The Hughen School

Since 1937, the Hughen School and other related facilities have provided assistance to individuals with disabilities. The school grew out of a vision by the Rotary Club of Port Arthur to start a movement in the interest of children with disabilities. In 1933, the Port Arthur Society for Crippled Children organized, and in 1936, the society was incorporated. In 1937, the society started a school in St. Mary’s hospital. By the end of the year, the community constructed a building at this location. First called the Spastic School, the institution was renamed for benefactor and businessman Thomas W. Hughen and his wife Juliet.

To meet community needs, the institution added services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy programs. Additions to the campus allowed special needs students from outside the area to live at Hughen School. The Port Arthur Society for Crippled Children also advocated for change in state legislation, promoting the Texas state education act of 1945, which became law and played a major role in education of children with special needs.

Other facilities were later added through donations given during fundraising campaigns. Famed entertainer Bob Hope participated in a telethon co-sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles, which raised $1.2 million to erect a high school on the campus. The school was named for Hope, who also appeared at other Hughen Center fundraisers. By the mid-1980s, funds were donated to construct the Hebert Adult Vocational Training Center to help adults with physical disabilities gain skills to advance their careers. Today, the facilities of the Hughen Center continue to offer needed assistance and care to children and adults with physical disabilities.