Edna Mexican School

Schools like Edna's followed a pattern set in the late nineteenth century. In early statehood Mexican Texan children had no access to public schools at all; by the 1880s they could attend rural schools, and in the 1890s working-class children were admitted to city schools, but in both cases only in segregated classes in the elementary grades, with no secondary schooling open to them. Guadalupe San Miguel traces the segregation to racial prejudice, where families lived, and the lack of any Mexican American voice in school affairs, reinforced by English-only laws.

What the plaque says

EDNA MEXICAN SCHOOL In the early 20th century, political unrest in Mexico coupled with Texas' demand for cheap labor in agriculture, oil, timber and cattle production created a great influx of Mexicans, especially in south Texas. The children of those workers presented many challenges to the public school systems of Texas. At this time in many south Texas schools, Mexican-American children were segregated from Anglo children. In 1903, when the town of Edna incorporated for free public school purposes, it is likely that the schools segregated based on race. The Mexican school was offered six months of the year for grades one through four. If a child wanted to continue their education, they would be transferred to the Anglo school. However, many did not advance due to their need to help support their families. Located in the northwest part of the city, the Edna Mexican School was a wood-frame building containing several rows of desks and meager educational supplies. Even with these hardships, many students succeeded, often due to parental support and the encouragement of Miss Luna Lucille Lindberg (1913-1970). Miss Lindberg taught at the school from 1933 to 1948. She not only taught the students reading, writing, arithmetic and oral recitation, but also the value of hard work and determination. In 1946, the school district made plans to build a new school. Before construction began, in 1948, the landmark case, Delgado v. Bastrop ISD, undermined the segregation of Mexican-American students in Texas. The school closed in the spring of 1948 but the achievements of some of its students remind us that determination to succeed can overcome adversity. (2013)

Where it stands

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