Sharp School (former) – Buckholts TX

Description

The Federal Administration of Public Works (a.k.a. Public Works Administration) provided funds to build the former Sharp School building about a dozen miles north of Thorndale, Texas, in 1939. As of 2018, the west end of the building appears intact, but the roof has collapsed on north and east ends.

After a 1939 fire, the Sharp School building was rebuilt with the help of the Public Works Administration. The Bartlett [TX] Tribune reported the incident: “Sharp’s new $74,000 school building which was to have been dedicated Sept 3, burned to the ground Sunday afternoon …

The building, which was erected with PWA aid had 12 classrooms, an auditorium and several offices.”

“The school was one of the largest in Central Texas and had just been completed. It had been declared the most modern school in this section.”

The PWA then considered providing funds toward the school’s re-construction; it is unclear whether the school was rebuilt. Sharp does not presently have a school.

Cameron Herald dated 3/28/1940:

“Contract Will be Awarded for Sharp School Building. Karl Johnson, Cameron architect, said early Saturday that contract will be let on April 1st for the new school building at Sharp.

The building was destroyed by fire last year when it was almost ready for occupancy. In the construction of the building government aid was given in outright grant.

Insurance in the amount of $40,000 was paid to the district following the fire. This money, now in the bank, will be supplemented by funds to be raised by the district and no government aid will be received on the new job.

The amount involved in the building will not be known until bids have been received and contract let. The building originally cost $70,000.00.”