History of Staples Street School in Corpus Christi, Texas explored.

Staples Street School is one of the lesser known schools of Corpus Christi, Texas which history has been forgotten with time. This news article will explain and explore the history behind Staples Street School.

Staples Street School was established in 1912 by Corpus Christi Independent School District as a Mexican School and as a branch of Furman School. This school was known as "the chicken coop". This school was geared primarily towards Hispanic students. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7521088/the-corpus-christi-caller-times/)

However Staples Street School would not open in 1912. That is because construction of Staples Street School was not completed until August 1913 after Corpus Christi Independent School District board members approved plans. “Names for the three ward schools were chosen in December 1912, but the buildings were not completed and approved until August 1913.” (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4939849/the-corpus-christi-caller-times/)

Staples Street School would also be referred to as the “Second Ward School” and the “Third Ward School”. Although, however, Staples Street School was most commonly referred to as “Third Ward School” and "the chicken coop". (Ref: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Ella Barnes To Have New Shop Class, Page 21, Sunday, August 1, 1963)

Staples Street School was renown for its large spacious gymnasium. Corpus Christi Caller-Times described the gymnasium as “the spacious confines of the Staples Street school's gymnasium”. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/31217485/)

The school was discontinued in 1915 due to budgetary reasons. This led the school to be shut down for a number of years. 

Years later, Staples Street School would open again on the date of October 27, 1921. The reopening of  Staples Street School relieved the crowded conditions at Corpus Christi schools. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-antonio-light-oct-27-1921-p-17/)

“Congestion of the Corpus Christi schools were greatly relieved when the Staples Street School opened here Monday. The school has been closed for some time and reopened to take care of the extra pupils that are attending school here this year. One hundred fifty pupils were enrolled at the Staples Street School.”

The Galveston Daily News wrote about the reopening of Staples Street School. That is how news about the reopening of Staples Street School made it to Galveston. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/22156862/)

“The rehabilitated Staples Street School building has been put in use again for the first time since 1919 with three teachers and 120 pupils. This served somewhat to relieve congestion at some of the other buildings and allowed primary classes to attend for the full school day instead of a half day, as hitherto since school opened.”

 

Staples Street School still continued to operate as a Mexican School throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Exactly why Staples Street School is unknown. The Staples Street School no longer exists and an adult daycare is now in its place.

Staples Street School was located at 619 South Staples Street, Corpus Christi, Texas, US 78401.