Return Edwards School to its original charm

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It seems like only yesterday when I first attended the old Edwards School.

There I was in 1958 in the first grade. I remember walking from the Edwards apartments to school. Although it was just across the street, it seemed like a mile. The campus seemed huge, and it was alive and full of excitement. There were students on campus that ranged from the first grade through the 12th grade; the third through six grades were held at the Riverside school.

The old gym that was built in 1949 when A.O. Bird was superintendent and the classroom building seemed massive. There were elementary and high school students everywhere. That magnificent gym was the center for all of the functions that took place. There were sports, P.E. classes, Friday assemblies, carnations and, of course, our elementary plays. Being in the play was so exciting. It gave us the opportunity to perform on the huge, or what seemed to be, stage that was otherwise prohibited to us.

The floor on the stage was hardwood and it maintained a brilliant shine. What kid wouldn’t want to perform there? These memories of the old Edwards School and its splendor will always be a part of me.

Although the memories fade, fortunately the old gym and the classroom building still stand and are still being used. Over 20 years ago, a group of alumni established The Edwards Association and turned it into The Edwards Community Center. Unfortunately, and as expected, the luster and charm are gone but the integrity of the buildings remain though many repairs are needed.

As the newly elected president of The Edwards Association, it is my goal to see life and excitement return to the campus by way of the Edwards Community Center where all citizens of Gonzales and Gonzales County can come and feel proud of this historic site.

We are so thankful to our Mayor, Connie Kacir and the Gonzales City Council for including The Edwards Association in the 2017 budget. This money will go a long way in restoring some of the features of the old gym. Especially the restrooms which I vividly remember being the same as in 1958. The gym has never been air conditioned, we would sure love it to be. I also notice how excited kids get when there’s a party in the gym and they get a chance to get on the stage. It would be great to see kids perform on that stage again. There is much work to do and so little money to do it with.

So I appeal to you Gonzales Community, please help us return the old school to some of its original charm, beauty and all its rich heritage through financial donations, volunteers, or craftsmen that can donate time and materials to our restoration.

Thank you so much.

You can reach David Tucy at 830-263-1611.

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