In 1906, more and more families were moving in to the newly formed community of Shields, also known Double Gates.  The parents with children were concerned and felt the need for a school was necessary and urgent.  Five acres of land was purchased from W. S. Shook for the sum of $80.00.  The men of the community, working together, built a three room building for classes and an upper story to be used as a Woodman of the World Hall.  By the fall of 1907, the building was completed and school was held with three teachers and all grades.  It was called Double Gates, District #24; and called Shields in 1910, same district.

There was no playground equipment so the students played the popular games of that time: “Wolf over the River,” “Pop the Whip,” “Drop the Handkerchief,” etc.  However, there was little time for play, as the pupils went to school to learn: “Readin,’ Ritin’ and ‘Rithinetic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick.”  Of course, there would be the occasional fist fight among the older boys.  Double desks were used with two pupils sitting at one desk.  So, to prevent the giggling girls, the whispering among good friends, the teacher solved the problem by assigning a boy and a girl to sit together.  It seemed odd to the kids, but the teacher always knew which boy and girl did not like each other, so she assigned these two to sit together - they never spoke to each other on the playground, so, of course, they would refuse to speak to each other at the desk; another problem solved.  An incident is recalled of one young boy who repeatedly caused problems.  One day the teacher called him up front, instead the lad climbed out the window, as there were no screens on them then, and went home.  The next morning, his mom came to school and stayed until the teacher had given him his ‘just punishment.’

One of the early teachers, Mamie Banister, a polio victim, was admired and loved by all; for despite her handicap, she had the interest of the pupils at heart, and many a young man and woman went on to become a successful and happy business person.  She was a wonderful teacher.  Through the years, the enrollment was up and down, which caused the classification to be changed from time to time.  In 1918, the community felt that the old building had served its purpose so a new stone building was erected.  Due to reclassification, in 1933 through 1936, the high school students were bussed to Santa Anna.  During this time, a new rural high school was being built at Mozelle; so, from 1937 to 1938, the high school students were bussed to Mozelle.  In 1937, it seemed feasible to consolidate some of the other rural schools; so, Concho Peak, Milligan and Turner Ranch were consolidated with Shields and a fourth teacher was hired; however, the high school students were still bussed to Santa Anna.

Daisy Ward and Stella Rhodes were two of the kids’ favorites as they were the one who prepared and served the lunches, when in 1937, a lunchroom was added to the school.

By 1950, folks were beginning to move to “town;” so, of course this caused the school enrollment to drop.  An election was held and citizens of the Shields community voted to consolidate with the Santa Anna district, and in 1951, all of the students were bussed to Santa Anna. 
The building was deeded to the Shields district to be used as a community center.  The old stone building still stands, but it sure does look lonesome and forlorn.

Teachers listed in the record book who taught at Shields were: J. L. Hollis, Zula Spencer, Mrs. E. W. King, J. C. Hays, Fannie Fay Jones, Rebecca Stovall, R. J. Basham, Inez Osborne, Lilly Stewardson, Emma Bowers, Celia Gault, Lucille Pearce, Edna Gilmore, Curtiss Gregory, John Throgmorton, I. A. Stout, H. E. Breneckie, Jewel Brown, Odessa Gilliam, Louis Love, Mary McCorkel, Maggie Snedegar, Lucille Kirkpatrick, Kate May, Lois Vemner, Mattie Vanderford, Ethel Fowler, H. B. Carroll, Wilma Mcllvain, Ara Carroll, D. H. Grounds, Juanita Wolverton, Belle Bowers, Dorothy Murell, S. J. Boyd, Nella Darrington, Lola Martin, Olivia Scarborough, C. A. Freeman, Willie C. Gilbreath, Richard Dillingham, Audrey Holt, Charlie Blanton and Nita Blanton.

Trustees on record who served were: M. W. Vance, C. E. Evans, J. W. Barton, J. S. Cathy (Cathey), W. H. Lewellen, H. C. Murrell, Frank Pearce, Mrs. W. L. Gilbreath, E. S. Jones, John A. Williams, Howard Arrant, Edgar Shelton and H. E. Stewardson.