Celebrating Austin High's 125 Years (published 2007) 125 Years (pp 1-24) | Page 19

Austin High's
Three Historical Markers
Some of us notice the Texas Historical Marker at the East Entrance of the Main Building as we walk into the school. But did you
know that there are two other historical markers placed around Austin to mark other important sites in the school's story?
Fund raising was conducted in 1980 to provide the money to place three historical markers at three significant Austin High locations
to mark the 100th Anniversary of Austin High. Alumni helped greatly to raise the necessary funds for the markers, and the Student
Council and the Principal each contributed to the total of $2400 needed. Included in the planning group for the placement of the
markers were Miss Jacquelyn McGee, Principal; Brian Schenk, Faculty; Mrs. Elora Alderman, Past Chairman of the Travis County
Historical Commission; and Janet Joseph, student leader, class of 1982.
Mrs. Alderman shepherded the project through the county and state historical commissions and the approvals were received in De-
cember 1980. Markers were to be placed at the following locations.
The first was at 9th and Trinity Street, the site of the present First Baptist Church. The campus called "Old Red" was at that location
from 1900 to 1956, with the High School on site from 1900 to 1925. "Old Red" burned in 1956. There's a lot more to the story of
"Old Red". - Ask us in the Library.
The second site was at iz" and Rio Grande Avenue, where Austin High School was located from 1925 to 1975. In the fall of 1925,
renovations and expansions were made at the Rio Grande location. The building had been built in 1915 as the Allan Junior High.
Over the Thanksgiving Holidays in 1925, all the kids took their books home and "traded campuses", with the high school kids leav-
ing 9th and Trinity and taking up quarters at lth and Rio Grande. The closeness of the House Park Athletic fields was one strong
reason for the change. Another reason was that there was no more room for expansion at "Old Red".
The third Historical Marker was placed at the entrance to the Lakeside Campus. Students from the Lakeside Campus paid for the
marker. It was dedicated at 11:30 AM on May 2, 1981. Special guests included J. Mulkey Owen and Mrs. Elora Alderman of the
Travis County Historical Commission, who had helped dedicate the other two Austin High Markers that day. Refreshments were
served to the 100 persons attending.
Lakeside Campus
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