Elroy Negro School is one of the many forgotten schools and institutions of Austin & Del Valle that have faded away with time and from people's memories. Not much is known about the Elroy Negro School.
The exact date of when Elroy Negro School built and constructed is unknown. However the school itself dates back to the early 20th century. Both Elroy School District and Colorado Common School District #36 operated this school. Elroy Negro School was a county school that primarily taught elementary school grades. Elroy Negro School served as a school for black/African-American students who lived in the Elroy community. Segregation was law of the land in Texas. (Ref: https://www.traviscountytx.gov/images/historical_commission/Doc/Histroical_Reports/aa_rural_schools_30-40.pdf)
Elroy Negro School had a ratio of 2 teachers to 61 black students with the ratio being 2:61 in the year of 1907. In 1908 Elroy Negro School had a ratio of 2 teachers to 41 black students with the ratio being 2:41.
In 1925, Elroy Negro School was a little wooden school building with a sign placed at the entrance which read "Elroy Negro School". The school was built of materials from a previous building which was the original school building that was torn down on the same site. An outdoor toilet was visible from the road. Not much effort is made to conceal it. There didn't seem to be any activity at the school. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/385752611/)
Elroy Negro School was converted into Elroy Elementary School in 1950. From 1950 to 1961, Elroy Elementary School was taught here and high school was taught at the Elroy White School (Elroy School). Elroy Negro School closed in 1961 when Del Valle ISD absorbed the Elroy School District into its school district. When the school closed its students were sent elsewhere. The school sat vacant for a short period of time.
In 1963, Del Valle ISD sold the property to Fred C. Morse, Jr. after sitting vacant. No one would live in the school building despite it being already sold. This left the school building vacant without any use or purpose.
On the date of August 13, 1964, Fred C. Morse, Jr. and First Texas Savings Association sold the propriety to Elizabeth Stahl Croy and her husband Truman H. Croy at the sum price of $4,500.00. Both her and the husband began living in that house the same year.
Today Elizabeth Stahl Croy and her family still live in the schoolhouse today. Elizabeth Stahl Croy is listed as the owner of the former school building. Much renovation and remodeling has been done to the school house. New layers of white paint were added on the exterior walls.
Elroy Negro School is located at 14107 FM 812, Del Valle, Texas, US 78617.
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