The Loblolly Project began at Gary High School in January 1973. The activity was originated and is still directed by Lincoln King, the school history teacher. The Loblolly is dedicated to the collection and preservation of East Texas history, culture, and folklore. The Loblolly , since 1973, has published 55 issues of The Loblolly magazine and four books. Students go out into the community and interview senior and older citizens on their life experiences or on particular areas of community culture.
Information is collected by tape recorder and camera.
Students then return to school to transcribe and type the words collected and to develop and print the pictures taken during the interviews. Then words and pictures are put together for the printer to assemble into a magazine or book. The Loblolly has been a most successful project enabling students to learn how to run a business and to develop poise and communication skills. Through the years of its existence, The Loblolly has received state and national recognition. This year's Loblolly editors at Gary High School are Fiona McGarity and Cassie Downing.