Site of Friendship Community School
Grand Saline, Van Zandt County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized in about 1880, the community school in this area was first taught by Mr. E. L. Richardson. Classes were scheduled around the local farmers' growing seasons. Mr. And Mrs. W. N. Farmer deeded two acres of land to the community for school and church purposes. Friendship was established on December 14, 1905; by 1907, school enrollment was sufficient to justify funds for a new building. David and Nettie King deeded 1¼ acres of land to the community, and in 1915 a new two-room structure was erected for $1800. The Friendship school was consolidated with Grand Saline schools in 1949, and in 1952 the school board sold the school building and its land back to Friendship community. The structure was used as a community center for several years. (2000)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Around 1880 the families of this neighborhood organized a school taught by E. L. Richardson, its classes fitted around the farmers' planting and harvest seasons. The Farmers and later the Kings deeded land for school and church use, and by 1915 a two-room building had been raised for $1,800. Consolidated into Grand Saline schools in 1949, the schoolhouse was bought back by the community and served for years afterward as a gathering place.
Why it matters
The Friendship school shows how rural Texans prized education enough to build, staff, and — even after consolidation — reclaim the humble buildings that anchored their communities.
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Related people
- · E. L. Richardson
- · W. N. Farmer
- · David King
- · Nettie King
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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