Vandiver Elementary School is the oldest elementary school in Temple, and on Dec.14, the Temple Historic Preservation Committee will honor the school as a Temple Historic Marker.
The first building at the present location was a simple frame structure, known as Temple Ward School, and was erected in 1891.
A six-room stone structure was built for $6,500 in 1896. The name was changed to Vandiver School in 1904 to honor Bell County educator, Mrs. M. V. Vandiver. The stone school building was torn down in 1928 due to structural issues and replaced with the 13,043 square foot building that stands today.
The old school had been vacant for years and was facing demolition until TISD sold the Vandiver School Building to Tina Ortiz in 2016. Helping Hands, a day habilitation center for adults with special needs currently operates out of the Old Vandiver Building.
The presentation will be held on Friday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. at the former Vandiver School Building located at 616 N 11th Street in Temple.
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