Kirbyville, Jasper County
In the new town of Kirbyville in 1895, a 2.07-acre lot was set aside from the H&TC survey for a school. A 40 by 60 foot frame school opened in 1896. When it burned in 1904, a much larger two-story school was constructed. In 1917, the second structure was lost to fire. For the third building, residents passed a $25,000 bond to build a brick school. Although the masonry read “Kirbyville High School,” all grades were taught. The red brick structure boasted two floors and a basement. The grounds featured playgrounds and a baseball field at the northwest corner. Led by B.W. Martin, long-time superintendent, the school became a center of the community. As the district grew, the school continued to serve until closing in 1967. (2023)