Whalen Lake School

Rural schools like this one gave way to a single county system. A one-room school had opened in Andrews in 1907 and had twenty-five students by 1909, and in 1910 six county school districts were established. In the 1930s the districts were consolidated into one, based in Andrews. Oil money then built a new high school in 1945, a middle school in 1954, another high school in 1962 and in 1973 a middle school with its own planetarium, and the system gained a reputation as one of the best and wealthiest in Texas.

What the plaque says

Whalen Lake School (2 miles S.) One of the first schools in Andrews County, opened in 1907 near the north edge of Whalen Lake, on land donated by Mrs. M. B. Dillard. The one-room school, built by Joe and Jake Mathis, with materials purchased by Will Gates, served the children of homesteaders "proving up" their claims by living on the property 3 years. Teachers were Miss Grace Stanford, a Mr. Taylor, Miss Mary Lewis, and Earl Lontz, each remaining one year. The school closed in 1910, and the building was moved, as most of the settlers fulfilled their claim agreements and left. (1974)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Andrews County — steps away
• Frankel City — 2.0 mi
• Shafter Lake Townsite — 7.5 mi
• Andrews County Discovery Well — 8.9 mi