"As a basketball dad and former coach, I've been in many gymnasiums over the years. While some are forgettable, many more are impressive. What I particularly enjoy are old, historic and beautiful gyms that are still in use by schools and communities all across our great state. I decided these memories need to be recorded. Once they're gone, they will be gone forever."
-- Jackie McBroom
About the Book
For generations of small-town Texans, the school gymnasium was the hub of the community. If it was a Tuesday night in Texline, most folks could be found in the old tin barn of a gym, rooting for their Tornadoes against the arch-rival Adrian Matadors. Transcending the role of a sports arena, the gym also provided a place to gather in celebration or shelter in crisis. Sadly, with the dramatic reduction of school districts around the state, many of the polished floorboards that once hosted graduations and beauty pageants now splinter beneath the weight of storage, farm equipment and guano-covered junk.
From the pickup basketball game Elvis played in Hawkins to the tragic account of four Ennis war heroes, Jackie McBroom recounts stories from these beloved halls.
About the Author
Jackie McBroom describes himself as a "proud native Texan." He grew up in Kennedale, which "used to be a small town" just southeast of Fort Worth. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he married Sharen Arnold from Orange Grove in 1978. Jackie coached basketball, football, and track, and he taught English at Aubrey High School. He later became the middle school principal at Pilot Point for 10 years, and he finished his career as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendant at Sanger Idependent School District. He also served on the Aubrey ISD school board for nine years.
Jackie loves to travel and explore historic sites. During his travels, he continually noticed old school gymnasiums in various states of disrepair, and soon his idea for this book was formed. While he published three articles in various educational journals, Historic Texas Gyms: A Tribute to Vanishing Traditions is his first book.
Jackie and Sharen have four boys, Jackie Jr., Kenny, Jesse, and Luke; three daughters-in-law, Cindy, Karen, and Emily; and six grandkids, Trey, Brody, Chloe, Aubrey, Olivia, and Jake.
They have loved their home in the country near Aubrey for over 30 years
Some Gyms Featured in the Book
Place cursor on image to see gym name and to link through to detailed information
Click on link for detailed gym information.
Click on link for detailed gym information.
Additional Gyms
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