At Bankrupt Lon Morris, Buildings Frozen in Time

JACKSONVILLE (AP) – The grounds of the oldest junior college in Texas appear to be frozen in time. They’re deserted, but otherwise little-altered as they wait to go on the auction block. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reported Saturday that books still line the library shelves. At the theater building, sheet music and pianos occupy one classroom. Signs designate “cheerleader seating” in the gymnasium. Inside the cafeteria, athletic uniforms and cheerleading items are on tables, along with framed theater photographs and a certificate marking Lon Morris’ 130th anniversary. The only occupied facility is the administration building, where a limited staff continues to work. All of these buildings will go on sale when the college auctions off core facilities Dec. 13 in Dallas. Lon Morris has suspended classes after filing for bankruptcy this summer.