Palmyra, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW ) A renovation project is underway in Palmyra, Tennessee as volunteers work to restore the historic Union School and help it continue to serve as a community center. Tim Bruso is chairman of the Union School Community Center group that is trying to breathe new life into the building.
On Saturday, July 23 a fundraiser cookout was held at the center at 3459 Tarsus Road which drew a number of local political candidates for the upcoming August 4 and November 8 elections. The center was filled as citizens listened to candidates as they campaigned for their respective offices.
Bruso shared some history about the building which he says he believes was built on the site in the early 1900’s and he was told it burned down sometime around 1934 or 1935 and was rebuilt in 1936. Bruso emphasized that they don’t have proof of their information on the structure but they are still researching the history of the building.
Bruso talked about what his group is trying to do with the site. “Number one, we’re trying of course to preserve history, and have a place where people can come and bring the kids or their grand kids and we can have a community center there for generations to come,” said Bruso.
He added that they are hoping to eventually also be able to turn it into an emergency shelter. There have been three fundraisers held at the building so far and more are planned for the near future which is expected to include a fall festival in October and a turkey shoot in November.
The Union School Community Center group is a nonprofit organization and to find out more about efforts to renovate the center, to volunteer or make a donation call Kenneth Ellis at 931-980-7649.