History of Carlson Negro School in Manor, Texas explored in a historic context.

Carlson Negro School is one the many forgotten negro schools of Travis County and Manor that has been wiped away with time. This news article will explain the history behind this school.


Carlson Negro School was built on land owned by Pete Carlson and Andrew Larson located on Lund - Carlson Road. Pete Carlson and Andrew Larson donated land for a school in 1929 to Carlson School District and Manor ISD. Carlson Negro School served as a school for African American students only enrolled in grades 1 through 7. The school was racially segregated.

Austin American described this building as a “one-room frame school building for negroes” in a news article about the construction of Carlson Negro School. Work was being done in June 1930. (Ref: Austin American, Page 14, Saturday, June 21, 1930)

“Carlson Negro School Work on a one-room frame school building for negroes has begun at Carlson, It was announced : Friday from the office of Mrs. George R. Felter, county superintendent of schools, by Walter Gustafson, trustee in the Carlson School District. The school is being financed by subscription from residents of the Carlson district and the labor for construction of it also is being given free. The school building is located about 10 miles north of Manor. Land for the building was leased free of charge for five years to the school by Pete Carlson and Andrew Larson of Carlson”

During the 1934-1935 school term, Carlson School had 41 students with an average daily attendance of 32 students. There was one teacher for 41 students. The cost per year was $374. An average of $11.68 per student per year. The teacher taught seven grades for 115 days per year and got paid for 6 months. (Ref: https://www.traviscountytx.gov/images/historical_commission/Doc/Histroical_Reports/aa_rural_schools_30-40.pdf)


Carlson Negro School was shut down in 1947 after Manda Common School District consolidated the school into Manda School.

The Carlson Negro School was put up for bid to homeowner in late June 1948. The bid was advertised in the Austin American newspaper. “BUILDING MATERIALS FOR SALE: Carlson Negro School bldg., 16x34. Bids accepted to July 10. Reserve right reject all bids.” (Ref: Austin American, Page 23, Sunday, June 27, 1948)

The Carlson Negro School was put up for sale after no one bided. “ FOR SALE: Carlson Negro School bldg., 16x34. Bids accepted to July 10. Reserve right to reject all bids. For particulars see L. R. Olson, Rt. 3, Manor, or Harry Lind, Rt. 4. Elgin” (Ref: Austin American, Page 18, Sunday, July 4, 1948)

Here is what happened to the school building. The Carlson Negro School building was sold off to private homeowner and is now being used as a residence.

Carlson Negro School was located at Lund - Carlson Road, Manor, Texas, US 78653.