Site of Conaway School
Westbrook, Mitchell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In community opened in 1891 by settlers C.P. and Mattie Conaway. First 3-months session was held in 1896 for nine pupils from three families, in 1-room building placed by Conaway south of his ranch house. After four terms he moved school a mile north to serve a larger area. Pupils sat on homemade benches, wrote on slates, dipped drinking water from a bucket. In 1906 many farmers settled nearby. Conaway gave this new site, helped raise $375; and with patrons' labor, a new schoolhouse was erected. As enrolment increased, three rooms were added. This building was destroyed by fire in 1929 and replaced by a 4-room brick structure with an auditorium. A water system using a well and windmill also replaced the bucket and dipper of earlier days. Throughout the years the school building was used for church services and other community activities. Many successful people, including teachers, doctors, lawyers, and religious leaders, began their courses of study at Conaway School. Peak enrolment of 115 was reached during the 10-months term of 1933-34. After 1936 upper grades were transferred by bus to Westbrook; consolidation was completed in 1939. The school building was sold and dismantled in 1947. (1972)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Settlers C. P. and Mattie Conaway opened this West Texas community in 1891, and by 1896 a one-room school served nine pupils who wrote on slates and drank from a shared water bucket. As farm families arrived the school grew — a brick building with an auditorium replaced the frame one after a 1929 fire, and enrollment peaked at 115 in 1933-34. Consolidation with Westbrook ended its run, and the building was dismantled in 1947.
Why it matters
The one-room schoolhouse was the beating heart of countless rural communities, serving as classroom, church, and gathering place until school consolidation reshaped the countryside.
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Related people
- · C. P. Conaway
- · Mattie Conaway
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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