Oak Cliff History - 1921-1930
Early History|1901-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 |
| 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-2000 | 2001 -
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The burgeoning school population created crowded conditions at Oak Cliff High School. In 1925, Sunset High School opened to ease Oak Cliff High’s enrollment, and former classmates soon developed a great rivalry. At this time, Dallas still operated under a system of segregation in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. All African-American students from Oak Cliff and the rest of Dallas County had to attend Booker T. Washington High School in downtown Dallas. There were no new buildings to aid Washington’s crowded conditions--just a doubled-up schedule with daytime and nighttime classes.
W. H. Adamson was a revered principal of Oak Cliff High School. In 1922, this tribute appeared the The Oak: "If Oak Cliff Spirit means good, clean sportsmanship; if it means honorable dealing with both friend and foe; if it means a determination to win or else to go down fighting gloriously, then Oak Cliff Spirit and W. H. A. are synonymous! We revere him for his work as an educator as well as for his sportsmanship. The purposes of education are said to be; the formation of character, the inculcation of ideals, and the creation of real citizens of the community. By both example and precept, Mr. Adamson stands fore these three aims. A certain great writer one said that the first requisite of a gentleman was “consideration for others,” and in this quality our principal is supreme. His sympathy, unfailing kindness and generous understanding have compelled the admiration of his students and his teachers – to all of whom he stand as a high example of all that is implied in the term “gentleman.” Fellow classmates, we ask that, whenever your glance may falls on these pages, you will stand for a moment in admiration for and respect to Mr. Adamson – sportsman, educator and gentleman – the man the influence of whose ideals and spirit may easily be traced in hundreds of our Oak Cliff homes – your own included."
The "New Sunset High School"
Sunset High School Library, circa 1927
The grand opening of the elegant Cliff Towers, held on October 21, 1929, highlighted the social calendar. Just a few days later, on October 29, the Stock Market Crash occurred, and the Great Depression’s shockwaves began to reach across America—even to Oak Cliff.
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In 1927, the first ever 7-11 store opened on the corner of Edgefield and 12th Street. This is a picture of that early store. The location remained a 7-11 store until sometime in the 1980s. (See more about 7_Eleven.) |
This photo shows Lake Cliff in the 1920's. At that time, the lake included an amusement park. Lake Cliff is located on the corner of Colorado and Zang Blvd. |
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This photo is from an Oak Cliff Little Theater production in the 1930s titled "The Last Mile". The "Little Theater" movement in the 20s and 30s saw a number of playhouses spring up all around the country and troupes moved from place to place presenting productions. Some still exist. (photo from David Wren) |
Early History |1901-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 |
| 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-2000 | 2001 -