"According to an eye-witness account by Mrs. George W. (Kate Jones) James, in the "Schools of Early Days" section of her book "Seventy Years in Garland, Dallas, County, Area" or "Reminiscences of a Pioneer Grandmother," sometime in the mid 1860's "there was a debating society organized" in the school house. "There were many important subjects debated, and a fine display of oratory and knowledge of history were shown." "There were some boys that had their first experience here in public speaking who later made a fine record in political and religious work."