“Remembering our roots” is what this Buda School Plaque is all about. It marks a place of learning and community. Let’s delve into the story of the Buda School.
The Buda school system emerged from several 19th-century rural schools. These included Elm Grove, Goforth, Turnersville, and Mountain City. Others were Antioch, Science Hall, and Kellyville. Elm Grove was the largest school in Hays County in 1876.
In 1881 Cornelia Trimble platted Buda. That same year Mary Adams established the first school. It was east of the railroad track along Railroad Street. Adams also served as its teacher.
By 1885 school trustees erected a two-story wooden school building at the current site. A larger two-story brick building replaced it in 1908. This accommodated Buda’s growing population. Tragedy struck in January 1928 when the Buda High School building burned.
But from the ashes a new school arose. Builders completed the present Mission style one-story schoolhouse. Austin architect Roy L. Thomas designed it. The new building incorporated standing walls from the previous one. These are still visible in the auditorium space. The auditorium was significant. It hosted school events and later became a community room.
Bob Barton, Sr. served as school superintendent from 1931 to 1945. He also worked as bus driver, teacher, and coach. He and his wife Marietta fought for school integration. The city’s Mexican American school closed in 1948. African American high school students could attend the main school in 1956. Grades one through eight integrated by 1961.
In 1967 Buda, Kyle, and Wimberley schools joined. They formed Hays Consolidated Independent School District. Wimberley has since reformed a separate district. Today the school is Buda Elementary. It continues to serve the community. It has been an educational institution and gathering place for over 100 years.
Ladies of the community picked cotton in the early 1900s. They bought land at the bottom of the hill for a football field. This field was known as Trimble Field. It served as Buda’s football field until the schools consolidated.
Currently Buda Elementary serves about 500 students. These students are in Pre-K through 5th grade. This Buda School Plaque reminds us of the school’s long history. It represents education, community, and progress in Buda. Take a moment to appreciate the generations who walked these halls. Think about the teachers who shaped young minds.