Maxdale History

The first school in the Maxdale area was located on the north bank of the Lampasas River near a natural spring about a half-mile from the Maxdale Community. Because of the secluded location, the school was called “Hideout” and some of the children walked as much as three miles each way to get there.

In 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Ellis deeded one and one-half acres of land to Bell County for school use. The spot, which was more centrally located, was one mile east of Maxdale Cemetery on the north side of the Lampasas River and ten miles southwest of Killeen. The County paid $7.50 for this land which was outside of the original Forbes Survey. The new school building faced west and was approximately 60’ x 30’ in size.

The first building burned in the early 1890s so classes were held in the Primitive Baptist Church. This was a good arrangement until two young men got into an argument resulting in the shooting of Alfred Wimberly’s saddle horse outside the church during a school -sponsored Literacy Society meeting. The church’s elders were unwilling to tolerate such behavior on their property and asked the school to find another temporary home.

Once the new schoolhouse was completed, it was officially named “Independence” but was referred to as Maxdale School. Due to growth in enrollment, the need for a two-teacher school then became evident. This new building became Maxdale School District #27.

Many of the Maxdale teachers were unmarried and were allowed to leave the community only one weekend a month. They were forbidden to smoke, dance, drink, or have dates on school nights. Regardless of their personal convictions, they were expected to attend local church services on a regular basis and to teach Sunday School classes, sing in the choir, or play the organ or piano.

By 1937, parents wanted more education for their children, which became the “beginning of the end” for Maxdale School. Pupils above the seventh grade were transferred to Killeen to complete high school. Fifth through seventh graders were transferred to Reeces Creek School. Children in first through fourth remained at Maxdale. In 1948, the entire school was contracted to Killeen and officially annexed in 1950.

The Maxdale School building eventually became a community center and for many years was used for parties, showers, ball games, ladies’ clubs and elections. No longer needed for those functions, the old school now stands deserted but is still loved as a silent reminder of a priceless heritage.

By: Mrs. Winifred Bell