The Gaston School
Memories Of A Bygone Era
The largest Oil Boom brought the largest Rural School in the world in the 1930's. The old school is just a piece of the legacy that was left from the East Texas Oil Boom. Our virtual museum honors the Life before and After the Oil, the Cyril/Joinerville community and all that the Gaston School afforded those who passed through its hallowed halls Step back in time as you virtually walk the halls with the early Gaston/Joinerville Community
Gaston Reunion 2025
Memories
Alumni met at Sal's Restaurant in Henderson to celebrate their cherished memories. Lot's of reminiscing about the good times spent at Gaston School and honoring the friendships that have stood the test of time. The turnout was better than expected and we look forward seeing everyone again next October. Contact Kenneth "Twister" Thomas at kdttwister21@gmail.com if you are interested in helping with the reunion in 2026.
additional pics are in the Reunion section
Gaston Museum
To all Gaston Exes and Gaston Museum Supporters:
The plan that the Museum Board had hoped to work out to maintain a small museum manned by new community Board members has not materialized. The Board has therefore voted to donate the grounds, buildings, and contents to a local non-profit organization.
Any items left from the previous disbursements will be available for you to look at. We have jackets, yearbooks and a few miscellaneous items that you are welcome to. Most antiques and historical pieces have been donated or sold to go into the scholarship fund. Contact Stephanie Osteen at 903-812-1794; please leave a message, as she is frequently unable to answer. You may also message on Facebook. The buildings are not currently open, so please make contact to schedule an appointment if you come. Items left after February 15 will be donated along with the buildings.
We will maintain the online presence at https://www.gastonmuseum.org and will keep a small budget for maintaining it. Other remaining funds will be donated to Kilgore College to endow a scholarship.
The gathering of exes that Twister Thomas spearheaded in October 2025 is again planned for noon, Friday, October 2, 2026 at a restaurant in Henderson. More details will be posted and mailed in September 2026.
Thank you for your support through the years. We are all saddened that this step must be taken, but we are so grateful for those who have gone before who gave us the wonderful times that we have had together to keep our Gaston memories alive.
Don't forget about the artifacts and memorabilia that have been divided between the WRCCISD ( High School Building, Depot Museum in Henderson(Rusk County), the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore,( school memoribilia and early 30's / 40's memorabilia). Some of our Veterans room has been donated to the local VFW various local Veterans organizations. You can still see glimpses at these locations. ​
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Sincerely,
The Gaston Museum Board
