The land on which the new Willis Independent School District Middle School #3 is being built has a rich history that deserves recognition. This land was settled and nurtured by the Calfee family for over 150 years.  Their dedication to this land reflects a deep commitment to growth, progress and education in our community.  

The property was part of the 1,100-acre Calfee family homestead going back five generations to 1875, six if you count John Henry Calfee who immigrated here from Louisiana.  The area was first known as the Old Whiteoak community.  Homer Calfee and his wife Delphia ran sawmill and cattle operations on the property for many years.  It was during this time that the Calfee’s built the Whiteoak School, a one-room elementary school that served the local children.  Their children Dick, Estil and Lulabell Calfee attended that school along with children from other nearby families. The teacher resided with the Calfee Family on site.   The wooden school house was located immediately south of the Homer Calfee homesite on Longmire Road. 

Calfee’s Whiteoak School would later be consolidated into Willis ISD in the early 1900’s.  Homer Clinton Calfee would serve as an early Trustee for Willis ISD.  With a 2024 graduate currently attending Willis ISD, the Calfee family is proud to say that we have four generations of Willis High School graduates.  The family has proudly donated the original Whiteoak School Bell, early books and report cards, hand drawn Willis High School graduation invitations from the early 1900’s as well as yearbooks from the 1950’s through the 1970’s for Willis ISD to archive and allow future generations to enjoy.  

The act of naming this school after them would be an appropriate tribute to their enduring legacy and would serve as an inspiration for future generations of students attending the school. It would also instill a sense of historical continuity and respect for our local heritage among young learners.  Let's preserve our heritage by acknowledging those who laid its foundation. 

Please sign this petition to name Willis ISD Middle School #3 after the Calfee family that settled its land for over 150 years.