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Submitted: 3/17/16 • Approved: 3/17/16 • Last Updated: 3/13/18 • R1128710-G0-S3
History of the name;
In 1911 there were not enough school age children in either Van Buren or Cleburne counties to establish a public school district and state law did not permit school districts to cross county lines. However, the people of this community were very interested in education for their children and under the leadership of Mr. Anuel Davis they were able to persuade the State Legislature to pass Special Act. No. 211 establishing a school district that would take in land in eastern Van Buren and western Cleburne county. Because of Mr. Davis' leadership it was decided to give his name to the school district that took a Special Act of the Legislature to create—Davis Special. Indeed the whole community adopted the name of Davis Special.
The one room school served as a center for education, recreation, and worship for the entire community from 1911 until 1946 when Davis Special School District was consolidated with Shirley School District.
In 1946 the school building was purchased by the Davis Special Church of Christ and services were held there regularly until 1963. Since then the building is used by the community for many different things. Weddings and special church services are still occasionally held there, as are homecomings and different meeting. This is one of the few one-room school houses left in Van Buren county that is still being used today.
The cemetery is adjacent to the schoolhouse/church.
Contributed on 3/17/16 by hawkinsdonna
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Record #: 1128710