Site of Conaway School

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)

Site of Conaway School is a historical marker in Westbrook, Mitchell County, dedicated in 1972. It is one of 38 historical markers documented in Mitchell County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 55 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.2994, -101.0253 near Westbrook. The nearest cataloged historic site is Westbrook Cemetery (cemetery), about 3.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Westbrook School and Church, Site of, T&P No. 1 - W.H. Abrams No. 1 Discovery Well of the Permian Basin, and Union Methodist Church.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5335004759. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.