Friona Schools
Historical marker location:Friona has the distinction of being the first town in Texas to integrate its schools. The first school opened on this site in 1908 in a one-room frame building, with Roxie Witherspoon teaching 18 pupils. A two-story brick school finished in 1911 burned after being struck by lightning in 1922. A new two-story brick high school opened in 1924. Attendance grew in the 1940s, when rural schools at Lakeview, Messenger, Black and Rhea consolidated with Friona.
The school achieved its greatest fame in 1954. Racial segregation of schoolchildren was considered legal in the 20th century, reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1896 in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson. On May 17, 1954, the court overturned the decision, declaring segregation unconsitutional in Brown v. Board of Education. Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote, "we conclude that, in the field of public education, the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place." Federal and state government moved slowly to implement change, but in Friona, progress would not wait.
The Robert Walker, Jr. family came to town in September 1954. When Superintendent Dalton Caffey chose to enroll Walker's three African American sons in Friona's only school, he quietly achieved the first integrated public school in Texas. Caffey then informed the school board of his decision, and things generally went smoothly for the school and new students. The Walkers moved away during the school year, and in the spring of 1955 three more African American students attended school here. Since that watershed year, Friona schools have continued to uphold Caffey's wish for equal educational opportunity. (2006)
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.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
In the late 19th century, as the railroad expanded westward, Parmer County saw an influx of settlers from various backgrounds. The county was officially established in 1876, named after Martin Parmer, a veteran of the American Revolution. The county seat was established in Farwell in 1907, which remains its central town today.
Agriculture has always played a significant role in Parmer County's economy. In the early days, farmers relied on dryland farming, cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, oats, and cotton. However, the lack of water posed a significant challenge, which was addressed with the development of irrigation systems in the early 20th century. This led to a boom in the production of high-quality crops, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, and peanuts.
Parmer County has also experienced its fair share of hardships. The Great Depression in the 1930s hit the county hard, and many farmers struggled to make ends meet. However, with measures like the New Deal programs and advancements in farming technology, the county was able to gradually recover.
Today, Parmer County continues to be a vibrant agricultural region, with its fertile soil supporting a variety of crops and livestock. The county also offers recreational activities, historical landmarks, and a sense of community that reflects its diverse and resilient past.
Parmer County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Parmer County, Texas.
- 1876 - Parmer County is established on August 21, 1876.
- 1887 - Bovina is founded as the first settlement in the county.
- 1890 - The county's population is recorded at 307 people.
- 1900 - Parmer County's population grows to 1,285 residents.
- 1906 - Friona is established as a new town in the county.
- 1912 - The first courthouse in the county is completed in Farwell.
- 1917 - Farwell becomes the county seat.
- 1955 - Bovina becomes an incorporated city.
- 1970s - The county's population exceeds 10,000 due to increased farming and production.
- 1989 - The Parmer County Wind Energy Association is formed to utilize wind power resources in the area.