Bear Creek School
The Bear Creek community was northeast of Millwood 3 or 4 miles and about 2 miles west of Nevada. The Bear Creek Cemetery is in the area.
Bear Creek School was built about 1870. It was a frame building 20 by 30 with plank seats, lumber hauled from Piney Woods of east Texas, possibly Jefferson. It had crude homemade seats with backs and desks, but the pupils were happy that they were so fine, after having been used to log benches without backs or desks. One of the best teachers in the county taught there, Prof. S. S. McIntosh and his wife. Justice Court of Precinct No. 7 used to be held at this school house. It was on the south side of the public road.
In the McKinney newspaper in 1880: “This is one enterprising community, good land, well improved, thickly settled. Teacher S. McIntosh, who has filled the position for some time, holds a first-grade certificate, is making teaching his profession. Fund $308.10.” In 1890 Bear Creek School had 96 students. There were 120 in 1891 and 105 in 1892. In 1905 Miss Nellie Hilley from Copeville was the teacher. The Empire School consolidated with Bear Creek. It was said to have 9 male and 7 female students in 1909. In 1912, District #55 had 25 students.
Bear Creek School was built about 1870. It was a frame building 20 by 30 with plank seats, lumber hauled from Piney Woods of east Texas, possibly Jefferson. It had crude homemade seats with backs and desks, but the pupils were happy that they were so fine, after having been used to log benches without backs or desks. One of the best teachers in the county taught there, Prof. S. S. McIntosh and his wife. Justice Court of Precinct No. 7 used to be held at this school house. It was on the south side of the public road.
In the McKinney newspaper in 1880: “This is one enterprising community, good land, well improved, thickly settled. Teacher S. McIntosh, who has filled the position for some time, holds a first-grade certificate, is making teaching his profession. Fund $308.10.” In 1890 Bear Creek School had 96 students. There were 120 in 1891 and 105 in 1892. In 1905 Miss Nellie Hilley from Copeville was the teacher. The Empire School consolidated with Bear Creek. It was said to have 9 male and 7 female students in 1909. In 1912, District #55 had 25 students.
