Local residents urge county to preserve Pine Island School building
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Summary
Speakers told commissioners the historic Pine Island School building near Smith Point has community and historic value and should be preserved rather than removed; a speaker said deeds and affidavits exist showing reversion language to family ownership if not used for teaching.
Janet Legoe and other Smith Point residents addressed the Chambers County Commission Court on Jan. 14 to urge preservation of the Pine Island School building on FM 562, describing the structure’s historical role and community value and asking the county not to demolish it.
Legoe described the school’s history as a wooden structure used for grades K–4 and recalled local families and teachers connected to the building. She said the building had been well maintained under Anahuac ISD while it was in district ownership and that the community has used the site during storms and for training by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Legoe said there are deeds and affidavits indicating the property was to revert to family ownership if it ceased to be used as a teaching facility and asked commissioners to consider those documents before permitting removal.
Why it matters: The request raises questions about county custodianship of historic properties, deed reversion clauses and how county facilities are maintained and repurposed. Preservation advocates framed the building as a community resource that has been used for shelter, training and local events.
Ending: Speakers provided copies of deeds and records to county staff and asked the court to consider restoration or community reuse rather than removal.