History of Dallas Avenue School in Port Arthur, Texas explained and explored in a historic context.

Dallas Avenue School is one of lesser known yet historic schools of Port Arthur, Texas. This news article will explain the history behind Dallas Avenue School. Dallas Avenue School was known as Dallas Ave. School, Dallas Ave School, and Dallas Avenue Elementary School.

Dallas Avenue School was established and constructed by Port Arthur ISD sometime in 1905. Dallas Avenue School was open from 1909 to 1917 which were the years this school operated. By 1914 there were four elementary schools in Port Arthur and Dallas Avenue School was one of them. Schools were located further and further from the shores of Sabine River as the population spread out. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/port-arthur-news-may-28-1998-p-36/)

Here Dallas Avenue School was a building that was three stories in height (three stories high), and a sign above an arched doorway says, "Dallas Ave School". The school was notable for the large front and right side facades which were highly visible from any angle. The school had a lower level which was the basement. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth79632/)


By 1915, Dallas Avenue School was located between 11th Street and 10th Street on Dallas Avenue as shown on a 1915 Sanborn map. (Ref: https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/sanborn/p-r/txu-sanborn-port_arthur-1915-16.jpg)

A hurricane hit the Port Arthur area on the early morning of August 16, 1915. Residents seemed refuge at/in Dallas Avenue School. (Ref: https://www.texacohistory.com/History/)

"About 12:30 a.m. on the morning of August 16th, a general alarm of an impending hurricane was spread over the City of Port Arthur at the instigation of Mayor R. H. Dunn. People immediately sought refuge in the more substantial buildings, such as the Custom House, DeQueen School building, High School, Dallas Avenue School, and the Port Arthur College."


Port Arthur ISD shut down Dallas Avenue School in 1917 because other schools were opening in the city and this school was no longer needed. Dallas Avenue School was leased out to a variety of organizations and businesses over the years.

However a 1918 Sanborn insurance map indicates that Dallas Avenue School was in terrible condition. On this Sanborn insurance map, the school is listed in bold as “(NOT USED) BLDG. IN BAD ORDER.” and had not been used in over a year. The structural integrity of this building was compromised in other words. (Ref: https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/sanborn/p-r/txu-sanborn-port_arthur-1918-16.jpg)

But this did not prevent organizations and businesses from using the building despite the terrible physical condition.


After Port Arthur ISD shut down Dallas Avenue School, Dallas Avenue School was leased out to a variety of organizations and businesses over the years. For example, there were WPA Sewing Rooms were located in the basement of the old Dallas Avenue School during the 1930s and 1940s. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/port-arthur-news-dec-12-1939-p-14/)

“Sixty smiling women—the most employed there since last March— were on duty today in the WPA sewing room in the old Dallas Avenue School at 1030 Dallas Avenue. Personnel of the room has grown steadily during recent weeks, It was stated by Mrs. Clara Ledbetter.”

There were even festivals and parties held down in the basement of the old Dallas Avenue School during the 1930s. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/port-arthur-news-dec-23-1935-p-23/)

[The Yuletlde fete was held this afternoon in the basement of the old Dallas Avenue school, where the women work on their project. The party came as a surprise to them when they called to receive their checks and found a heavily-laden tree and presents for all. A dull Christmas was in prospect for the group until officials and members of the local Elks lodge learned of the situation. The women don't receive much money, and all of them have heavy obligations. Their money usually is spent before they receive it. When the Elks were informed that Mrs. Clara Ledbetter, director of the local project, vainly was trying to find somebody to give the women a party, they called a hurried "council of war" and agreed to provide funds for the expenses.]

Dallas Avenue School was demolished sometime prior to 1950. The exact date of when demolition of Dallas Avenue School occurred is unknown. The site of Dallas Avenue School is now an Entergy sub-station.

Dallas Avenue School was located at 1020 Dallas Avenue, Port Arthur, Texas, US 77640.