Williams Creek (Albert) School

School Snapshot

Quick details for visitors

Location 5501 South Ranch Road 1623
Established 1891
School Type One-room country school
Access Grounds open; building open during events (when scheduled)
Directions Open in Google Maps
Open Houses View upcoming dates

Built in 1897 and consolidated in 1950, Williams Creek School—also known as Albert School—served generations of children in the Albert community. Students studied arithmetic, reading, writing, spelling, history, geography, and penmanship.

Like many rural schools, several grade levels were taught in one room, with older students often helping younger ones. Friday spelling bees were a regular part of school life. During World War I, a new law required most subjects to be taught in English, and German was no longer allowed on school grounds.

Our schools are available be rented for private functions, weddings, and other social gatherings at a nominal fee of $25 per school.

All visits and tours are by appointment only. To make rental arrangements or request additional information, please contact the school’s designated rental representative by phone or submit your request through our Contact Us form. When using the form, be sure to select the school(s) you wish to visit and include your preferred date and details.

For the Williams Creek (Albert) School, please contact James Franze at 979-777-0644 or Ada Wilke at 830-644-2651.

You’re welcome to explore the school grounds and surrounding property even when no official open house events are scheduled. These historic settings offer opportunities for leisurely walks, bird watching, geo-caching, and quiet reflection.

If the school building is locked, feel free to look through the windows to glimpse the interior. Should a private event be underway, we kindly ask that you respect the occasion and avoid interrupting activities.

To schedule a guided visit or tour of the Williams Creek (Albert) School, please contact 979-777-0644 or Ada Wilke at 830-644-2651, or submit a request through our Contact Us form. When using the form, select Williams Creek (Albert) School from the dropdown menu and include your preferred date, time, and any additional details.

The Albert Community Club continues to keep the school active as a gathering place. The club meets six times each year—in January, March, May, July, September, and December—for card and domino games, social time, a business meeting, and a shared meal. The December meeting is a Christmas social, and the July gathering includes the club’s annual barbecue fundraiser. Today, the school is also used for reunions, weddings, rehearsal dinners, family parties, meetings, and other community activities.

In 1891, one acre of land on Williams Creek was purchased for $1, and a one-room log cabin school was built. School District #38 was established to serve the children of the surrounding rural community.

In November 1897, a new 1½-acre tract was purchased for $5 in what is now known as Albert. The school was moved away from the creek to a more accessible location, and a new limestone school building was constructed.

For a number of years, lessons in the new building were taught in German. Later, English was also added. During World War I, state law required all subjects except foreign languages to be taught in English, and German was no longer permitted on school grounds.

By 1922, enrollment had grown to 70 students, and two teachers were needed. A second classroom was added, with an enclosed porch connecting the two rooms. The new room was built of wood with a brick-faced tin exterior, and each classroom had its own chimney for the wood-burning stove.

Reverend Arhelger later recalled attending Albert School around 1895. He remembered teacher John Merz as a scholar and strict disciplinarian who taught reading and writing in both German and English. Although most families in the community spoke German, the primary language of instruction had become English. Farm children often worked in the cotton fields before school began in September, but families made every effort to see that children did not miss school.

Williams Creek School also has a notable presidential connection. In 1920 and 1921, future President Lyndon B. Johnson was enrolled as a student.

By 1949, enrollment had declined significantly, and students were contracted to the Stonewall School District. On June 12, 1950, the majority of qualified voters in District #38 voted to consolidate with Stonewall.