By Lance Jackson, Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor
In Abraham Lincolnās Gettysburg Address, he said āthe world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to unfinished work…”
Lincoln’s eloquent words were about the battlefield, but they could apply to the legacy of the College Station school that once bore his name. It’s fitting to reflect on that heritage as we observe African-American History Month.
From 1941-65, the Lincoln School educated children from elementary grades through high school. The development and history of the Lincoln Recreation CenterĀ mirror the achievements of the many students who walked those hallways.
Lincoln was more than a school. It was a place for the community to celebrate events and solemnĀ religious functions, or for youngsters to experience theĀ wonderment of youth and friendship. As a beacon of education, achievement and leadership, Lincoln School propelled many students toward aĀ future as teachers, entrepreneurs, ministers, machinists, professors, and productive citizens.
Even today, former students share a sense of place and attachment.
The list of alumni includes former Lincoln Center supervisors such the late Lillian Jean Clark Robinson (Class of ā62) and others who would later retire from their professions and serve as advisory committee members and employees. These include Lucille Young ā62, James Steen ā60, Annie Williams ā62, and Henry Lewis ā64.
The first African-American air traffic controller, the late Eleanor Toliver Williams (Class of ā57), once wore the purple and gold. A wealth of information resides today in Bryanās Curt Thompson Sr. (Class of ā54), a tailor for prominent celebrities such as James Brown. In the corporate world, Jake White (Class of ā60) was known as a gifted speaker and business consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Descendants of Lincoln Schoolās former students continue to blaze trails in pursuit of their dreams.
To learn more about College Stationās history, visit cstx.gov/heritage.
For more information about programs and events at the Lincoln Recreation Center, visit cstx.gov/lincolncenter or call 979-764-3779.
Related Posts:
- Lincoln Center, neighborhood thrive after years of investment
- Proud history moves Lincoln Center āforeverĀ forward.ā
- A&M students provide glimpse into Lincoln CenterāsĀ past
- Local team pays tribute to the Lincoln HighĀ Panthers
- āRedeeming Timeā Endures at Historic Lincoln RecreationĀ Center
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Thanks Lance Jackson for the great write up of my Mom Eleanor J. Toliver Williams and linking your write up with the Anchorage Daily Newspaper. All her seven adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren appreciate you for sharing her legacy.