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By 1894, Matagorda County had 20 African American schools with more than 700 students. The first school for African American children in Bay City was a one-room frame building donated by one of the railroad companies. In 1905, the community built a new school at Avenue A and Second Street named in honor of noted African American educator Booker T. Washington.
One of the long-time teachers at Booker T. Washington, later known as Hilliard School, was Linnie (McHenry) Roberts (1893-1956). She was born in the Caney area of the county and attended Samuel Huston College in Austin and Prairie View A&M College. Linnie Roberts taught elementary school classes for 32 years, earning respect from colleagues and students through her caring actions and community support. Linnie retired in 1955 and is buried next to her husband at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.
The city's population continued to grow and, by 1960, the school board made plans to construct a new school. The Houston architectural firm of Koetter and Tharp designed the one-story building with three wings in a U-shaped plan, built of steel framing and faced with red brick in running bond pattern. The school included 21 classrooms plus cafeteria, library and offices. In April 1961, the school board announced that the new facility would be named Linnie Roberts Elementary School; it opened in September 1961 with 471 students and 17 teachers for grades one through six. Over the years, the school was used for various grades with minimal changes to the exterior, retaining architectural integrity of the postwar institutional design. The school building remains as a reminder of the impact of Linnie Roberts and her significance in the community. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2020 |
