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In 1914 Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States, the Panama Canal had just opened, and World War I had begun. During this year, the citizens of Bedford agreed to a bond project for $5,000.00 to build a new school on Bedford Road for the children of Bedford. Nearly unanimous support for the construction of the school bonds demonstrated the deep and sincere commitment of the residents toward public education. When completed, the school was the largest structure in the area and dominated the local landscape for many years on one of the highest elevations in Bedford.

The first staff of the Bedford School in 1915 consisted of a principal, who also taught classes, and 4 other teachers. The school served the community needs until 1969 when the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD closed the facility due to its small size and relocated students to nearby Bell Manor Elementary.

During the years that the school was in use, the Bulldog was the school mascot. This image appeared in various styles on yearbooks, and other school items.

The school was later used as a garage, warehouse and maintenance facility by the City of Bedford falling into a state of general disrepair. In January of 1991, fire ravaged the building, destroying the entire roof and severely damaging the masonry walls and interior finishes.

In 1993, phase I (the demolition phase) of restoration began. East and West wings had been added to the School during the 1950's and had to be removed if the restoration was to be authentic to the 1915 era. The site was cleaned up and asbestos was removed.

Phase II was competed in 1995 which restored the masonry walls. A new roof and second floor were constructed. Wood floors were laid and new doors were replicated and installed. Hand-stamped tin ceilings and period-style pigmented plaster blackboards to highlight the restored classroom completed this phase.

Phase III placed the Old Bedford School in conformance with the requirements of the National Registry and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Work during this phase included the addition of a two-story brick building on the north side of the School for the elevator and restrooms. Site work (lighting, grading, fencing, landscaping, sprinklers, paving and brickwork) was also completed.

The School opened in the late summer of 1996 and houses a museum, visitors center, meeting areas, a 1915-style classroom and a tiered 135 seat auditorium. In 1997 the School was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

online: http://www.oldbedfordschool.com/
email: dbuschardt@ci.bedford.tx.us