Historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse, Springfield

The Upper Pohick Community League (UPCL) is descended from the Sydenstricker School & Community League, which organized around 1900 and was the original “PTA” of the one‐room Sydenstricker Schoolhouse (formally known as Pohick School #8). The school, which taught grades kindergarten through 7th grade, was the social and educational center of our community from about 1898 (when the schoolhouse was constructed) until 1939 when the school closed.

After the schoolhouse closed the Sydenstricker League continued to meet, and the school building continued to be used as a center for our rural community. The group rallied for local concerns including better roads and improved transportation to the local schools.

In 1948 the Sydenstricker League reorganized themselves as the Upper Pohick Community League. The League purchased the schoolhouse at public auction in 1954. For many years it was the center of social activities in our area, including square dances, community suppers, and popular annual “Turkey Shoots”. During the 1950s the League sponsored a Boy and Girl Scout troop, as well as a “Litter Buggy” which collected trash from local roads.

As local subdivisions sprung up in the 1960s and 70s, and the new neighborhoods formed their own neighborhood associations, the membership and activity of the UPCL waned. However, a small group continued to keep the UPCL alive for the sake of the historic one‐room schoolhouse. In recent years the League became primarily focused on the maintenance and preservation of the Schoolhouse, and its important place in our community.

In 2014, Friends of Sydenstricker Schoolhouse, a 501(c)3, non‐profit charity, was organized to raise money to preserve and protect the schoolhouse. Without the financial burden of maintaining a nearly century old historic structure, the UPCL is finally able to return to their roots as a community focused organization. The organization has renewed its commitment to our local community, and is reaching out to our local schools, libraries and other organizations with support and appreciation.

The UPCL is the oldest continually operating community association in Springfield, Virginia, and among the oldest in Fairfax County. Our membership is open to all. Please join us!

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