| Edward C. Lewis House |
Edward C. Lewis house, later enlarged into the main building of the Lewis Academy. .
|
Professor Edward C. Lewis donated this home to establish the Forney Academy in 1894. Later changed to the Lewis Academy, this private school grew rapidly and in 1897, several facilities and a large wing had been added. The Academy was well known nationwide as a fine preparatory school and was accredited by several universities, including the University of Texas and the Bliss School of Electricity in Washington, DC. Prof. Lewis was the principle, his sister taught art and his wife headed the primary department. |
The Lewis Academy also had the first football team in Forney. Football was a new sport at the time, and only one team member had ever even seen a football game!
Unfortunately, the community became less and less enthused about paying for an education when there was quality public education in town. By 1903, enrollment had dropped drastically and Lewis was in debt. The Academy closed and Lewis moved out west, dying in 1908.
In 1912, this house became the location of the Elm Grove Sanitarium, run by Drs. Fowler and Hudgins. Today, this home no longer exists. |
Back to Around Forney
Home
|
|
|
