Last updated: January 12, 2024
Place
Junction School Virtual Tour
NPS Photo / Cynthia Dorminey
Built in 1910, the Junction School served children of rural Gillespie County for 37 years. Students walked to school to learn the “3Rs”—reading, writing, and arithmetic—in a sparsely decorated room heated by a wood stove and illuminated by kerosene lamps. A water bucket and dipper provided drinking water. Children brought their lunches from home in tin pails.
In 1912, four-year-old Lyndon Johnson began his education in this building. Kate Deadrich taught 30 students ranging from preschool to eighth grade. Boys sat on one side of the room, girls on the other. The future president, youngest student in the school, often sat on Miss Kate’s lap for reading lessons.
Inspired by his brief time in this simple schoolhouse, Lyndon Johnson would champion the cause of public education throughout his life.
In 1912, four-year-old Lyndon Johnson began his education in this building. Kate Deadrich taught 30 students ranging from preschool to eighth grade. Boys sat on one side of the room, girls on the other. The future president, youngest student in the school, often sat on Miss Kate’s lap for reading lessons.
Inspired by his brief time in this simple schoolhouse, Lyndon Johnson would champion the cause of public education throughout his life.