The home of Cleburne football for the last 70 years has become the first stadium in the state to receive a Recorded Historical Landmrk designation from the Texas Historical Commission.
Efforts to receive the historical designation began two years ago, led by members of the Johnson County Historical Commission. Underwriting for the marker was provided by the Cleburne Athletic Booster Club.
“As marker chair for the Johnson County Historical Commission, I am thrilled that Yellow Jacket Stadium is the first stadium in the state to receive Recorded Texas Historical Landmark designation by the Texas Historical Commission,” said Wilma Reed.
“Personally, it is like honoring a dear, old friend,” Reed said. “As a color guard, I marched on the field with the Cleburne High School band and watched football games from the stands in the 40’s. One of my daughters and two of my grandchildren received their graduation diplomas in ceremonies at Yellow Jacket Stadium. I remember attending other important events there. We appreciate school personnel, trustees, CABC and everyone else who assisted in making this honor possible.”
The marker will be located adjacent to the ticket booth, outside the stadium fencing, to allow for public viewing at all times. A plaque originally located at Rhome Field, the first home of the Jackets, is also displayed at the stadium.
Construction began on a new stadium for Cleburne High School in 1939 under the direction of the Works Project Administration, which provided most of the funding for the $80,000 facility. Limestone for the structure, located on six acres of what had been pastureland, came from neighboring Somervell County. The stadium, with seating for 3800 fans, opened in 1941.
“No stadium has more history in the state of Texas, from its construction by the WPA to the many things that have gone on there, including the victorious season of Cleburne’s 1959 state championship team,” said Vance Castles, CABC past-president. “We all, as a community, need to understand our historical roots. We must never get away from that. We must be rooted in our heritage.”
Cleburne High School’s place in Texas football history is also on display at the Texas State History Museum in Austin. The trophy from the first UIL high school football state championship, awarded to CHS in 1920, is among the artifacts featured in “Texas High School Football: More Than the Game,” an exhibit dedicated to the teams, the bands and the fans of Friday night football. The exhibit runs through January.
