by Sharon Curran Wright
The Curdsville Community Center in Dillwyn experienced a busy year of activities in 2024. Along with the regular monthly potluck dinners, the CCC held a successful Fall Bazaar that raised funds for the building, a spring clean-up and yard sale, a holiday cookie exchange, and a collection to donate items to the people at the Heritage Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation facility. In August, the community celebrated the 110th Anniversary of the Curdsville School by hosting a chicken barbeque fundraiser with live music, yard games, and food.
A vital part of the community since 1915 when the Curdsville School was built as a three-room schoolhouse, the Curdsville Community Center acquired the building in 1954. The front of the building now functions as a community gathering space and as the polling place for Curdsville District voting. The schoolhouse section is in ongoing restoration of its historical features to honor the legacy of the past, including replacing the roof and securing the brick chimneys. Improvements to accommodate current residents will include modernizing the space, making accessibility improvements, renovating the bathrooms, and beautifying the landscape.
CCC officers envision an equally active future of free programs to bring the community together and a website to further their community outreach. As the historic schoolhouse is renovated, CCC members hope to document video interviews of residents who attended the Curdsville School and record their personal recollections; these could become part of a future museum in the old landmark building.
Currently, the community center hosts a potluck dinner on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. At the dinner, they include a “share your bounty” table where people can bring harvests or items to give away, such as vegetables, eggs, and books. At various meetings throughout the year, local proprietors share information about their businesses. This year we heard from Muddy Paws Winery; Old Dogg Manor, a local organic farm; and the Siller Pollination Company, experts in pollinator habitats and honey bees.
Other activities hosted by the CCC have included a pumpkin decorating night, Thanksgiving dinner, and various fundraisers. The Fall Bazaar featured local craft vendors and food along with a “white elephant” room, where secondhand treasures donated from residents were sold. The center is available to host birthday parties, wedding showers and baby showers for a low cost that includes use of the event area, kitchen access, and free parking. All earnings go to the building fund.
Any community member who wants to give some input about plans and events at the center can become a member or a committee chair or simply start attending the monthly meetings. Questions and suggestions are welcome through email at CurdsvilleCommunityCenter122@gmail.com.
The Curdsville Community Center is located at 122 School Road in Dillwyn. 412-877-2904.