The Auld Center

This building at 1121 Second Street, Kerrville, exists today because the youth of Kerrville raised the money for it.  Originally to be called the J. M. Auld Family Youth Center, it quickly became known as the J. M. Auld Youth Center.  Today the building is simply known as the Auld Center and is no longer a youth center. It has been the home of Club Ed community education programs for more than two decades. While many Club Ed programs have moved to the Dietert Center, some classes continue here today.  (As a note, the original address was 629 College Street. Giving buildings new addresses, especially corner lots, has not been uncommon around here.)

In February 1947, 147 youth met and organized a Teen Age club sponsored by the Tivy Jr.-Sr. P.T.A. and the American Legion Auxiliary.  Youth submitted names for their new organization. By popular vote, the name "Tivy Teen Tavern" was selected.  Betty Plitt suggested the name.  Her prize was a carton of gum and one dollar!
At first Teen Tavern was held at the American Legion building on Memorial Boulevard, but it quickly outgrew the space.  The youth decided to raise money for their own building.  After about a year of fund-raising, J. M. Auld, at the urging of his children, donated the remaining funds.  The hollow tile and concrete building was completed at a cost of $14,000 in December 1949.