Harman School Community Center
Topsey, Coryell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1891, M.F. Harman deeded two acres to be used for a school and gathering place until the community, known as Harman community, moved it in 1904 to Henry Wood's pasture, near Perryman Creek. In 1917-18, on four acres bought from Milton L. and Mary Lou Harman for $200, a new facility was built here, with three classrooms, offices and a stage. A teacherage was added in 1921. Over the years, the schoolhouse served Boy Scouts, a home demonstration club and even a rat killing club. After consolidating with Gatesville schools in 1948, the former schoolhouse remained a community center, owned and maintained by local trustees and used for special events, reunions and festivals. (2002)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The Harman community's schoolhouse traces to an 1891 land gift by M.F. Harman, moving twice before a three-classroom building with a stage rose here in 1917-18 on land bought for $200. Beyond lessons, it hosted Boy Scouts, a home demonstration club and even a rat-killing club before consolidating with Gatesville schools in 1948 and becoming a lasting community center.
Why it matters
One-room and small rural schools like Harman were the civic heart of scattered farm settlements, and their survival as community centers preserves a vanished way of country life.
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Related people
- · M.F. Harman
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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