In 1893, a six-room school named Cascara was built facing Lorraine Street and bounded by Terry and McKee Streets. The first principal of the school was J.E. Niday and the first students to attend to school were transferred from Elysian Street School. This was the beginning for a school that we now know as Sherman Elementary School. 

In 1899, J.L. McReynolds became the principal and remained for over 20 years. A six room addition was added in 1901. In 1906, the school’s name changed to Sidney Sherman in honor of one of the heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto.

 Over the years, many students have attended Sherman. Some of the students are now grown adults. Mrs. Mata and Mrs. Moreno attended Sherman School when they were little. Mrs Zaborowski’s grandfather, David Horton, and his family came to Sherman. Also, Ms. Maxwell’s father, Earl Maxwell, his sister, Pauline, were students at Sherman in the early 1900’s.

 Mr. Maxwell remembers how students had to line up outside and proceed to their classes to a march played on the piano by a teacher or student. The ground floor of the building was where the children played on rainy days and where they ate lunch, which cost about 10 cents. The janitor lived on the ground floor too. 

Back in the early 1900’s, lady teachers wore long dresses. Mr. Maxwell remembered some of his, whose names were Mrs. Castle, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Galihaw, Mrs. Gieseke, and two Miss Hogans who were sisters.  

 Classrooms were on the second and third floors. Subjects taught were the usual reading, math, spelling, and penmanship. There were no social studies or science classes. Each room had a coat room where children left their lunches and coats. It was also the place where a child was sent for punishment.

 New wings were built at the school. In 1957, the old part was heavily damaged in a fire. It was repaired, but was finally torn down in about 1967. The fine old landmark of the Northside disappeared and in its place today is the teacher’s parking lot.