Professor Edward
C. Lewis donated this home to establish the Forney Academy in 1894.
Later changed to the Lewis Academy, this private school grew rapidly
and in 1897, several facilities and a large wing had been added. The
Academy was well known nationwide as a fine preparatory school and was
accredited by several universities, including the University of Texas
and the Bliss School of Electricity in Washington, DC. Prof. Lewis was
the principle, his sister taught art and his wife headed the primary
department.
The Lewis Academy
also had the first football team in Forney. Football was a new sport
at the time, and only one team member had ever even seen a football
game!
Unfortunately, the
community became less and less enthused about paying for an education
when there was quality public education in town. By 1903, enrollment
had dropped drastically and Lewis was in debt. The Academy closed and
Lewis moved out west, dying in 1908.
