The first reference to a school in Center, Shelby County, Texas was the FRIDAY School located near Newbern.  This school was taught by Pleasant Louis Jones the father of P. D. Jones.  Pleasant Louis Jones is listed in the 1850 Census of Shelby County as a student, age 15.   From tradition and some rather sketchy records, the school was taught only on Friday because the children were needed at home,  or transportation was so inadequate that once a week was sufficient.  The school taught arithmetic, reading and spelling and possibly writing.  At one time this school was challenged for a spelling contest (bee) by Buck Snort (later became Buena Vista).  The spelling bee was held in Buena Vista and was attended from miles around.  A boy named Braley (Brawley) of the Friday School was finally the only one left standing.  The spectators began calling for the teachers of each school and finally Braley spelled them down and was acclaimed the champion speller of the area.

    Captain Jesse Amason, who donated the land for the town of Center, began the project soon after his return from the Civil War.  An old record states that Jesse Amason donated 50 acres of land for the town site of Center.  The first mention of a school is found in the same record that states that S. W. Weaver surveyed the town site in 1869 and that at that time, J. N. Weaver's Furniture Factory, a blacksmith shop and the E. T. Smith Hotel were already in operation.  The record further states that a log school house was constructed with T. E. Bourney as the first teacher.  This site is on Nacogdoches Street where the present Grammar School is located.

    In 1876 the courthouse records were moved to Center from Shelbyville.  In 1882 the courthouse was destroyed by fire and all the records were lost.  in 1885 a new courthouse was built (vol. 39 pg. 232) which has served to the present time. 

     In the Shelby County Deed records, vol. 56 page 436, is found that on November 9, 1880, O. R. Hooper, County Judge, deeded 4 block of land on which "the old and the new school house is located."  This deed was made to W.P.Wilson, E. S. Hicks and E. F. Carnahan, as trustees of  CENTER SCHOOL COMMUNITY #29.  This action was authorized by the Commissioners Court on the same date. Note:  The OLD building was the log building.  The NEW building was a two story, 4 room building.

    In the same records page 438, Center School leased to the Knights of Honor, the upper floor of the NEW school building for 99 years for the sum of $1,000.00. At that time it was common practice for a lodge to be in a school or church. This deed sets forth the stipulation that all rights and ownership shall revert back to the school should said lodge demise or cease to function as a lodge.

    There is one school that does not seem to fit into the picture.   In the deeds records of Shelby County Vol. 56 page 535, a deed is recorded from M.W. Wheeler dated April 18, 1870, to the Sam Samford Masonic Lodge and the Methodist Church.  This is the property where the present Methodist Church and Cemetery is located.  A two story building was constructed at the rear of the present church and west of the cemetery.  The minutes of Sam Samford lodge of May 21, 1870, state that the Lodge voted twenty dollars "for the purchase of a bell for Church, Masonic and School purposes."  It is a well known fact that the Masonic Lodge started the first public schools in Texas, but there is no record on the Masonic School in Center.   The two story building was used as a Sunday School building in the early 1900's , by the Methodist Church.

    Center UNIVERSITY was created by an act of Texas Legislature.   The University trustees for 1893-1894 were W. G. Paxton, President, John Sanders and M.J. Harvey.  The number of pupils were 156.  A receipt issued by Center University on November 3, 1892 to Willie Mc Lendon for his incidental fee for the first quarter, in the amount of .25 cents.  This receipt was sign by F. P. Marshall.

    Mt. Zion Colored trustees for 1893-1894 were Wade Brown, Tuck G. Greer and Atwood Booth.  There were 90 Negro pupils.

    St. Paul colored school trustees for 1893-1894 were Pink Holland and F. Anderson.  The number of pupils were 40.

    The trustees for Center University 1894-1895 were W. G. Paxton, A. G. Brooks and L.G. Mc Lendon.  They resigned and trustees appointed to fill the vacancies until the first Saturday in June 1895 were: P. B. Swearingen, Drury Fields and B. F. Bridges.

    In the Champion-Press of June 13, 1894, an article is written in which the Board of Examiners regularly meet to give teachers' examinations and lists the members of the board.  Also states that Student's room and board is advertised at $2.00 to $3.00 per week.

    There is very little information relative to the school, or its operation until the session of 1903-1904.  At that time Professor A. E. Day published a 78 page "Catalogue & Announcement" of Center High School.   This book is most informative .  It states that the population was 1,500,.   The assessed valuation was $326,000.00 and the tax rate was .75cents.  There were 12 white and 2 colored teachers.  The school term had been extended to 9 months.   The value of grounds and buildings for both white and colored was $15,250.00., and the school furniture for both were valued at $2,179.00. 

    In this book a comparison if found between 1900 and 1903.  In 1900 the school property was valued at less than $3,000.00; four room school building in miserable repair; no appliances; ungraded school and inferior courses; two to four teachers; four to five months of school and; no local tax; scholastic enumeration 170.

    In 1903 the school building and grounds were valued at $18,718.00, including the NEW twelve room school building.  This was building #3 at the present location of the Grammar School.  There were 12 teachers;  nine months of school; a tax of .75 cents per $1,000 valuation; enrollment of 526.  Literary, music, expression, business college and teachers courses were offered.  The colored school property was valued at $750.00 and nine months of school was taught.  there were 76 enrolled and two teachers employed.

    On March 19, 1903, the Knights of Honor deeded back to the school, the upper floor of the school building that they had held for 23 years. (Volume 38, page 291).  It is interesting to note that on April 28, 1899 the Center Independent School District #48 was created by a vote of the people and that the above deed was made to the new organization.

    It is of note that the catalogue solicits students "from a distance" and assures them that they can secure board in Center with private families at prices ranging from $2.00 to $3.00 per week.  Another item in the catalogue states that a slate will be needed, ruled on one side.  One of the special features of the school was a $45.00 microscope.

    One of most unusual things about the school at this time was the fact that one could graduate LITERARY, graduate in BUSINESS (with a guarantee of a $40.00 per month  job), or take teacher's training and secure a certificate. 

    Another item that was stressed was that the school could teach you to write legibly.

    Students were called to and from classes by the beating of a march on a snare drum.  School was dismissed in the same manner.

   The following is the entire  HISTORICAL page from the Catalogue & Announcement:

    "Center Public Schools were organized in September 1900.  The Independent District voted a .20 cent special tax to supplement the State and County Funds and lengthen the public school term to nine months.

    In May 1901, the District voted .25 cent tax, and issued bonds to the amount of $4,000.00.  Later the bond issue was increased $2,300.00, making a total bond issue of $6,300.00.  At the same time the bond issue was voted on, the District voted to substitute a .50 cent general tax, to be used for lengthening the school term, buying furniture , fixtures, etc.

    A. E. Day was elected Superintendent, and has continued in office since the organization in 1900.  The schools have grown in apportionment, enrollment, attendance and interest.  The influence of the schools can be felt in the moral atmosphere of the town.  The Superintendent has had the confidence and hearty support of patrons and trustees, and today the Center schools are classed with the best in the State"

   One very unusual feature not mentioned in the book, but well remembered by old timers, is that Professor Day rode over the town in his buggy at night and any youngsters caught on the streets were given a very stern talking to and sent home.  Unusual cases, such as smoking, chewing tobacco or using vile language were give punishment.  Occasionally the "RULES" were suspended for some special attraction, and students could date.

        The book states that by publication date the Beaumont & Great Northern Railway, then in operation from Beaumont to San Augustine, would likely be complete to Center.  At the at time an oil mill (cottonseed) had already been organized and another company was buying organized to put in an electric light and power plant.

        Dozens of pages in this catalogue were devoted to pictures of various graduating classes, student groups, homes and business houses of the City.  Note:   Some of the pictures are reproduced on the pages of J. B. Sanders Book.

        In the Champion of December 7, 1904 it is found these items of interest:

Shelby County Subscribed $500.00 to the water works enterprise and will have water privileges at the jail and courthouse.  (No mention is made of the School).

The Teachers Institute held in Center on November 26, 1904 was given a whole column to report their proceedings.  A. E. Day was President and W. C. Hurst, Secretary.

   Another item:  "Mr. G. M. Lassiter died Tuesday of Pneumonia.   He was a former principal of Center High School and later bought the Champion and published it for many years"  No school records reflect when he was principal.

    The Shelby County Sheriff issued this notice in the same issue: " The practice of toting pistols and bootlegging within my jurisdiction must stop from this date on."

    Also is mentioned the fact that Professor Whiteside has rented the home of W. M. Armstrong, on San Augustine Street and will shortly move his family to Center.

    The Center High School progressed steadily until 1907 when it became necessary to star a new building.  The new $20,000.00 red brick building was started September 3, 1907.  Cornerstone ceremonies were held November 13, 1907 with the Masonic Lodge leveling the stone.

    "In W. T. Parmer's book "FreeMasonry in Shelby County" he states that "Perhaps the first suspicious occasion observed by the lodge in the twentieth century was the laying of the Cornerstone for the Center School.   The Stiffen Elm band rendered the music for the occasion.  The day was fair and cold but one of the most pleasant."

This building, with some additions, served the school for a period of 56 years and was demolished in August of 1963,  at which time it was replaced by another Grammar School complex.

THE FOLLOWING IS COPIED VERBATIM  FROM "STUDENTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE CENTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS" 1897 - 1965 by J. B. SANDERS.

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