Didn’t this Manda Plaque just appear out of nowhere? Actually, there’s a rich story behind it. This marker remembers the Manda M.E. Church.
The Manda Plaque stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of the vibrant community that once thrived here in Manda. It symbolizes the area’s commitment to education and community spirit.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Manda in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Manda School began its journey as a school and community center in 1880. It started in the settlement of Manda, Texas. Initially, classes were likely held in a simple 2-room log cabin. The school wasn’t a district school. It operated as a 1-10 school teaching grades 1st through 10th.
By 1890, Manda School saw its enrollment increase. Daily attendance rose from 10-15 to 20-25 students. This growth reflected the community’s dedication to learning. By 1898, Manda School operated under New Sweden School District No. 24. It also went by Manda School District No. 24.
Miss Zena Slaughter was hired to teach grades 1st through 8th. From 1898 to 1901, she taught elementary grades 1st and 8th. Miss Edna Slaughter taught high school grades 9th through 11th.
The community needed a new schoolhouse. In 1914, citizens urged Travis County commissioners to build one. The commissioners agreed to fund the construction. The Manda School was built in 1915. It served students in New Sweden School District #22. The first school year was 1914-1915. The school fully started operating in 1916. Students from Manor and surrounding communities attended.
Manda School got its name from Amanda Bengtson Gustafson. She was the sister of the settlement’s postmaster. Manda is a shortened version of Amanda. Many students had Swedish ancestry. They were children of Swedish sharecroppers or farm owners.
The school building still stands today. It serves as a reminder of the early settlement of Manda, Texas. In 1916, the community of Manda was granted its own school district. It was called Manda Common School District. Manda School separated from New Sweden School District. The district included students from Manor, New Sweden, and other communities. By 1917, the school had 30 students.
The Manda School even added 12th grade in 1923. It was unusual for schools to go beyond 10th or 11th grade. There was also a school called Manda Colored Public School for black students.
New Sweden School consolidated into the Manda Common School District in 1947. Kindergarten was added to Manda School and New Sweden School in 1945. A vocational building was built in 1949. Students learned skills like woodcraft, farming, and sewing.
The Manda Common School District was dissolved in 1960. Most students were bussed to Elgin ISD. The Manda School closed in 1963. Students were sent to schools in Elgin or Manor.
Today, the Friends of Manda School maintain the Manda Community Center. They preserve the building’s history. The Manda Plaque honors this legacy. It is a symbol of community, education, and perseverance.
So, the next time you pass by the Manda Plaque, remember the story. Remember the school, the community, and the people who made Manda what it is. It’s more than just a marker. It’s a piece of Texas history.