Wiley G. Clarkson, Architect

Corsicana:  June 1908 to Dec. 1911

Fort Worth: Jan. 1912 to May 5, 1952

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Coleman, Texas

Coleman High School (Shelf 1 Job 389)

The following newspaper article was supplied by Ralph Terry, Coleman County Historian and Owner of Terry Studio Photography.  He has also supplied  some photos.  Mr. Terry has been a great help in supplying information on these projects.

“ ... On November 11, 1925, bids were being received by Coleman ISD Trustees. It was hoped construction work can begin soon after the contract is let. Finally on November 20, 1925, “General and mechanical contractors flocked to Coleman Monday in response to advertisements for bids for the building, heating, lighting and plumbing on the new Coleman high school building. The school board was in session all afternoon Monday and many bids were opened and reviewed. The contract for the construction of the building according to plans and specifications on file with W. C. Clarkson and Company, Fort Worth architects, was tentatively let to Lemmon and Hood of Brownwood for $87,422. (Other contracts were also let.) If the bonds are furnished the contracts will be signed in the immediate future and work will start thereafter as soon as possible and the building completed by August 1^st, 1926, leaving thirty days for the school board to furnish and in other ways prepare the building for occupancy by the opening day of the 1926-27 term of school. The building will be a three story brick and as near fire proof as it is possible to make a building.” ... “

from Mr. Terry: 

"The South Neches Street Coleman High School building, built in 1926.  It has not been in use for many years.  It is in less than good condition, with many of its windows broken out.  It was purchased a few years ago by a young man who wants to restore it and is the one asking about a National Register listing. "

The above photo is from Clarkson's portfolio published in 1929 or 1930.  The original B&W negative is presently in the possession of Mr. Terry.

 

Photo of the original plans of the high school.  Photo supplied Henry Hunter, the present owner of the Coleman high school building and the gymnasium behind it.  Mr. Hunter related the story of how he obtained the building.  It's quite a story!  He wants to restore the building and have it listed in the National Register of Historic Sites.

photo by Wiley Clarkson 2013

photo by Wiley Clarkson 2013

photo by Wiley Clarkson 2013

photo by Wiley Clarkson 2013

 

The B. F. Robey Store Building (Box 1 Job 409)

Information supplied by Ralph Terry:  "B. F. Robey Store building - This is a series of attached buildings, housing various businesses and was located across the street, east, from the high school, also built between 1923 and 1930.  Many different businesses have been located here over the years."

 

 

 

Photo by Ralph Terry, Coleman County Historian and Owner of Terry Studio, Photography.

 

The W. J. Stevens: alterations to residence (Box 1 Job 444)

Information supplied by Ralph Terry:  "This was the home of a prominent business man in Coleman.  I knew the family well.  This house was altered from a one story home to a two story home."

Photo by Ralph Terry, Coleman County Historian and Owner of Terry Studio, Photography.

 

The T. J. Allen Residence  (Box 1 Job 467)

From Mr. Terry:  "T. J. Allen home – located at 713 West Pecan Street, built between 1923 and 1930.  Allen was a insurance man in Coleman, very prominent.  This house is located about a block and a half from the CHS building. 

Photo by Ralph Terry, Coleman County Historian and Owner of Terry Studio, Photography 2003

 

 

First Methodist Church

Nov. 1929, job 502

The original church building Clarkson designed has been torn down and replaced by a larger building.  No photos have been found of the older building.