Historical Marker

Wink Junior High and High School

Historical marker location:
200 Rosey Dodd Ave., Wink, Texas
( 200 Rosey Dodd Avenue, Wink)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

The Wink School organized in April 1928, at which time an independent district formed and the first board of trustees was elected. The Wink Junior High and High School, built in 1929, is a two-story building with running bond brick cladding and mission revival styling, including shaped parapets, decorative tiles and clay tile roofs over arcades and covered entries. Milton C. Butler (1888-1968) of the Butler Company of Lubbock was the architect. He designed dozens of public buildings in Texas and other states from the 1920s to the 1950s, including the Bailey, Yoakum and Hockley County Courthouses. The school complex has undergone several changes over the years including the addition of the Lena Laughlin Auditorium (1968), a new cafeteria and a physical fitness center (1983) and a library wing (1999).

Roy Orbison, a rock-n-roll singer and songwriter, grew up in Wink and graduated from Wink High School in 1954. While attending high school, Orbison and some friends formed a country music group called the Wink Westerners. Orbison and his band often performed at the school and on a weekly radio station program.

The high school not only served as a location for learning but also as a meeting place for community activities and sporting events. Local groups have met in the cafeteria over the years, and Wildcat Alumni hold an all-class reunion every five years in conjunction with the Roy Orbison Festival. Athletics, marching band, student volunteers and other school groups remain a source of pride for the wink wildcats and the community. The reverence of the students, faculty and patrons of Wink High School will maintain its appealing history.

RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK – 2012

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

buildings design and construction education music
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Texas random facts
Winkler County, Texas, located in the western part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1887. Named after Confederate Colonel Clinton M. Winkler, the county initially saw limited settlement and development due to its remote location and arid environment. However, the arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s sparked growth in the area.

During the early years, the economy of Winkler County was primarily based on agriculture and cattle ranching. Farmers grew crops such as cotton, maize, and sorghum, while ranchers raised livestock in the vast open spaces. These industries thrived until the devastating drought of the 1930s, which severely impacted agricultural productivity and forced many residents to leave.

The discovery of oil in 1926 radically transformed the county and ushered in a new era of prosperity. Winkler County became an important player in the West Texas oil boom, attracting thousands of people in search of work and fortune. Oil companies and drilling operations quickly sprang up, providing employment and boosting the local economy. The discovery of the oilfield at Hendrick Ranch marked the beginning of a thriving oil industry that continues to this day.

Over the years, Winkler County has experienced ups and downs in its oil industry, with periods of boom and bust. However, the county has also made efforts to diversify its economy. Today, in addition to oil production, agriculture remains an important sector, with ranching and crop cultivation contributing to the local economy. Winkler County also benefits from its proximity to the Permian Basin, one of the most significant oil-producing regions in the country. Despite the challenges faced throughout its history, Winkler County has grown into a resilient community with its roots deeply intertwined with the oil industry, while also maintaining its agricultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Winkler County, Texas.

  • 1910 - Winkler County is officially established from parts of Tom Green County and Loving County.
  • 1926 - The Hendrick oilfield is discovered, leading to a boom in population and economic growth.
  • 1930 - Wink, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1940s - Winkler County experiences a decline in population due to the end of the oil boom.
  • 1970 - The Wink Sink No. 1, a large sinkhole, is formed in the county.
  • 1984 - The Wink Sinkhole is designated a state park.
  • 1991 - The Wink Sinkhole expands and causes damage to infrastructure in the area.
  • 1998 - The Wink Sinkhole is closed to the public due to safety concerns.
  • 2017 - Winkler County celebrates its centennial anniversary.