History of Bralley-Pendleton High School

The first black school was established in Honey Grove in 1882. The school was located on the northeast side of town and was housed in one building. The first teacher was Mrs. Mary Womac and the enrollment was approximately 20 students.
The school was named for Mr. F. W. Bralley, superintendent of Honey Grove Public Schools from 1892-1906.
In 1911, the enrollment was 188 students with only two teachers, Mrs. W. J. Taylor and Mrs. Eva Pollard. Mr. Taylor had additional duties as principal. The average salary was $50.00/month.
1912 was a very good year. In addition to hiring Mrs. Irene Higgs as a teacher assistant; a coal house was built for comfort.
In 1920, Mr. NV. J. Taylor became the official principal of the school. A position he held until 1926. In 1926, J. W. Pendleton and wife, Carrie, were hired as teachers. The total number of teachers was three. Student enrollment was 190 (over 60 students per teacher).
In 1926, J. W. Pendleton became the principal of Bralley High and held the position until 1959.
In 1932, Home Economics was added to the curriculum. Mrs. Pendleton was the teacher. In addition, during the early 30's, Mr. Pendleton coached the boy's basketball team.
In 1939, Bralley High moved to 8th Street on the south side of town. Piped water was added to the school.
In 1945 the girl's basketball team was organized. Mr. Pendleton was the coach; Mr. Poke was hired to coach the boy's basketball team and to teach.
In 1949, two additional buildings were added to the school to accommodate the growth.
In addition, NHA and NFA became part of the school as well. This marked a new beginning for home economics and agriculture students.
Boys and girls basketball was well established by the early 50', but there was no gym for the teams to hold practice. The teams had to utilize gyms in the neighboring towns.
In 1954, the school sent the first athlete to the state competition at Prairie View A & M College, Prairie View, TX.
In 1956, a gym was built.
From 1948-1959, the girl's basketball was the best. The team won several tournaments including the Gold-Metal-Tournament in Dallas.
In 1959, Mr. Pendleton retired after 37 years of service to the school system. The name of the school was changed to Pendleton High School in his honor. The school bore Mr. Pendleton' name until it closed.
Mr. Pendleton was not only a leader at the school; he was a pillow in the community as well. His legacy is best stated in is favorite quotation: "It matters not how straight the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll. I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."
Mrs. Pendleton retired in 1960 with 30 years of service to the school and the community. Mrs. Pendleton constantly reminded all students; "You can be anything you to be if you put forth the effort."
The doors of this great school were closed for the last time during the 1965-1966 school year.
The building are gone but the spirit of this great institution will always live in the hearts of those who walked those hallowed halls. Many great people of the community attended BralleyPendleton High School.
The Bralley-Pendleton Alumni Association was formed during the 1985-86 time frame to insure that the memories of this institution would never die. Documented by Joyce Shaw.