O.J. Thomas High School Historical Marker, Cameron, Milam, TX

O.J. Thomas High School

6th St. between N. Orchard & MLK

Cameron, TX

O.J. Thomas High School Early efforts to serve the

educational needs of Cameron's African American

students centered on church instruction at a place

called "Little Rocky" Church in the Marlow Community.

In 1923, Oscar John Thomas (1894-1977) joined the

district to serve as principal and teacher. Under his

leadership, the district secured financing from the

Julius Rosenwald fund and built a new facility in

1925. The school was renamed for Thomas in 1938.

Thirty years later, during integration, the facility

became Cameron Junior High. A 1974 petition changed

the name back to O.J. Thomas. In 1995, the junior high

closed, and in 1998, the building was sold to an

alumni group for use as a community center. (2002)

Erected 2002