The Douglassaires Legacy: Honoring History, Building Community

The History of Douglass School:

A Beacon of Opportunity

Established in 1907, Douglass School began as a humble effort to educate Bartlesville's Black students during a time of segregation. Classes started in a Methodist church before moving to a stucco building on Virginia Avenue in 1912. Over the decades, Douglass expanded its facilities, programs, and impact, becoming a vital institution for academic and cultural enrichment.

Foundations of Excellence

Douglass' first high school graduate was Bessie Love in 1927. A second addition to the school in 1934 expanded its capacity, and by 1935, the school's enrollment reached 189. That same year, the Douglass P.T.A. was established to support students and teachers. The Renaissance Club also played a vital role, providing a day nursery and other essential services.

Building for the Future

A 1938 bond funded the construction of a gymnasium/auditorium and additional classrooms. The first lunchroom was established in 1940 under the W.P.A. and later maintained by the P.T.A. In 1949, the school expanded further with vocational education units and remodeled older parts of the building. That year also marked a milestone with a graduating class of twenty-four, the largest in Douglass’ history.

Modern Additions

Douglass gained a cafeteria in 1952, and Phillips Petroleum donated additional land to the site in 1953. Athletic dressing rooms were also added to support the school’s sports programs and extracurricular activities.

The High Steppers

Douglass' celebrated marching band, the High Steppers, led annual homecoming parades through downtown Bartlesville. The Douglass Dragons basketball, football, and track teams brought pride to the school, while the Douglassaires Glee Club showcased its students' vocal talent. The school colors were purple and white, and its song, "The Eyes of Douglass," echoed the unity and pride of its community.

State Champions

In 1955, the Douglass Dragons and Boyd High School of Frederick were crowned OIAA Class B State Co-Champions after Bartlesville declined to pay for travel to Frederick. The trophy for this honor was donated to the Bartlesville Area History Museum in 2009 by Douglass alumni.

Academics and Activities

Douglass offered vocational programs, speech and debate classes, a student council, and a journalism class. However, resources were limited, and its laboratory science curriculum and foreign language offerings remained constrained.

The End of an Era

Desegregation and Transformation

The 1950s marked a turning point for Douglass School as the tides of history swept through its halls. In December 1955, the school board approved funding for letter jackets for the state co-champion Douglass Dragons, but another critical discussion had begun—desegregating Douglass High. Just a year earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education declared that separate educational facilities were inherently unequal, sparking a nationwide civil rights movement and setting the stage for change.

By 1956, desegregation began, reducing Douglass to grades 1–8, then 1–6, and eventually K–3. Despite this transition, the community’s ties to the school remained strong. In the years that followed, Phillips Petroleum donated additional land to the site, but by 1971, the school was closed, its students dispersed, and the facility sold. Part of the original building remained as a city park and housed programs such as the Association of Retarded Citizens (later renamed EmployAbility). By 2012, the last standing structure—the iconic gymnasium—was razed to make way for a new facility. Today, the location serves as the home of AbilityWorks, continuing the site’s legacy of service to the community.

The Legacy Lives On

Though Douglass School’s doors closed, its spirit endures. Since 1976, the Douglassaires—named after the school’s celebrated Glee Club—have ensured its legacy lives on by hosting all-school reunions, now held every two years. These gatherings bring alumni and their families together to celebrate the memories of their beloved school and the values it instilled: resilience, pride, and community.

While Douglass School’s physical structures may be gone, its legacy continues to inspire, reflecting the unbreakable bond between the past and the future.

Built in 1912; Desegregation Began in 1956; Last Classes in 1971; Sold in 1971; Fully Razed by 2012

A Legacy of Unity

Connecting Douglass School and the Westside Community Center

T.P. Scott serves as a vital link between Douglass School and the Westside Community Center. As a former principal of Douglass School, Scott was deeply committed to education and community advancement. His leadership extended beyond the classroom when he played a pivotal role as the contractor who brought the vision of the Westside Community Center to life, ensuring it became a cornerstone for education, culture, and recreation in Bartlesville. Scott further solidified his connection to both institutions by serving as the President of the Board of Directors of the Westside Community Center Association, guiding its mission to uplift and empower the community. His contributions symbolized the seamless transition of Douglass School’s legacy to WCC, creating a lasting impact on the community.

In 2024, the Westside Community Center honored T.P. Scott’s enduring legacy with a plaque commemorating his hard work and accomplishments. The award was accepted by his daughter, Winifred "Winnie" Scott Goree, on behalf of the Scott family, solidifying his place in the history of both Douglass School and WCC.

Join Us in Preserving the Legacy

The story of Douglass School and the Douglassaires is one of resilience, pride, and progress. At the Westside Community Center, we are dedicated to preserving this legacy and ensuring that future generations understand the importance of education, community, and cultural heritage.

As part of this commitment, the Douglassaires Scholarship Program offers $1,000 awards to graduating high school seniors in Washington County who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and a connection to Douglass School. By supporting educational advancement, this program reflects the values of Douglass School and inspires future leaders to continue its legacy.

Support the Douglassaires Scholarship

Your support empowers future leaders and helps us expand the Douglassaires Scholarship. Our goal is to grow the current $1,000 award, making it available to more students and increasing the overall fund to create greater opportunities. Together, we can honor the legacy of Douglass School and ensure its spirit thrives in the next generation.

Douglassaires Association Executive Board

2025 Douglassaires & Friends Reunion Committee

Dellarie Johnson President

Kelvin Grayson Vice-President

Sophia Shoate Scholarship Program Dir

Cynthia Barnes Treasurer

Donnie Mooreland Assistant Treasurer

Angela Tate Secretary

James Abraham III Sergeant at Arms

Sekora Brown Committee Member

Darnell Dodd Committee Member

Edward Newton III Committee Member

Victoria Sayles Committee Member

Get in Touch

Douglassaires Association

PO Box 381

Bartlesville, OK 74005

DOUGLAS, DOUGLAS, TENDER AND TRUE

Could Ye come back to me, Douglas, Douglas

In the old likeness that I knew,

I would be so faithful, so loving, Douglas,

Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.

Never a scornful word should grieve ye,

I'd smile on ye sweet as the angels do,

Sweet as your smile on me shone ever,

Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.

O, to call back the days that are not!

My eyes were blinded; your words were few;

Do you know the truth now up in heaven,

Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.

I never was worthy of you Douglas;

Not half worthy the like of you;

Now all men beside seem to me like shadows,

I love you Douglas, tender and true.

Stretch out your hand to me Douglas, Douglas,

Drop forgiveness from heaven like dew,

As I lay my heart on your dead heart, Douglas,

Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.