the community of West Sandy
The image above defines the boundaries of the West Sandy community.
San Jacinto "Old" Schoolhouse
WSCA Headquarters
Today, the San Jacinto Schoolhouse serves as the West Sandy Community Association (WSCA) headquarters and the facility is used for social gatherings, community game nights (most Fridays) and also for voting and other community activities.
Occupying approximately three acres, it is located in southwestern Walker County, about 11 miles from Huntsville Texas, on the northwest corner of the intersection of
FM 3179 and FM 1791.
The San Jacinto School
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 as 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 preservation and reuse in today’s society.
The San Jacinto Schoolhouse and the Crabbs Prairie Schoolhouse are the only remaining rural schools in Walker County. The San Jacinto Schoolhouse is owned by the West Sandy Community Association, which was revived after 25 years of inactivity. They have had tremendous support from West Sandy community residents. The restoration of the San Jacinto Schoolhouse is ongoing.
the facility
Exterior
The exterior includes a parking lot with designated handicapped parking spaces, a 16’ x 30’ covered pavilion (added in 2015 and not shown) and a large open field. There is a south facing covered porch with handicapped access ramp.
Interior
The interior includes a large entry hallway, two restrooms with baby changing stations in each, a full kitchen with a stove and microwave and two meeting rooms (one with a stage) for gathering.
The larger of the two gathering rooms (the Auditorium) is set up with tables and chairs to accommodate approximately 80 people. Also found in this room is a raised stage.
The smaller of the rooms (the Classroom) has a bench, tables and chairs set up to accommodate about 25 people.
The kitchen has tables and chairs suitable for use by 8 to 10 people. In the kitchen, there is a refrigerator, electric 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. 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 endangered historical properties in the state. Since that time, the interior and exterior of the building has been continually maintained by (tax deductible) donations, a grant and tireless ongoing fundraising efforts of the members of the West Sandy Community Association.
Book your event
For parties interested in using the WSCA facilities, please visit the reservations calendar and then contact Jimi Doyle (281) 352-6381 Weekdays 10:00AM to 4:00PM CST
or by email at WSCA2023@GMAIL.COM