Harman School Community Center

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker has to say about the Harman School Community Center in Coryell County. Back in 1891, a man named M.F. Harman deeded two acres of land, set aside for a school and a gathering place for the folks around what folks called the Harman community.

Now, nothing stays put forever, and sure enough, in 1904 the community picked up and moved that school to Henry Wood's pasture, right near Perryman Creek. That's the kind of thing people just did back then. Whole communities, just... relocated.

Now, by 1917 and into 1918, the community decided it was time for something grander. They bought four acres from Milton L. and Mary Lou Harman for two hundred dollars, and on that ground they built a new facility. Three classrooms, offices, and, I want you to notice this, a stage.

These people were not just thinking about arithmetic. They were thinking about Saturday nights. Then in 1921, they added a teacherage, which tells you they were serious about keeping good teachers close.

Over the years, that schoolhouse became the kind of place that held just about everything. Boy Scouts met there. A home demonstration club gathered under its roof.

And then there was, well, the rat killing club. The marker mentions it plain as day, and Duane is not here to judge. Every community has its needs.

In 1948, the school consolidated with Gatesville schools, and you might think that would be the end of the story. But here's where it turns. The old schoolhouse didn't close, didn't fall to ruin, didn't get forgotten.

It stayed. Local trustees took ownership, kept it maintained, and the building went right on hosting special events, reunions, and festivals. From M.F.

Harman's two acres in 1891 to a community center still standing in Coryell County, some buildings just refuse to be done with their purpose.

What the marker says

In 1891, M.F. Harman deeded two acres to be used for a school and gathering place until the community, known as Harman community, moved it in 1904 to Henry Wood's pasture, near Perryman Creek. In 1917-18, on four acres bought from Milton L. and Mary Lou Harman for $200, a new facility was built here, with three classrooms, offices and a stage. A teacherage was added in 1921. Over the years, the schoolhouse served Boy Scouts, a home demonstration club and even a rat killing club. After consolidating with Gatesville schools in 1948, the former schoolhouse remained a community center, owned and maintained by local trustees and used for special events, reunions and festivals. (2002)