During the 1920s and ‘30s, the most important addition to open in East Dallas was Lakewood – with housing developments, a shopping center, a theater, restaurants, a library and educational facilities.
In 1928, Woodrow Wilson High School opened with G.L. “Pop” Ashburn as its first principal. He brought many students with him from Bryan St. High School, and in June 1929, the first graduating class numbered 180. Ashburn served as principal for 28 years until 1956. He guided with a firm and loving hand and is still remembered in the hearts of many in the Lakewood/East Dallas area.
There are names of others who graduated from Woodrow who have made an impact and imprint on the community, our state and nation. Cooperstown has its hall of fame for baseball, Canton has its hall of fame for football and Woodrow has its hall of fame inductees who have occupied positions in medicine, politics, large corporations, professional athletics and civic organizations.
Listed are just a few of the men and women who are in the Woodrow Wilson hall of fame: M.T. Buddy Minyard, ’30; Trammell Crow, ’32; Jim Collins, ’32; Davey O’Brien, ’35; William Seay, ’36; Tom Shires, M.D., ’42; Jack Evans, ’40; Ruth Collins Altshuler, ’40; William McCord, ’45; Samuel Johnson, ’47; Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, ’52; and Tim Brown, ’84.
History reveals that the entire spectrum of education points the way to tomorrow led by principals, faculty members and students. I salute the schools in our East Dallas/Lakewood community.
