Roots of Conroe Normal and Industrial College
by Robin Montgomery
Given the rising polarization in our country along racial and other lines we can gain perspective and inspiration from the noble efforts of a pioneer of Old Conroe, Dr. Jimmie Johnson. Dr. Johnson made his move in Conroe at a time when the country was attempting to recover from the highly divisive era of Post-Civil War Reconstruction. It was in 1903 when this great African-American visionary brought into existence Conroe Normal and Industrial College. An example of his reach and vision may be gleaned from an article published in the Palestine Daily Herald on April 1st, 1905 under the title, “A Worthy Institution”.
The article states that J.R. Rayner, a representative of Conroe Normal and Industrial College, was in Palestine, Texas soliciting funds for the educational institution. The funds were to “help erect a hall of Faithfulness on the campus.” The faithfulness referenced was of African-American slaves to the American dream, even during the Civil War. Students were to “secure their peace and material prosperity” through bringing to fruition that long-cherished dream of a common culture of prosperity.
The reporter of the Palestine paper opined that “With this lesson well learned, and put into practice, there would be no race question to disturb the south.” The reporter also noted that “The Conroe school has already attracted the attention of our best and most thoughtful people, not only in the state, but throughout the country.”
Quoting J.R. Rayner, the article categorizes as follows the lessons for students of Conroe Normal and Industrial College: “The science and art of politeness. [Obedience] to law and respect for public sentiment. How to resist temptation and be virtuous. . . . Idleness is sin—all labor is honorable. . . . A good character is the greatest wealth. . . .Christianity means love and service.”
The Conroe College put these goals into practice. For instance, all were expected to work, boys mainly in the fields tending livestock and growing vegetables, while the young ladies worked inside. Formal attire was the order of the classroom, including coat and tie for the males.
From Dr. Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chaney, through the tenure of Drs. David Abner, William Johnson and the Reverend J.S. Curry, the college thrived, meeting its goals until the latter 20th century. As stated in a precious edition of this column, a golden bell still gracing the front lawn of the now deserted campus is “reflective of the golden past which marks the spirit and adventure that was Conroe Normal and Industrial College.”
Given the rising polarization in our country along racial and other lines we can gain perspective and inspiration from the noble efforts of a pioneer of Old Conroe, Dr. Jimmie Johnson. Dr. Johnson made his move in Conroe at a time when the country was attempting to recover from the highly divisive era of Post-Civil War Reconstruction. It was in 1903 when this great African-American visionary brought into existence Conroe Normal and Industrial College. An example of his reach and vision may be gleaned from an article published in the Palestine Daily Herald on April 1st, 1905 under the title, “A Worthy Institution”.
The article states that J.R. Rayner, a representative of Conroe Normal and Industrial College, was in Palestine, Texas soliciting funds for the educational institution. The funds were to “help erect a hall of Faithfulness on the campus.” The faithfulness referenced was of African-American slaves to the American dream, even during the Civil War. Students were to “secure their peace and material prosperity” through bringing to fruition that long-cherished dream of a common culture of prosperity.
The reporter of the Palestine paper opined that “With this lesson well learned, and put into practice, there would be no race question to disturb the south.” The reporter also noted that “The Conroe school has already attracted the attention of our best and most thoughtful people, not only in the state, but throughout the country.”
Quoting J.R. Rayner, the article categorizes as follows the lessons for students of Conroe Normal and Industrial College: “The science and art of politeness. [Obedience] to law and respect for public sentiment. How to resist temptation and be virtuous. . . . Idleness is sin—all labor is honorable. . . . A good character is the greatest wealth. . . .Christianity means love and service.”
The Conroe College put these goals into practice. For instance, all were expected to work, boys mainly in the fields tending livestock and growing vegetables, while the young ladies worked inside. Formal attire was the order of the classroom, including coat and tie for the males.
From Dr. Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chaney, through the tenure of Drs. David Abner, William Johnson and the Reverend J.S. Curry, the college thrived, meeting its goals until the latter 20th century. As stated in a precious edition of this column, a golden bell still gracing the front lawn of the now deserted campus is “reflective of the golden past which marks the spirit and adventure that was Conroe Normal and Industrial College.”