Literacy in a Separate but Unequal Time

In Hunt County after the Civil War two former slaves, "Free" Jim Brigham and Porter Laws created a plan for literacy for the children of their freedmen colony. During this time there were many orphaned children who were abandoned by their former owners who were no longer legally responsible for them. "Free" Jim Brigham and Porter Laws adopted these children and provided them with food, shelter and the opportunity to learn to read and write. From these beginnings the St. Paul School of Neylandville, Texas became the destination for thousands of children who fulfilled their dreams of literacy. Operating with limited funds, the St. Paul School bused in children from grades 1 - 12, offering a full range of academic classes, plus shop, home economics, band, debate, theater, NHA and NFA groups. Economic factors forced the closing of the school in 1965. 

Early St. Paul school picture, unknown date and location. Click on the image to go to a timeline for the St. Paul School.

Destination for Literacy Dreams: The St. Paul School