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A
man by the name of Friedrich von Wrede owned the land on which this school
was built. Some of the early organizers were Julius Ransleben, May Ransleben,
Carl Hilker, Jacob Usener, William Schnerr, Theo Boos, and Louis Crenwelge.
The wood school
building was built in 1896 from lumber hauled by wagon from Comfort, Texas.
By October 15, 1896, school had started. A hand dug well supplied water
for the school. The school is located on the Kerrville Highway close to
Lady Bird Park. It has never moved from this location. Bear Creek school
was consolidated with Wrede School in July 1949. During 64 years, Wrede
had 24 teachers who served at different times, some of whom left for a
number of years and later returned.
Wrede was a two-teacher
school from 1949 until 1959. During this time, the enrollment reached
approximately 53 students. The salary for a teacher starting in 1896 was
about $28 per month. By 1959, the teacher might have received $288 per
month.
The school was
also used as a community center where the people would get together for
parties and dances. The 4-H club and the Extension Homemakers Club would
also meet here. In later years, elections were held at this schoolhouse.
The Wrede School Community Club was reorganized in November, 2001 with 15
former students present and meets monthly at the school, weather permitting,
for a business meeting, followed by games or fellowship. The club currently
has 37 family memberships. As funds become available, the club plans to
make improvements to the property.
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