By Greg Roche assisted by the research of Omar Holguin, Jr.
The history of Travis Elementary is perhaps not a mystery to many of us and I won’t delve too much into the early details, but there are some nuggets worth noting if you’re new to the neighborhood. Named for the Texian Army’s famous Lieutenant-Colonel, William Barret (Buck) Travis, the school’s origin stems from the influences of a Mr. Thomas D. Beauchamp and the Beauchamp Springs School.
Since 1838, the name Beauchamp has held an important place in our neighborhood’s founding way before the establishment of The Woodland Heights in 1907. The true location of the actual Beauchamp Spring(s) as well as the early incarnations of the Beauchamp Springs Schools (north and south of White Oak Bayou) are early examples of approximately located neighborhood landmarks. Add to them mentions of other schools like the old Bayland Orphanage School, the McCasland, HOLA and Hollywood Schools and it’s enough to make one’s head spin - prior to the well-documented construction of the Travis School at 3311 Beauchamp from land donated by William A. Wilson in 1908.
The original Travis School was described as an eight-room brick building built by C.C. Winn. In truth, it was much grander than that with a partially above ground basement that housed a library accessible by a graceful, wooden stairway. In 1914, six additional classrooms were added. There are documented stories from the 1930’s of students sliding down the old library banister and outdoor fire escapes of the original Travis building. Located where the Spark park is now, if you’re viewing the oval of cedars surrounding ‘Lake Travis’ after a soaking rain, imagine an imposing two and half story structure occupying that space. This structure was torn down in the early 1980’s.
The next generation Travis was built in 1926 and occupies the northern tract of the Wilson land. It consisted of two stories and a dozen classrooms along with an auditorium and cafeteria. This red-bricked building continues to serve as the primary school structure, however significant renovation and expansion occurred in 2004 when it was gutted and redesigned to accommodate a more open design with multiple classrooms for all grades, a relocated multi-purpose cafeteria/gym/stage, a library and administration offices. Concurrently, HISD annexed a few adjacent northern blocks to make room for an outdoor amphitheater, a generous garden center and additional parking.
Today Travis sits on a total of 4.5 acres, has a total enrollment of over 800 students providing exceptional elementary education to over 300 families from The Woodland Heights and nearby neighborhoods. By happenstance, two of our three sons were once proud Travis Tigers and a few former Travis principles once lived in our home on Beauchamp Street. For this reason, Travis Elementary will always hold special meaning for us and that’s why it’s another ‘Tale from the Tundra’.
