RIDGE SCHOOLHOUSE

New Life for a 1930’s-Era County Landmark

There Once Was a Schoolhouse…

In far west Mills County, at the intersection of Farm Roads 573 and 574, sets a forlorn 1930’s-era clapboard two-room schoolhouse. The area around the schoolhouse was originally settled in 1888 and named Cold Springs. A post office was established in 1915 by W.D. Aldridge and the community was renamed Ridge, a moniker derived from the last syllable of Mr. Aldridge’s name.*

The schoolhouse and one-acre tract around it were the gift of Curtis’ maternal great-grandfather, J.E. Boyd, to the ranching community for the express purpose of building a schoolhouse. Not long after the schoolhouse was completed in 1931, World War II broke out and nearby Camp Bowie acquired the property to conduct military maneuvers. Incidentally, Curtis’ mother, Beulah Lois “Patty” Pafford Roberts and her older sister, Melva Joan Pafford Noland attended 2nd and 3rd grade here!

In November 2023 (92 years after the schoolhouse was built), Mills County advertised the schoolhouse tract for public auction. The auction took place on the north steps of the courthouse in Goldthwaite (where Curtis’ mother served as District Clerk for eight years); and after a spirited bidding, Curtis and Michéle acquired the property. The schoolhouse officially became theirs on December 23, 2023.

With the cessation of World War II in 1945, the property became part of Mills County’s inventory. The next 40+ years saw the schoolhouse serve as a de-facto community center that hosted square dances, choir concerts, quilting bees, voting activities, and family gatherings. But by the early 1990’s the building had fallen into disrepair and began to exhibit serious signs of neglect.

Looking to the future, and recognizing this opportunity as yet another sign of God’s grace, the Roberts family intends to rehabilitate the schoolhouse into their weekend retreat.
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*Source: Texas State Historical Association,
‍www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/ridge-tx-mills-county

Update 7:

October 11, 2025

We’re getting close to completion; close enough that Michele has already begun thinking about “Phase 2” projects!
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Good progress has been made on the fence and gate and refinishing of the interior floors. The electrician is due back in the next couple of weeks to install light fixtures, switches, etc. to complete that scope of work. We’re also speaking with the contractor about taking the excavated asphalt and stacking it along the south edge of the property, then covering it with dirt to create a berm that helps to buffer sights and sounds from fast-moving FM 574 traffic. We’re still hoping to be moved in by Thanksgiving!
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Update 6:

October 1, 2025

Interior details are rounding into shape, with only a few hiccups that can be attributed to a really old building. Tile work is close to completion, as is millwork. We’re hoping the next update includes news on the new entrance to the property and maybe even a perimeter fence!
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Update 5:

September 18, 2025

The schoolhouse is a beehive of activity. Cabinets have been installed and painted. Tile work is in progress. Extensive repair work is being performed on the 90+ year old wood floor. And the flooring contractor has even provided us with options for finishing the floor throughout. GK Construction indicates we might be able to move in by the end of the year!
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Update 4:

May 26, 2025

Building is largely dried-in, albeit with no doors yet. We can begin to see things taking shape!  
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Update 3:

May 18, 2025

Progress at the Schoolhouse! East elevation with two clerestory windows framed; south (front) elevation with four new windows and front door framed; west elevation with new door framed.
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Update 2:

April 11, 2025

Interior framing has begun with Michéle and the project superintendent, Aris Shelton, discussing details. Exterior flatwork is also underway! We also received a surprise visit from the West Mills County building inspector, Patty Roberts.
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Update 1:

March 15, 2025
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We removed all of the theater seating from the schoolhouse today (thank you for your more-than-able assistance, Fletcher Roberts!). These seats somehow found their way to us from the Melba Theater, which opened its doors in downtown Goldthwaite on June 28, 1929, but closed for good on January 7, 1962. This story represents yet another example of how this modest little structure is a time capsule of Mills County’s history.
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*Source: Billy Smith, Don Lewis, and Billy Holcomb; cinematreasures.org
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First Clean

First Clean

Purchasing the Schoolhouse

Purchasing the Schoolhouse

The Classroom

The Classroom

Ridge Schoolhouse - Curtis & Michele Roberts 2025