria lunches and trucks were converted into school buses. The blue and gold Oletha Owls participated in district sports and activities. The school provided education for grades one through eleven. In 1948, the upper grades transferred to Thornton High School, and the Oletha School began offering classes for fewer grades until 1962, when all of the Oletha district consolidated with Groesbeck Independent School District. The building was slowly dismantled, but memories remain of the former school and community center. Many former students value their Oletha School education and today are contributors to their community. (2003)

Site of Oletha Common School is a historical marker in Groesbeck, Limestone County, dedicated in 2003. It is one of 67 historical markers documented in Limestone County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 187 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.4042, -96.4260 near Groesbeck. The nearest cataloged historic site is Cox Cemetery (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Roberts, Sion, Union Community, and Pottershop.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5293013185. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.