In Austin, Texas, a significant piece of history lies in the story of Metz Elementary School. Built in 1915, this school served many Spanish-speaking students. However, in 1916, the Austin School Board decided that these students should attend a separate school. This decision sparked concern among Mexican-American parents in the area. They worried that their children would not have the same opportunities and that transportation might be a problem.
Key points
Despite the board’s decision, the children at Metz were never asked to leave. Over time, the issue faded away, and Metz continued to serve the community for 75 years. Generations of families sent their children to this neighborhood school. However, by 1990, the school was deemed “unsafe” and plans were made to demolish it. That’s when the strange occurrences began.
Odd Happenings Begin
Joe Torrez, a contractor, was hired to demolish the old school. He expected the job to be straightforward, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. Torrez and his crew began to hear eerie sounds. They often heard children laughing in the bathroom stalls, even though the school was empty. They also heard scratching noises, like fingernails on blackboards, echoing through the deserted classrooms.
Austin School Board member, 1903-1915
As the demolition progressed, many workers refused to enter the building alone. Equipment began to malfunction without explanation. Every time a bulldozer approached the old school, its engine would stop. Even a truck carrying replacement parts broke down on the way to the site. To make matters worse, several workers’ wristwatches stopped working during the job.
A Desperate Move
With the strange happenings escalating, Torrez struggled to keep his crew on the job. Many workers quit or called in sick, claiming they felt an “otherworldly” presence. In response, Torrez decided to call in a Catholic lay evangelist, Elias Limon, to perform an exorcism. Limon walked through the school, sprinkling holy water and blessing each room. Unfortunately, his efforts did not bring peace. Just days later, a wall collapsed, tragically killing one of the workers.
By the time the school was finally demolished, Torrez and his crew were six months behind schedule. More than half of the workers had quit or refused to return. The haunting atmosphere of Metz Elementary had taken its toll.
A New School, New Ghosts
In 1992, a new Metz Elementary was built on the same site. The community cherished the old school, so the architect used bricks from the original building to pave the new school’s courtyard. However, the ghostly activity did not end with the old school’s demolition. Both teachers and students at the new Metz have reported hearing and seeing child ghosts.
Interestingly, during the demolition, Joe Torrez saved a tree from the old school and transplanted it in his daughter’s yard. Since then, many witnesses have claimed to hear the sounds of children’s voices coming from that tree.
Conclusion
The story of Metz Elementary School is a blend of history and haunting. From its beginnings as a school for Spanish-speaking children to its eerie demolition, the legacy of Metz continues to live on. The presence of child ghosts and strange occurrences keeps the spirit of the old school alive in the hearts of the community.
If you’re ever in Austin, Texas, consider visiting the new Metz Elementary. You might just hear the echoes of laughter from the past! For those interested in ghost stories, the tale of Metz Elementary is a captivating reminder of how history and the supernatural can intertwine.
