Stony School - Stony, TX - Former Schools on Waymarking.com

This town got its name from Stony McSpadden, who established the first post office here (discontinued in 1918). According to Nita Seals's "Ponder: The Little Town with the Big Rodeo," this is the third (and final) Stony school. Until 2009, there was a Stony Schoolhouse Reunion here every first Sunday in October. Today, Stony is a ghost town, with only the school building, the church (still active), and the cemetery being the major visible signs of a community that is now part of Ponder. At the provided link, Nancy Cleere Rodgers provides some background on the reunions, reproduced here, unedited:

The Stony community near Ponder, TX had a homecoming gathering for those who attended the Stony School or lived in the area and liked to attend. Everyone was asked to bring food for their family members; the food was then laid out on several tables for a community picnic. A wide variety of delicious homemade dishes were brought--often resulting in an exchange of recipes. Tables for eating were prepared, each with a lovely centerpiece. In addition to the tables--benches and school desks were also used for dining spots.

Young and old alike visited with their neighbors, re-newed old school friendships, or met someone new. June Marquis often decorated the tables and Carolyn Harrison mailed out the cards to those on the mailing list. After the meal, the meeting was called and secretary, Betty Foster read the minutes from the last meeting. One year's doorprizes were lovely potted mums and halloween decoration items. Each year a Queen was elected by votes of the attendees. Another fun element of the reunion was the contest for the "Ugliest Man". Bill Marquis was very often the winner; his previous wins had left few willing to compete.

One year's turn-out was a total of thirty-seven people. Of those, ten were actual students and one teacher, Betty Foster. Since fewer people were attending then in past years, it was suggested that the homecoming could be changed to every two years instead, but most wanted to continue on a yearly basis. Future plans had included painting the interior and repairs on the roof. In past years, money was raised to put in new windows and the exterior painting of the building.

A special guest, Georgia Caraway, Ph.d attended one reunion. She collected information, photos and stories for the Denton County Courthouse Museum and the Denton Record Chronicle. Many people brought their photos and shared their stories with her.

Debra Smith, daughter of Juanell & Dalon took photos of a previous year's meeting and offered them for sale to raise money for the Stony Schoolhouse Fund. Another year she took photos outside under the Stony Scoolhouse sign of the former students and teacher (Betty Foster); individual family group photos; and a large group photo of all who came to the homecoming. These photos were available for purchase the following year.

Three additional plaques were added to the large wall plaque of "Family & Friends of Stony Community" that was hanging in the front hall. They were: Jack & Clara Lou Brisco by their children: Jack Edward, James Hurbert, Carolyn, Vanna B. & Becky. In Memory of Bonnie Shaw Christal Abrams given by Daughter of Burk Christal. In Memory of Eda Mae Hilton Wilkins Given by Deanna Enis, daughter.

Address: 13900 block of Old Stony Road Stony (Ponder), TX USA 76259 Web Site: [Web Link]

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