Wiley G. Clarkson, Architect

Corsicana:  June 1908 to Dec. 1911

Fort Worth: Jan. 1912 to May 5, 1952

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Fort Worth Schools

Texas Christian University Mary Couts Burnett Library

(Shelf 2 #337)

The Mary Couts Brunett library was designed by Clarkson and funded by Mary Couts Burnett.   Over the years, the library has been added to and expanded and the only original part of the library that can actually be seen from outside building is the reading room.  The original windows of the reading room being the only remaining indication of the original building. 

Texas Christian University Stadium

Drawer 2 Job 78

 Clarkson lists the job as: "Texas Christian University, Bleachers".

 

 

North Side High School

1937 Professional Record

The North Side High School was completed and opened in Sept. 1937.  The photo below was made by W. D. Smith, who became Fort Worth's leading architectural photographer.  This view of the school is no longer available as there have been many additions to the school that basically surround the school which now serves over 1600 students.  This photo was a wall photo Clarkson's office.

Perplexity A. I. Search returned this history of the North Side High School

North Side High School in Fort Worth, Texas, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The school's origins can be traced to 1884 when the Marine School, a one-room schoolhouse, was established in the small community of Marine, which later became North Fort Worth1.As the community grew, several buildings served as the school:

1. The Marine School (1884-1906): Located in the 1600 block of North Commerce Street.
2. North Fort Worth High School (1906-1914): Located at North Main and 16th Street.
3. First North Side High School (1914-1919): Situated on 21st Street, now the playground of Manuel Jara Elementary School.
4. Second North Side High School (1919-1937): Built on what is now the J.P. Elder Middle School campus.(note: J. P. Elder is a Clarkson project)

The current North Side High School building opened in September 1937 at its present location on McKinley Avenue. This 15-acre campus was a joint project between Fort Worth ISD, the Public Works Administration (PWA), and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), costing $459,000.

Notable Milestones

• 1909: First football team sponsored
• 1911: School colors of maroon and white adopted
• 1913: First basketball team organized and first yearbook, The LASSO, published
• 1922: School's alma mater written by Otsie Betts
• 1923: Students branded as "steers" and first school newspaper, THE LARIAT, published1

Architecture and Expansion

The current North Side High School building, designed by Wiley G. Clarkson, is considered one of Fort Worth's finest examples of Art Deco public architecture. The campus has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, including:

• Late 1950s: Addition of field house complex and Tech Lab/Auto Mechanics building
• 1987: Opening of Pete Campbell Activity Center/Gymnasium
• 2002: Completion of new two-story building
• 2014: Another two-story addition designed by Corgan Associates
• 2019: Construction of Mariachi Band Hall by WRA Architects

Today, North Side High School continues to serve the Fort Worth community, maintaining its rich history while adapting to the needs of modern education.

 

 

 

 

 

Arlington Heights High School

5100 El Campo Avenue

(Hi Mount ISD)  (Shelf 1 399 and Shelf 3 #288)

It was actually the second school building on this piece of property. It was commissioned by the Arlington Heights School Board around 1922 and, after completion, was in use for only three years. When Arlington Heights School District merged with Fort Worth School District,  High School was eventually moved to the new Arlington Heights High School.  The building saw only intermittent use until it was turned into a special education school. The FWISD remodeled the interior keeping it as original as possible.  The original school building on the east end of the property is still standing and is attached to the newer building by a wing.

The Hi Mount School

4237 Lafayette Avenue

(Hi Mount ISD) (Shelf 1 #390)

Hi Mount was built in 1922 as an elementary school for the Arlington Heights I.S.D.  After North Hi Mount Elementary and South Hi Mount Elementary were built, it became known as Thomas Place Elementary.  It was used for many years after that.  The City of Fort Worth  eventually took over control of the building and turned it into a Community Center.

Perplexity A. I. Search gave this history of the Hi Mount School

Thomas Place Elementary in Fort Worth has a rich history dating back to the early days of the city's public education system. The school was originally part of Fort Worth's expansion of educational facilities in the early 20th century.

Early History

Fort Worth's public school system officially began on October 2, 1882, with schools established in rented or donated buildings. As the city grew, so did the need for more educational facilities. Thomas Place Elementary was likely built during one of the school construction periods that followed the establishment of the Fort Worth Independent School District (I.S.D.) in 19251.

Current Status

Today, the building that once housed Thomas Place Elementary continues to serve the community, albeit in a different capacity. It has been transformed into the Thomas Place Community Center. The center's deep red façade pays homage to its historical roots, complementing the bricks of nearby Camp Bowie Boulevard.

Cultural Significance

The importance of Thomas Place Elementary to the local community is reflected in the public art installed near the site. The Thomas Place Tower sculpture, inspired by old-fashioned quill pens, stands as a testament to the enduring importance of education in the area. This artwork, along with inscribed significant dates, serves as a reminder of the building's educational legacy.While specific details about the exact founding date and early years of Thomas Place Elementary are not provided in the search results, its transformation from a schoolhouse to a community center underscores its ongoing significance in Fort Worth's civic life.

 

 

 

W. C. Stripling Jr High (middle) School

2100 Clover Lane

Numerous Sources

IIt is located on Clover Lane only a couple of blocks from the old Hi Mount School.

Perplexity A. I. search gave this answer to the question "History of W. C. Stripling Middle School, Fort Worth"

W.C. Stripling Middle School in Fort Worth, Texas, has a rich history dating back to its original construction in 1927. Designed by prominent architect Wiley G. Clarkson, the building was initially established as W.C. Stripling High School to accommodate the growing population of the Arlington Heights area. It replaced the 1922 Arlington Heights High School and featured Georgian Revival architectural details, including inscriptions of "Knowledge," "Citizenship," and "Character" above its arched entryways. The campus landscaping was completed under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) by Hare & Hare, a Kansas City-based firm.

The school was named after W.C. Stripling, a local businessman and founder of Stripling's Department Store. In 1937, after the opening of a new Arlington Heights High School, the building was converted into a junior high school and eventually renamed Stripling Middle School.

Over the years, the campus underwent several expansions to accommodate increasing enrollment, including additions in 1955 and 1958 that extended its wings westward. The school also saw updates such as window replacements and gymnasium additions during the mid-20th century.

In 2002, W.C. Stripling Middle School was designated as a City of Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmark due to its architectural and historical significance. More recently, under the Fort Worth ISD 2021 Bond Program, the campus has been undergoing renovations and expansions to modernize facilities while preserving its historic character. This includes a new three-story addition and upgrades like a fire sprinkler system and storm shelter, with completion expected in 2025

J. P. Elder Middle School 

(old North Side Jr. High)

 709 NW 21st Street, Fort Worth

J. P. Elder Middle School

The 1st photo below is from my grandfather's records. It is a drawing of what he was designing. The 2nd is a photo I made about ten years ago.

Perplexity A.I. returned a nice history of the school:

"J.P. Elder Middle School in Fort Worth, Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The school originally opened as North Side Junior High School in 1927. It was constructed just north of the North Fort Worth High School, which had been built in 1918.

The school building is a three-story structure featuring polychrome brown brick and Tudor-style elements, particularly evident in its symmetrical main facade and projecting entrance. It was designed by architect Wiley G. Clarkson and built by the contracting firm Butcher & Sweeney.

In 1935, the school was renamed in honor of John Peyton Elder, a prominent figure in Fort Worth who served as a superintendent at Swift & Co. and held positions on both the Board of Education and the Fort Worth City Council.

The school's campus has evolved over time:

The original North Fort Worth High School building (1918) became part of the J.P. Elder complex as an annex.

In 1937, when North Side High School moved to a new location, the 1918 building was converted into a technical high school.

In 1955, the technical high school relocated, and the 1918 building officially became an annex to J.P. Elder Junior High School.

The J.P. Elder complex has undergone several renovations and changes:

In 1955, interior renovations were made under architect Clyde H. Woodruff.

In 1991, the main J.P. Elder building was renovated1.

In 1998, the 1918 building (Elder Annex) was restored by Arthur Weinman Architects and reintegrated into the J.P. Elder complex.

Today, J.P. Elder Middle School continues to serve the Fort Worth community, carrying on its long-standing educational legacy." 

Alice E. Carlson Elementary 

 (Shelf 1 #427)

3320 West Cantey St.

In 1926, Alice E. Carlson Elementary was named in honor of the first woman who served on the school board. It originally opened as a 4-room school in 1926. The 1-story polychrome brown brick building was designed by Wiley G. Clarkson and constructed by A. J. Howard in a Mission Revival-influenced style.

 

Perplexity A. I. Search had this reply to a history request: 

Alice E. Carlson Elementary School, now known as Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. The school opened in 1926 as a four-classroom facility and was named after Alice E. Carlson, the first woman elected to the Fort Worth School Board.The original building was expanded in 1934-1935, indicating growth in the student population. In 1992, the school transformed into the Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center, adopting a new educational approach.The school building holds significant historical value. It has been designated as a State Archaeological Landmark and a Texas Historic Landmark, recognizing its architectural and cultural importance. In 2000, Alice Carlson Elementary School received another prestigious designation, becoming the only school in Fort Worth to achieve this particular status.Today, Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center continues to serve students from kindergarten to 5th grade, maintaining its reputation as a high-performing elementary school in Fort Worth, Texas.

E. M. Daggett Elementary School

  (letter)

Clarkson designed the south building, which is two stories with a full basement. It opened in 1926 and was built by K.M.. Muse. This building faces Page Street and features a gabled and hipped roof covered in red clay tile with yellow brick and cast stone trim. This south building is "H" shaped in plan. 

Polytechnic High School

on Nashville Avenue between Ave. D and Ave. E

The high school of 1922 was located on Nashville Ave.  In 1936, a new and much larger high school building was constructed on Conner Ave. and the 1922 building became an elementary school.  When the elementary school was moved to a new building a few years later, the 1922 school became vacant and was later torn down.  The corner stone from the 1922 building is on display in the 1936 high school building, which is still being used today as the Polytechnic High School.  You can read more history about this school on the Hometown by Handlebar, a Fort Worth blog by Mike Nichols.

Photograph of original corner stone now on display in the present high school building.

photo by Mike Nichols of Hometown by Handlebar

The Charles E. Nash Elementary

  401 Samuels Ave.

Perplexity A. I Search returned this history report

De Zavala Jr. Elementary School

  1419 College Ave

Lilly B. Clayton Elementary

  2000 Park Place 

The first building that was designed and built opened in 1922.  In 1924, an addition was added

to the original building that was also designed by Wiley G. Clarkson.

Sam Rosen Elementary

  2613 Roosevelt Avenue

William James Middle School

  1101 Nashville

This school is very similar to the W. C. Stripling Jr. High School

Central High School Rear Wing and Auditorium

This school was originally built in 1917.  In 1926-27, a sympathetic rear wing and auditorium were designed by Wiley G. Clarkson and Company and built by Harry B. Friedman Construction Company.  It was renamed R. L. Pashal High School.  When the newer R. L Paschal High School was built around the McLean Jr. High, the building was eventually converted into the Green B. Trimble Technical High School. 

Crestwood Elementary School

201 N. Bailey

West Van Zandt High School

1200 University Drive

The original school at this location was called West Side High School, which was part of the Van Zandt ISD.  The Van Zandt ISD originally ordered this school built as a high school and it was called the Van Zandt High in references he made to it in his papers. It was used as a high school for only one year when Van Zandt ISD became a part of the Fort Worth ISD.  The Fort Worth ISD re-purposed the school and re-named it West Van Zandt Elementary School.  The FWISD eventually built their Administration building behind the school to the west.  It ceased being used as an elementary school in 1964 and stood vacant until after the FWISD had moved to their present location.  Both buildings were then torn down and the vacant land turned into a park area for the cultural district. 

McLean Jr. High School/Paschal High School

1947 Professional Record

 William Pickney McLean Junior High School was designed and constructed in 1934 through 1935.  It opened on January 28, 1936.  The school was located at the corner of Forest Park and Berry Street, the present sight of R.L. Paschal High School.  In 1954, it moved to it's present location and the original building became the core building for R. L. Paschal High School.  Some of the original building walls are still visible inside the vastly expanded building.  The photo below was one of Clarkson's office wall photos.  It was taken by W. D. Smith, a commercial photographer who was in business for many years in Fort Worth and was probably made during the 1940's.  He started using W.D. Smith shortly after W.D. opened his commercial photography studio in Fort Worth.  Many of the older B&W photos made for Clarkson were made by this very fine photographer .

 

 

Fort Worth ISD Schools designed by Wiley Clarkson

This list is not a complete listing of the school my grandfather designed.  It is based largely on multiple sources.  However, most were found on stored documents in my mother's records.

 

Arlington Heights High (High Mount ISD)

                became Boulevard Heights School                     

Alice Carlson Elementary   presently in use

Carroll Peak School    demolished in 1988 and rebuilt

Central High School   South wing and Auditorium.

                Became R. L. Paschal High School, then Green B. Trimble

                Technical High School

Charles E. Nash Elementary  presently in use

Crestwood Elementary  presently in use

D. McRae School   Torn down in 1989 and rebuilt

de Zavala (Eighth Ward School)  presently in use

Denver Avenue School    addition to building in 1927

Diamond Hill School  No details available

E. M. Daggett Elementary  addition of two story wing in 1927.

                Still in use

Fort Worth Negro Ward School  demolished

George Clarke School (1926 addition) Still in use

Handley High School    (no information)                                

Hubbard Heights Elementary (still i use)

Hi Mount School   built circa 1922 for Hi Mount ISD.

                Building is now a City Park Community Center

Jennings Ave. School (original design by Waller and Field) probably additions

or modifications to the building.  Became Fort Worth High School.

J. P. Elder Middle School still in use

John McCLean Jr. High designed in 1934 and shows and amount of $178,216.00.

It was eventually converted into R. L. Paschal High School with the

addition of additional buildings surrounding the original building.

Mistletoe Heights School/Lily B. Clayton Elementary Still in use

Ninth Ward School    torn down

North Fort Worth Jr. High (no information)

North Side Jr High/J. P. Elder Middle School   Still in use

North Side High School   Still in Use 

Oak Lawn School    addition in 1927? 

Oakhurst School  built in 1927, still in use

                    additions designed in 1952 

Paschal High School  Original school was John McClean Jr High.

            Present Paschal building was built around the original

            building by a different architect

Paschal High School Gymn Alterations

Old Poly High School  Torn down in 1930's and replaced

            with a larger building by a different architect

Polytechnic Jr. High School   (Polytechnic Ward School?) (no information)                        

Riverside Negro School  Still standing (No Information)

Sam Rosen Elementary still in use

South Fort Worth School/Richard J. Wilson Elementary: 

                designed an addition to this school in 1927

Vickery School  No details are available

Tenth Ward School  (no information)

Texas Christian University  Mary Couts Burnett Library

W. C. Stripling Jr. High  Still in use (my old Jr High School)

East Van Zandt  no details located.  May have been building additions before

1920, or could be a typo regarding the West Van Zandt High School

West Van Zandt High School/Elementary School

 Built in 1922, demolished in the late 20th century

Will Rogers Vocational School Facilities  built in 1940's.  no information available

William James Middle School   still in use