A School Reborn

Who: Addie E. McFarland Community Center

What: The former Addie McFarland elementary school building and grounds have taken on new life as a community center.

Where: Mineola, TX

History: Addie E. McFarland, an early black educator in Mineola, first opened a kindergarten program in her home before being asked to teach first and second grade at the public school.  “Miss Addie,” as she was known, taught full time until 1944 when she became ill; she continued to teach part-time as her health permitted.  In 1952, Mineola ISD named its African-American schools in her honor.

The Addie McFarland school, located on South Stone Street in Mineola, closed its doors when Mineola ISD’s schools were integrated in 1966.  Over the following three decades, the facilities became more and more dilapidated.  Then, in 1993, Timothy and Maxine Hancock, both former students, donated the facilities for use as a community center.  “When we got the facilities,” said President Jacqueline McCalla, “there were holes in the exterior walls and the roof of the elementary school was missing.  It was just the shell of its old self.”

The high school was deemed beyond repair and subsequently demolished.  Soon thereafter, work began on repairing the elementary school.  A professional kitchen, meeting rooms, and an exercise facility took the place of the former classrooms.  The Addie E. McFarland Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in 1995 to maintain the new center.  The purpose of the foundation is to provide an educational and recreational facility for the citizens of Mineola.  The group’s primary emphasis is on senior citizens and youth; it offers tutoring, after-school programs, sewing clubs, nutrition assistance, and exercise classes.

What Inspires Us: The Community Center and Foundation are run entirely by volunteers and are funded solely by grants and donations from citizens, former students, churches, and charitable groups.  Nevertheless, the organization’s accomplishments are impressive.  Lunches are served to seniors on Tuesdays, where they are invited to participate in quilting and dominos.  Thanks to a donation from St. Paul Baptist Church, Curves exercise classes are available at a reduced monthly rate Monday through Thursday each week.

Last summer, the Center partnered with the East Texas Food Bank and Mineola Ministerial Alliance to sponsor daily free lunches for students.  Staying true to the building’s roots as a school, volunteers were on hand to educate the youngsters on healthy eating habits.

Coming up next: The Foundation is currently restoring the former gymnasium next to the Community Center.  The roof was replaced and new windows were installed in 2006, with further renovations planned.  Eventually, the Center plans to conduct plays and concerts on the gym’s stage.

More information: To learn more about the Addie E. McFarland Community Center and the Addie E. McFarland Foundation, Inc. please write to P.O. Box 987, Mineola, TX 75773.