Short history of the Lamar University Extension Center in Orange, Texas.

The Lamar University Extension Center is one of the forgotten colleges of Orange, Texas that has nearly been wiped away with time. This news article will explain some of the history behind Lamar University Extension Center.

Lamar University Extension Center was a branch of Lamar State College-Orange.

Lamar State College-Orange acquired and purchased abandoned school property from Orange ISD that once housed Tilley School (Tilley Elementary School) in the year of 1967. Tilley School had been abandoned prior to 1967. Lamar University would operate Lamar State College-Orange here a couple of years later after finding out the abandoned school needed to be repurposed.

In the fall of 1969, Lamar University opened its first extension center called Lamar University Extension Center. Here Lamar University Extension Center was a branch of Lamar State College-Orange. (Ref: The Portal to Texas History, Lamar State College - Orange)

Lamar University Extension Center with classes held in the old Tilley Elementary School. The former principal's office became the office for the Center's director and secretary. The cafeteria became a student lounge. Floors to some of these rooms were varnished. It was also called Tilley Tech. (Ref: The Redbird, An Essay on Tilley Tech, p. 12, February 6, 1970)

In 1971 The former Tilley Elementary School building was destroyed by fire in 1971. Nothing remained afterwords. Everything salvageable was burnt to a crisp. Lamar University purchased of former Sabine Supply Company building after a community-wide fundraising effort of more than $250,000. Lamar State College-Orange relocated to 410 Front Street where the college remains today. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/partners/LAMAR/)

Lamar University Extension Center was located at East Park Avenue, Orange, Texas, US 77630.