Glenwood was incorporated as a municipality in the 1890s, in part to avoid annexation by the City of Fort Worth. Glenwood Public School existed as early as 1898. Following assurances by the Fort Worth Board of Education that a new elementary school would be built in the area, Glenwood property owners voted for annexation in June, 1909. Construction of the promised school began in September and was completed one year later by contractors Buchanan & Gilder. Designed by the firm of Waller, Shaw & Field, the building exhibits the severe massing and orderly composition found in other Fort Worth schools by the firm (see 1015 S. Jennings Avenue and 309 W. Terrell Avenue). It is a two-story masonry block with a rusticated concrete high base and pale buff brick walls. The symmetrical front elevation consists of three classroom bays, tightly packed with windows, flanking two stairwell bays with small flat-roofed porticos surmounted by narrow windows. End walls are treated monolithically as masonry expanses lit at the center by small hallway windows. Vaguely Secessionist brick detailing — thin courses in abstract geometric patterns— relieves the overall severity of the structure. Original wood sash survives in the windows, a rarity in older schools in Fort Worth. A one-story east wing containing an auditorium and classrooms was added in 1936-37. Designed by Wyatt C. Hedrick, the building sensitively complements the older structure by its setback and use of similar materials. The interior includes a delightful playroom with fanciful Tudoresque fixtures. Recently closed, R. Vickery School appears to be eligible for the National Register as an intact early 20th-century school of high architectural quality incorporating the work of two important local design firms. The brick around the first floor has been painted white with blue used on window sills and other decorative trim. A one-story metal addition has been attached to the rear. The building has been used as a night club. It is threatened by neglect and vandalism. The left photograph was taken in 2007.
