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In 1899, the Bernhard
Friedrich house, which was bought for $250, became the first school.
This first school was private. The Pecan Creek School #29 is located
on a three-acre plot in the north central part of Gillespie County.
In 1916, land was donated by school patrons. Other patrons donated materials
and labor. The original house was moved in parts and rebuilt. The original
building is one big room with windows on the south side, and the entrance,
with an enclosed cloakroom, is on the east side. The building is constructed
of wood, with siding having been added later. The floors are pine and
the ceiling is of beaded board. In 1936, an open shed was attached to
the school building. At that time, a stage and dance floor was included
which was later improved. Today there is a permanent 15' x 20' stage
with a walkway around the back wall.
The stage curtain, still in place, displays many early-day Gillespie
County merchant advertisements. Blackboards cover part of the west and
north sides of the room, and a wood burning stove stands near the back
east side. On the east wall, there is a bookcase.
Also still standing, about thirty yards west of the school, is an outdoor
toilet for girls. The boys' outhouse stands 60 yards to the south. A
rainwater cistern for drinking water, which is no longer in use, was
added in 1934 on the north side.
Double desks, purchased in 1935, are still in the classroom, as are
a world globe purchased in 1936, and a dust-proof map case containing
nine maps purchased for $43.62 in 1938.
In 1988, one hundred five years after the beginning of school in the
Pecan Creek area, a reunion was held.
Six former teachers and 83 former students attended. Mrs. Albert Menske
(Hilda Crenwelge), a former student, was the oldest at 94 years old.
The Pecan Creek Community Club meets in the afternoon on the second
Sunday of every month. Games of Texas "42", High 5 and Pinochle
are played, with refreshments served after a short meeting. An annual
picnic or fish fry is also held each summer on the school grounds.
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