History of Kincheonville School in Austin, Texas explored.

Kincheonville School is one of Austin’s lesser known and obscure schools. This news article will explain the history behind Kincheonville School.

The origins of Kincheonville School are obscure. Although Kincheonville School originated in Zion Rest Baptist Church which was established in 1903 as both a congregation and a school when the original plot of land for the church and school was donated by 3 community members who were Joe Davis, Rick Dawson, and Mr. Jesse Strickland. Kincheonville School also developed at that time and originally met in in Zion Rest Baptist Church. Kincheonville School was an all black school during this time. (Ref: http://www.zionrestmbc.org/about-us/our-history)

Kincheonville School was started by Thomas W. Kincheon Sr., the founder of the Kincheonville community. Ophelia H. Kincheon began her teaching career at the Kincheonville School during the early 20th century. She was one of the first teachers to teach at the Kincheonville School. Ophelia H. Kincheon would be a teacher at Kincheonville School until 1936 when she transferred to Blackshear Elementary School to teach there. Ophelia taught at Blackshear Elementary School from 1936 to 1970. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/364190607/)

According to the Austin American-Statesman, Kincheonville School had closed down in 1911 when their school term drew to a conclusion. Kincheonville School was one of the 12 schools that had already wound up their work. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/366323433/)

The country schools are closing in considerable numbers now, according to the County Superintendent. During the past two weeks, he reports, the schools at Manchaca (both white and colored). Creedmoor (No. 2). Colorado (colored). Sprinkle (colored), Bitting, Turner (colored). Fiskville (colored), Kincheonville (colored), Merrilltown, Thomas Springs, Whitehall, Nichols, Comanche (colored), and Hornshy-Dunlap (white), have drawn their terms to a close. Twelve schools had already wound up their work.

Kincheonville School would open up again for students in 1912 during the 1912-1913 school term. The school was a 1-8 school which educated students in grades 1 through 8 as most rural schools did during the early 20th century.

A report of the scoring of Travis County schools printed in the Austin Statesman showed Kincheonville School ranked at number 359 in 1927. Reports of the scoring of several Travis County schools were made by Travis County Public Schools/Travis County Common School District superintendent Mrs. George R. Felter. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=33881005)

The City of Austin passed a racist new master plan forcing African Americans out of their homes to on the far side of East Avenue (now I 35). This policy, combined with the economic shocks of the Great Depression, pushed many residents out of Kincheonville and other historically black neighborhoods. Public utilities like schools and water lines were only open to African Americans in a "Negro District" on the far side of East Avenue (now I 35). Despite the city passing a racist new master plan designed to force African Americans out of their homes, Kincheonville School remained open and still operated. (Ref: https://www.traviscountytx.gov/historical-commission/marker/2015)

The specific date or time period of when Kincheonville School closed down is unknown. However no articles regarding the Kincheonville School appear after 1940. So Kincheonville School could have closed down in 1940 or during the timeframe between 1940-1944.

Kincheonville School was located at 7907 Dunn Street Austin, Texas, US 78745.