MIDDLE SCHOOL'S HISTORICAL SURVEY
By DESTINI ROSSUM AND SAMANTHA WILLIAMS

Don Graham's Karate Studio located on Commerce St. is well known by the large red canopy in front. The building still has original brick trim.

The history of Don Grahams Karate Studio is very limited on information and historical events, but what I do have is very interesting.

The building was in fair condition. The building was originally made in 1938. The original use was a hotel. The building once housed all the roughnecks during the oil boom.

The floor was original, which is red oak, with pyramid slab, the foundation just happens to be dirt and that's what makes the floors super soft.

Don Graham bought the building 15 years ago at the time when the building was a gym.

The way Graham recreated this historic building into a well known karate business will always be remembered and respected in time to pass.

Texas history students of Dana Sneed, Maude Laird Middle School, researched the oldest of Kilgore's downtown buildings. Some of their reports will be published in coming weeks.

SAMANTHA WILLIAMS AND DESTINI ROSSUM