Center Point School
Center Point, Kerr County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Prior to the settlement of the community of Zanzenburg and Center Point, school was taught in shacks and homes. From 1873-1875, B.F. Johnson taught classes in the first school held in various buildings in the area. From 1876-1884, the Center Point Academy served as the community’s school. In 1884, Dr. J.C. Nowlin donated an acre of land for a school building and a plank building was erected. In 1910, San Antonio architect Alfred Giles designed and J. V. Oppert built a two-story limestone building. The school officially opened for classes in the fall of 1911. Students still receive an education in the original limestone building, which serves as an educational and social hub for Center Point. (2011)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Schooling in the Center Point area began in shacks and homes in the 1870s, moving through an academy and a plank building before Dr. J. C. Nowlin donated land in 1884. In 1910 renowned San Antonio architect Alfred Giles designed a handsome two-story limestone schoolhouse, which opened its doors in 1911. Remarkably, students still learn in that same building more than a century later.
Why it matters
A living limestone schoolhouse by a celebrated architect shows the enduring value Texas communities placed on education.
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Related people
- · Alfred Giles
- · J. C. Nowlin
Themes & tags
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