From Rural Schools to Community Centers: Preserving Texas Rural Traditions

A successful preservation effort by
The Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools

Although it proved to be unfounded, the rumor that “they’re selling our schools” brought together a group of Gillespie County citizens who organized as the “Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools”. The Friends are comprised of over 400 members who use the twelve rural schools in Gillespie County as community centers, and who are interested in preserving the traditions of the schools, the community clubs, and the history of Gillespie County for future generations.

As a result of the passage of the Gilmer-Aiken Law in 1949, ownership of most of the rural school properties in Gillespie County was transferred to the Fredericksburg ISD. After consolidation, community clubs leased the properties, but it became clear that these leases were not a permanent solution to the fear of “selling our schools”.

Research quickly identified the only solution: change the law! The Board of Trustees was unable to return these properties to the original communities, because of a prohibition in the law. In the Spring 2000, as requested by the Friends, Fredericksburg ISD dispatched a letter to Senator Wentworth and Representative Hilderbran requesting that legislation, which would allow donation of these properties to a governmental or non-profit organization at no cost, be introduced. Senate Bill 166 was passed by the Texas Legislature, signed by the Governor and listed as Proposition 13 on the November 6, 2001 ballot. The voters of Texas overwhelmingly (80.45%) approved the Proposition and the bill became law January 1, 2002.

The Friends developed a timeline and strategies to built grassroots support here and throughout the state. Activities included exhibits at banks, stores, the County Fair, and Texas Preservation Day 2001. A series of articles discussing rural education and the 44 Gillespie County school districts were published locally and in statewide. The 2001 calendar featuring the 12 schools was probably the most successful effort to spread the word. More than 2,000 copies were sold. Every opportunity to publicize the story, locally and statewide, was used and included print, radio, television and the worldwide web. Several members testified before the Texas House and Senate in support of Senate Bill 116 . The Friends traveled more than a 1,000 miles to 10 parades with the "Rural School Float", depicting a rural school in the early 1900’s, complete with children and teacher in period costume and a group of community club members playing “Texas 42”. More than 5,000 postcards were mailed and flyers were handed out on Main Street. Every County Historical Commission received an information packet. The culminating event was the “12 Country Schools Open House and Reunion” in September 2001, which include a BBQ meal cooked on one of the original school BBQ pits.

Since then the Friends have published 2003 calendar documenting 12 additional schools in the county. On April 5, 2003 and every first Saturday for the next few years, a "Open House" is planned as part of the fundraising effort.

The efforts of the Friends to preserve their schools, their community centers and their traditions are an outstanding example of what a grassroots movement can accomplish. The goal set in May 1999 has been achieved, but the work toward preservation is just beginning.

The Friends received preservation awards from the Texas Historical Commission and Preservation Texas in 2002 at the Texas Preservation Day in Abilene, Texas.

In 2004 the Friends officially became a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) and are working on raising funds to improve, renovate and preserve the 12 properties. Top of the list are updating the restroom facilities and bringing water to 7 of the 12 properties - an estimated cost of $100,000.00. Donations are accepted and greatly appreciated.

In January 2005 the Texas Historical Commission approved and forwarded our application to place the 12 properties on the register of National Historic Places.

In April 2006, during our annual celebration, Larry Oaks of the Texas Historical Commission presented the National Register plaques to the representatives of the 12 former schools and officially opened the Gillespie County Country Schools Trail, a first in Texas.

In the December 2006, the Gillespie County Historical Society recognized the efforts of the Friends by presenting the Star of Texas award

The country schools involved are:

You may write to us at:

Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools
P.O. Box 55
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624