You can become a part of written history and benefit future generations

Most of you have probably noticed the old wood frame building that has recently been moved to the corner of 6th and Bradford in Kemah and is currently being renovated. This building is the Old Kemah School. In a joint effort of the Kemah Historical Society and the City of Kemah, this building is being restored and will become a Visitors Center as well as a Museum to house the collection of photos and artifacts the Kemah Historical Society has cumulated that go back to Indian times. The Society was founded in 2004 by Tandace Lorae McDill in memory of her late aunt and uncle. Lorae and Jimmie Walker, who owned Jimmy Walker's Restaurant.

This building is significant because it is one of the few original public structures in the community. The earliest photo of the building is dated 1921 but some records show it might have existed as early as 1912.

The old school house is a source of fond memories for many local residents who attended the school up until 1949. Sylvia Streater, ex-council woman in Kemah, remembers the old school having two classrooms. First and second grade were in one room and 3rd and 5th in the other. at some point in time the principle, LaVace Stewart, built and addition for 5th and 6th graders. In 1949, the now functioning Stewart Elementary was built and the students moved from the two room house to the new facility. This school now services Kemah and Clear Lake Shores elementary students.

Ed Linck. President of the Kemah Historical Society, and Nolan Kelly have been working on the project of restoring the school since its inception. They perform work as money becomes available. Without the dedication of these men and several others on the Historical Society and City, this project would not have been possible.

Here is where you can help. The Kemah Historical Society is selling brick pavers which will be installed in the outside walkways. These brick pavers will have your name engraved on t hem and will be inlaid into the pathways. You can also purchase a 12 x 12 tile if you want to put many family names on one tile. You can purchase a brick for yourself, donate a tile in memory of a loved one who might have attended the old school, or someone living who attended that school or now attends Stewart Elementary. This would be your chance to memorialize yourself or a loved one at the Visitors Center/Museum. If you are interested in purchasing a brick for$60 or a large tile for $120, please call Roselyn Pierce at 281 334 2973, member of the Kemah Historical Society.

Members of your Kemah Historical Society