Fall Festival October 21st
West Sandy Community Association
Events and Gatherings
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Bridal and Baby Showers, Wedding and Funeral Receptions, Reunions and Revivals
About WSCA
Today, the San Jacinto School House serves as the West Sandy Community Association building and is used for social gatherings, game night (most Fridays), voting and other community activities. It occupies a portion of approximately three acres located at 732 FM 3179 about 11 miles southwest of Huntsville Texas in Walker County.
Additional Information
Endangered school house, representing other endangered historic Texas school houses. Established in 1900 for grades one through seven, the San Jacinto School district built a “two-room” two-story school house in 1913. The building allowed for classrooms, a stable to accommodate horses and a canning house on the property. In 1948, the school district demolished that building and built the three-room building that exists today. In 1961 the San Jacinto School House was deeded to the West Sandy Community Center of Walker County. It has since been used for social gatherings, live musical entertainment, voting, and other community activities. Community members see the building as an example for creating awareness in rural communities to the plight of rural schools and their potential reuse in today’s society. The San Jacinto School House and the Crabbs Prairie School House are the only remaining rural schools in Walker County. San Jacinto School House is threatened by neglect and vandalism.Update: The School House is owned by the West Sandy Community Association, which recently was revived after 25 years of inactivity. They have had tremendous support from West Sandy community residents. The restoration of the San Jacinto School House is progressing well. They repaired and resealed the roof and are now working on stabilizing the interior ceilings and walls. Subsequent plans are to install windows and doors, begin work on the interior, and build a new porch. The black and white photo was taken circa 1970-80s. The lower photo shows the progress that has been made in less than a year. If you wish to help, please send donations to: West Sandy Community Association P. O. Box 8942 Huntsville, TX 77340-0016
About the facility
Exterior of the facility
The WSCA facilities includes the community center building, parking lot, a 16’ x 30’ covered pavilion (added in 2015 and not shown) and an open field. The community center building has a covered porch with handicapped access, a large entry hall way, gender specific restrooms with baby changing stations in each, a full kitchen and two gathering rooms.
Inside the facility
The larger of the two gathering rooms is set up with tables and chairs to accommodate approximately 80 people. Also found in this room is a raised stage with a piano. The smaller of the rooms has tables and chairs set up to accommodate about 25. In addition, the full kitchen has tables and chairs suitable for use by 8 to 10 people. In the kitchen, there is a refrigerator, electric cook top/oven, sink, microwave and a large ‘L’ shaped counter making it easy to provide food service for a large gathering. There are also two 10 cup coffee pots available for use.
A storage room is accessible from the larger of the gathering rooms containing additional tables and chairs which may be used outside (weather permitting), under the pavilion or on the covered porch. It is possible to reconfigure the table and chair setup in all rooms of the community center building to meet individual needs.
While the building was originally constructed in the early 1900’s, it was renovated in 2005. Since that time, the interior and exterior of the building has been continually maintained by the WSCA. That same year, the school house was nominated by the non-profit group Preservation Texas and, as a result of that action, is listed among the most endangered historical properties in the state.
Rental fees for your event
Rental fees for use of these facilities are very reasonable. We think you will be very pleased. Give us a call.
Venues
Weddings, family gatherings, graduations, special events, and more
Book your event
Parties interested in using the WSCA facilities, please contact
Pam Baldwin at 281-989-3212 Monday through Friday 10 AM CST until 4 PM CST
Or any time of day by email at WSCA2023@GMAIL.COM
Photo Gallery
