The Old Peninsula School House
A Brief History of the West Mathews Civic Center
The West Mathews Civic Center, often referred to as the Old Peninsula High School, has its history originating with educational development in Virginia. Prior to the War Between the States, education in Virginia was mostly limited to those fortunate enough to afford private academies or tutors. Responding to this disparity, a statewide school system developed as a result of the Underwood Constitution of 1869 which established local school districts in Virginia.
By 1874 county supervisors created The Westville School District to serve West Mathews. Soon, acquisition of two quarter acre parcels provided the locations for two school buildings. These two schools and seven additional parcels added by the turn of the century served as the foundation for an emerging school district accommodating white students with facilities in Mathews Court House, Milford Haven, North, Foster, Glebe, Mobjack, Bohannon, Cardinal as well as additional locations for black students. These were simple one or two room wood structures which contained a wood stove, benches and perhaps a bucket of water with a ladle.
Although these improvements represented substantial progress, illnesses such as typhoid, smallpox, diphtheria, scarlet fever and influenza concerned health and school officials. While these new schools offered open enrollment, sporadic attendance and variable standards still plagued the system. For example, in 1900 only 4% of whites and less than 1% of blacks enrolled in public schools studied to the high school level. The constitution of 1905 addressed these issues with the establishment of a nine-month school term, instruction requirements and building standards for space, light, ventilation and sanitary facilities. The constitution also promoted the accessibility of a school within reasonable distance of all students.
This scenario provides the setting for the construction of a modern, sanitary high school facility on the peninsula. While high schools already served Cobbs Creek, New Point Comfort and the Westville District at the Court House, debate raged over the next few years as to funding a new high school on the peninsula. After spirited discussion, the district imposed a tax surcharge in 1911 to cover land acquisition and construction costs. The commitment to fund this endeavor however was not unanimous within the community. To generate revenue local groups such as the Junior League, Odd Fellows, Westville Ladies Society, church groups and civic leagues as well as dedicated individuals held numerous fund raising events to move the project forward. Activities such as picnics, baseball games, a tennis tournament, minstrel show, and even youngsters selling daily clam or crab harvests all contributed to the fund.
Finally on October 2, 1913, a grand opening ceremony hosted state education dignitaries, with the school colors, red and white, proudly displayed. The following week on October 6, 1913, The Peninsula High School held its inaugural classes for students from elementary through high school under the leadership of principal, professor Paul A. Hobday, a local educator who had spearheaded construction of the new facility.
MORE
