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A brief history of Cherry Mountain School (#16 on the driving map located on Cherry Mountain Loop): Built in 1926. Consolidated in 1949. Discipline was strict in the family homes and at school. There was a threat of the "switch" or paddle, but few children suffered this. Most common was that the "mischief" maker had to stay in the classroom during recess. Sometimes a pupil would have to stand facing the blackboard with their nose "stuck" in a chalk-drawn ring. Standing in the corner or by the teacher's desk was also common.
Current activities: Today, the buildings are owned by the Cherry Mountain Community Club and are used for meetings, weddings,
reunions, and special parties.
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In 1883, 10 students enrolled for classes in their
new school at Cherry Mountain, northwest of
Fredericksburg, on land donated by Carl Durst. The first
school building was a log cabin type, to which a room
constructed of limestone was later added. Teachers lived
on the property in the loft or with close neighbors.
When the school first started, drinking water was
obtained from the William Thiele residence located about
250 yards from the school. Later, a well was drilled on
the school property. At first, children drank water from
a bucket using a single dipper. Later, students brought
their own collapsible cups that were kept in their
desks.
A second school was built in 1926. Otto Thiele donated
approximately 1½ acres for this new
school. Ed Roos did the masonry work, Fritz Rummler was
the carpenter, and Otto Kentron and Otto Schuch were
helpers. J. F. Oehler was the first teacher at the new
school. Enrollment in the first year was 39 students,
with 36 in attendance the second year. The first school started with five grades, with two
more added later, followed by an eighth grade. In 1927-28, a ninth grade was also
taught. Night school for eighth and ninth grades was
added in 1931-33. Reinhold Weber was the teacher at the
time. The school consolidated with Fredericksburg ISD in
1949.
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