More than a School House:

Founded in 1977, the Gladesville Community Association  was formed to “assist the people of this community and surrounding area to provide services and activities for themselves.” The local school building in Gladesville served as the principal community center, and it is located on Route 33 in the central-western border of Preston County. This site has a long history - a school has been at this location since the late 1860s.

A Chance to Build:

In 1983, a decade from the time the two-room Gladesville School closed (and the students were bussed to nearby Arthurdale), the Board of Education deeded the property to the GCA for the sum of $1.00.   This paved the way for the opening of the Gladesville Community Center, and gave the town a chance to reconnect with its cultural past.

Funding Made Possible:

The enthusiasm and desire to retain and improve the property were in ample supply.   However, funding was not so easy to get.  In order to renovate and repair the existing structure, the GCA raised money through dinners, yard sales, and raffles.  Initially, this paid the insurance and kept the lights on. 

Later, the Preston County Commission provided enough funding to replace the drafty windows, and awarded funds to upgrade the adjoining playground. By 2000, however, roof leaked and the kitchen was inadequate for community functions.  The bathrooms were also in need of upgrades. With the help of elected officials such as Senator Sarah Minear and Delegates Larry Williams and Stan Shaver, the GCA was able to acquire multiple Community Partnership Grants over the next number of years.

Improvements to the building included upgraded bathrooms, a renovated kitchen, new siding and roofing, a new heating system, and new wiring and lighting. The current project is the renovation of the building’s basement, one long plagued by moisture problems.

Please visit our photo archives to see evidence of some of our improvements. This building is standing tall and proud today because of the volunteers who gave materials and labor, to the generosity of our state government who recognized the work we have accomplished, and to the extended community that continues to support our efforts.