Oak Cliff History from 1921 to 1940
Growth: These decades where full of turmoil and growth -- marked by a great depression and the winds of war. By 1921, Oak Cliff was becoming a great place for business. As a result, the Oak Cliff and Dallas Commercial Association was set up up with L.O. Donald as its first president. This organization later became the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.
Early History | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-80 | 81-2000 | 2001 & beyond
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Oak Cliff History to 1921-1930 |
In 1925, a second high school, Sunset High School was built. A great rivalry emerged between the two Oak Cliff schools, and both schools dominated the state in sports competition. From 1921 to 1923, even though Oak Cliff schools were relatively small, they won state championships in basketball twice, and football and tennis championships once each.
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."
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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) |
Oak Cliff History to 1931-1940 |
Like the rest of the world, Oak Cliff’s economy staggered under the weight of the Great Depression. With jobs hard to find, some people resorted to crime. One of the nation’s most notorious crime duos, Bonnie and Clyde, lived in Oak Cliff. When their reign of crime was stopped in 1934, they were both buried (in separate cemeteries) in Dallas and Oak Cliff. Methodist Hospital, which opened in 1928, almost went into foreclosure in 1934, and was finally saved by private donations. The Texas Theater, seating an amazing 2,000 people, opened in 1931. For live theatre, Oak Cliff residents could go to the Oak Cliff Little Theater, which was located across from Lake Cliff.
Several Oak Cliff churches that had grown and expanded in the 1920s found themselves in a financial crisis as members lost jobs and income plummeted. Tyler Street UMC members were shocked to find the doors of the church padlocked shut on Easter Sunday morning in 1932. Services were held in the Rosewin Theatre, the Calvary Baptist Church and Sunset High School until the building was bought back (for half of what it originally cost.) On December 29, 1940, a dedication service for the Church was held to celebrate the retirement of the debt.
Go to Oak Cliff Home History Page
Go to Oak Cliff History Year 1920-1940
Go to Oak Cliff History Year 1940-1960
Go to Oak Cliff History Year 1960-1980
Go to Oak Cliff History Year 1980-1999
Go to Oak Cliff History Year 2000 and beyond
Go to Oak Cliff TRIVIA
Also, check out the additional Oak Cliff History Index