RUSK COUNTY, Texas — Multiple fire departments were called to the scene of a large structure fire at the old Gaston School early Sunday morning.
According to the Crims Chapel Volunteer Fire Department (CCVFD), the fire broke out at 286A County Road 4133A, just off Highway 64 in the Henderson area of Rusk County.
Responding fire departments included:
- Crims Chapel Volunteer Fire Department
- Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department
- Kilgore Rescue Unit
- Laneville Fire Department
- Overton Fire Department
- Henderson Fire Department
- Rusk County Rescue
- Smith County ESD 2
According to the CCVFD, units arrived to find a large exterior building on fire with extension into the adjacent buildings.
The Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) says Gaston enjoyed a brief period of prosperity when a nearby oilfield flourished during the 1930s.
"Before this time, the area had been served by one of the larger schools in the vicinity, established in 1892 and called Forest," the TSHA said. "By 1909 a second school, called Miller, had been built at the Miller farm in the area. Another school, closer to Henderson, was called Mount Hope. By 1925 the Miller and Mount Hope schools had consolidated. Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Gaston donated land for a new school, and within twelve years the staff of the Gaston school had grown from four to 65, to serve the needs of the increasing oilfield population. The school's enrollment during this period jumped from eighty-five to 1,600. The 1984 county highway map showed a school building and a business at Gaston. By 1986 the Gaston school had been consolidated with those of New London to form the West Rusk Independent School District. Gaston has been served throughout its history by a mail route from Joinerville."
Details are extremely limited, but CBS19 will update this article as more information becomes available.
