Mark in Texas History: With roots back to 1908, Gary Elementary still serves Tyler ISD

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - An old elementary schoolhouse from 1908 is still part of Tyler ISD’s network today.

Horace Chilton sold two acres to Tyler ISD in 1908. The ISD named the elementary school building that was put on that land after Franklin Gary, a notable Tyler citizen and supporter of public education.

Gary Elementary originally had eight classrooms and was built of stone, brick and wood. That building lasted until 1924, when it was demolished and replaced with another structure. According to architect Mark Thacker, the wood joists and flooring were reused in what today is the Caldwell Elementary School on College Street.

Gary Elementary is now used by Tyler ISD as an administrative building. It received a historical marker in 1994.

If you’d like to take a look at the Gary Elementary marker, it’s located at the intersection of South Chilton Avenue and West Phillips Street. There are also eight other state historical markers within walking distance.