Lessons and Blessings: The Story of the Mitchell Center of San Marcos, Texas from 1995 to 2025.

 

Lessons and Blessings: The Story of the Mitchell Center of San Marcos, Texas from 1995 to 2025. Founders Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr., is Set To Visit on February 15, 2025. https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/4502/Mitchell-Center-Officially-Transferred-t

From an Army Barracks at Fort Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas, to Indoor Restrooms at the San Marcos Colored School, to a Community Center, and Finally, to the Calaboose African American Museum, the Mitchell Center Has Served as a Space for Grace and a Very Special Place.

In the heart of San Marcos, Texas, where the echoes of history reverberate in every corner, stands a structure that has borne witness to countless stories of resilience, progress, and transformation. The Mitchell Center, an unassuming yet profoundly meaningful space, represents the journey of a community that has turned trials into triumphs and ordinary spaces into sanctuaries of hope.

A Humble Beginning at Camp Swift

The Mitchell Center’s story begins at Fort Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas, during World War II. Originally built as a military barracks, the structure was a utilitarian space designed to house soldiers preparing for service. After the war, when many such buildings became surplus, the barracks found a new life far from their original purpose. Through a combination of vision and necessity, this wooden structure was transported to San Marcos, where it began its remarkable journey as a community cornerstone.

From Military Barracks to Indoor Restrooms

At a time when segregation was still the law of the land, access to basic amenities like indoor restrooms was a significant issue for Black schools in the South. The San Marcos Colored School acquired the repurposed barracks and transformed them into an essential facility. No longer merely a building, it became a symbol of dignity and progress, providing indoor restrooms for the school’s students. In an era of systemic inequality, such upgrades were more than practical—they were acts of empowerment, offering Black children the facilities and respect they deserved.

A Community Center for All

Over time, the needs of the San Marcos community evolved, and so did the role of the Mitchell Center. Once the school integrated, the building was repurposed again—this time as a community center. It became a gathering place where neighbors could celebrate milestones, organize civic initiatives, and share moments of joy and fellowship. From weddings to community meetings, the Mitchell Center was a beacon of connection, reflecting the spirit of a people determined to thrive together.

A Center for Innovation in Education

In the year 2000, the Mitchell Center took on yet another transformative role, this time as a hub for educational innovation. It became home to the administrative office of Kyev Tatum, a visionary leader dedicated to expanding educational opportunities in San Marcos. Under his leadership, the Mitchell Center became the birthplace of two groundbreaking charter initiatives.

That same year, the Mitchell Center served as the chartering site for the San Marcos Preparatory School, the first charter school in San Marcos. This institution was founded to provide a high-quality, innovative educational experience tailored to the needs of underserved students in the community.

The following year, in 2001, the Mitchell Center made history again by housing the first university-affiliated charter afterschool for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Texas. This pioneering collaboration with Texas State University demonstrated the potential of combining the resources of higher education institutions with the grassroots impact of community organizations. These schools became a beacon of hope for students and families, offering access to opportunities that had previously been out of reach.

The Calaboose African American Museum | https://communityimpact.com/austin/san-marcos-buda-kyle/nonprofit/2024/11/19/the-calaboose-african-american-history-museum-to-expand-relocate-in-san-marcos/

In its latest incarnation, the Mitchell Center found yet another purpose: as home to the Calaboose African American Museum. The name “Calaboose” harkens back to the Spanish word calabozo, meaning jail—a poignant reminder of the injustices faced by African Americans in Texas. Today, the museum serves as a tribute to the Black community’s resilience and a repository of its history.

The exhibits within its walls chronicle the stories of local heroes, from civil rights leaders to cultural icons. Each artifact and photograph speaks to the determination of a community that refused to let its contributions be forgotten. The Mitchell Center, now a museum, ensures that future generations understand the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them.

A Space for Grace

Throughout its many transformations, the Mitchell Center has remained a “space for grace.” Whether offering soldiers a place to rest, students a place to find comfort, neighbors a place to unite, or visitors a place to learn, it has been a constant in an ever-changing world. The grace extended by those who cared for and repurposed the building reflects a community’s dedication to creating opportunities and preserving history.

The Mitchell Center also serves as a reminder of the power of resourcefulness. In a world often characterized by waste and disposability, its story underscores the value of reimagining and repurposing spaces for the common good.

Lessons and Blessings

The lessons of the Mitchell Center are many. It teaches us about resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of community, and the power of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. It reminds us that history is not just about grand monuments but also about humble spaces that foster hope and change.

The blessings of the Mitchell Center are equally profound. It has blessed generations with its presence—serving soldiers, students, families, and scholars. It has been a place of refuge, joy, learning, and remembrance. Most importantly, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a community that has continually turned challenges into opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As the Calaboose African American Museum continues its mission of education and preservation, the spirit of the Mitchell Center lives on. Its legacy inspires not only the residents of San Marcos but also anyone who believes in the power of transformation and the beauty of shared history.

From an Army barracks to a restroom facility, from a community center to a hub for educational innovation, and now to a museum, the Mitchell Center is more than a building. It is a living, breathing testament to the strength and grace of a community that cherishes its past while building its future. Its story, like the people it has served, is one of lessons and blessings that will endure for generations to come.