Lincoln alumni blazed an impressive trail of achievement

By Lance Jackson, Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor

In Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, he said “the 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 Center 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 solemn religious functions, or for youngsters to experience the wonderment of youth and friendship. As a beacon of education, achievement and leadership, Lincoln School propelled many students toward a 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 ‘62) and others who would later retire from their professions and serve as advisory committee members and employees. These include Lucille Young ’62, James Steen ’60, Annie Williams ’62, and Henry Lewis ‘64.

The first African-American air traffic controller, the late Eleanor Toliver Williams (Class of ‘57), once wore the purple and gold. A wealth of information resides today in Bryan’s Curt Thompson Sr. (Class of ’54), a tailor for prominent celebrities such as James Brown. In the corporate world, Jake White (Class of ‘60) was known as a gifted speaker and business consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Descendants of Lincoln School’s former students continue to blaze trails in pursuit of their dreams.

To learn more about College Station’s 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 “forever forward.”
• A&M students provide glimpse into Lincoln Center’s past
• Local team pays tribute to the Lincoln High Panthers
• “Redeeming Time” Endures at Historic Lincoln Recreation Center

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