Willow City and Crabapple Schoolhouses

One morning, Jeff and I took a drive down a couple of country roads and managed to find a couple of the one-room county schoolhouses scattered throughout Gillespie County Texas.  We were able to get close to these schools, but unfortunately, couldn’t see inside.

Willow City Schoolhouse

This two-story, 3 school room school house was the third of the Willow City schoolhouses.  The first, built in 1876, washed away during the floods of 1880.  The second schoolhouse was too small to accommodate the increased number of students.  This third schoolhouse was built in 1905, and is made of hickory sandstone.

Two-Story Schoolhouse

Here’s a close up of the school, so you can see the actual school bell.  This school sits upon a hill – can’t you just hear the school bell ringing, calling students into class.

Crabapple School Front

The first Crabapple School was built in 1878, and this present building was built in 1882.  Between 1887 – 1910, the first building (not available to be photographed) also served as the post office for the town of Crabapple.

Crabapple School Window Reflection

Typically, land for the schools was donated or purchased for $1.  According to local myth (or perhaps truth??), Crockett Riley and Mathias Schmidt both wanted to donate land for the school, and ran a footrace to see who would have the privilege.  Mathias won and this school was built on his land.  More school (and stories) to come.

Enjoy!