History behind Second Ward School in Waco, Texas explored.

Second Ward School is one of Waco’s lesser known schools which was operated by the Public Free Schools of Waco during the late 19th century. Not many people seem to remember this school at all. There is very little documentation relating to this school available. This news article will explain and explore the history behind Second Ward School. Second Ward School was a negro school which was known as Second Ward Colored School.

Bids to be extended for erecting the Second Ward School building were advertised in the Waco Daily Examiner during the summer of 1885. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/76476052/)

Mr. J. C. Cambura, representing the Union School Furniture Company, put in a bid for furnishing furniture for the Second Ward School in October 1885. Second Ward School was a negro school which was known as Second Ward Colored School. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/76477130/) 

 

Second Ward School opened during the 1885-1886 school year. Several children attended Second Ward School within the first year.

Second Ward School had many infrastructure problems from the start. The sidewalks around the school needed a coat of gravel very badly as the sidewalks would be very muddy and almost impassable. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/76477383/)

A news article titled “GRAVEL THE ALLEY” was printed in the Waco Daily Examiner calling attention to the infrastructure issues of Second Ward School and called for city officials to gravel the alley between Washington Street and Columbus Street. However the alley was privately owned and belonged to Captain E. Dickey. Ultimately Captain E. Dickey deeded a portion of the alley to City of Waco for a price of $250 dollars. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/76478008/)

“Children who attend the Second Ward school have to pass in going from their homes. There is no other way for them to get to the school for several blocks up or down Washington street and in muddy weather the alley is simply awful.”

Beginning in 1889, students living west of North 16th Street and north of Tennessee Avenue began attending Second Ward School. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/76477130/)

Second Ward School was located at North 11th Street and Columbus Street, Waco, Texas, US.