Menger School

Menger School. . , The Menger School represents one of many rural public schools that operated in Lavaca County around the turn of the 20th century. On August 19, 1898, Charles and Minna Mender sold a one-acre parcel of land to the Menger School Trustees. The school needed a building, so donations were taken up and locals volunteered their time constructing the one-room schoolhouse. In total, construction cost $400. The students used homemade benches and desks that were about seven feet long and seated four or five pupils. A lawyer from Hallettsville, Charles Fertsch (1879 – 1951), taught the first two years. The school opened with 49 students. In 1916, Menger School received $200 in state aid, which paid for new desks for the teacher and students, chairs and other equipment. Agnes Kavanagh started school library through donations in 1921, growth necessitated adding another classroom and teacher. , The school excelled in many ways. Menger students competed in county meets for academics, volleyball and track and field. 4-H Clubs for both boys and girls were a popular pastime. The school also hosted drama productions and a Christmas program. A forerunner to the PTA, the “Home and School Circle Club,” supported the school. The Club participated in community fundraisers, with the community rising to the occasion to support the school ever time. Despite the school continuing to thrive, in 1949, the school was closed in order to consolidate with Shiner Independent School District, per new state laws. The building was later moved to Shiner and served as the cafeteria for the Shiner Public School. For many decades, the Menger School was a joy and a centerpiece for the rural community.