Help Rescue Kelsey School...

Why Rescue the Old Kelsey Schoolhouse?

 

We need your help.​

 

   Kelsey School was originally built in 1858.  It remained an active learning center until the building burned down in 1902.  The school was rebuilt in 1903 and continued to flourish even as the town of Kelsey gradually lost population and vestiges of a thriving Gold Rush Town.  John Marshall was actively involved with the events of Kelsey School as he lived in Kelsey mining from the mid to the late 1860s, partnering up with another miner near Kelsey.  The mine did not work out, but Marshall lived in Kelsey for a time running a blacksmith shop.  James W. Marshall died in August of 1885.  It is said that he had wanted to be buried in the Kelsey Pioneer Cemetery, but was buried in Coloma where he had first discovered gold.

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   Additions were made to the school building in the 1930’s—an office for the Principal and a room that today is used as a living room.  An ambitious renovation to the Kelsey School was done in the late 1980’s by the Georgetown Divide Community of volunteers.  The roof was replaced and the building given a new coat of paint along with interior repairs and upgrades.

 

   And now we have reached a critical time--it’s time for a new roof, replacement of rotting siding and building structure.  There are holes in the outside siding and rot around the windows.  KCA lost a lot of “history” and continuity when our hearty Jean Bailey passed away in 2014.  She is greatly missed by KCA, but many volunteers have stepped up with energy and enthusiasm to help carry on the legacy and community purpose to this day.

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   The KCA Board of Directors continues to labor to keep Kelsey School a vibrant community gathering place.  The Covid19 issues stopped KCA in our tracks.  The monthly breakfasts were put on hold.  The annual fund-raising was put on hold.  The Board had it’s hands full with just paying the monthly bills—insurance, taxes, utilities and some limited upkeep.

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   KCA is so appreciative of Georgetown Divide individuals who have generously contributed on an ongoing basis-not only money but of their precious time and efforts.  THANK YOU!!  THANK YOU!!!  And we cherish groups like Georgetown Divide Rotary and the Native Sons of the Golden West, Georgetown Preservation Society, Cal Fire and Growlersburg Conservation Camp #33 and other very quiet but dedicated “givers”.  And this also includes ALL the marvelous volunteers who have volunteered for 1 to 20 years and have overcome the Covid19 paralysis to so wonderfully and caringly continue to support the happenings at Kelsey School.  Our volunteers are amazing!!

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Now what?

 

   The Kelsey School is in great immediate need of major repairs and renovations on every aspect of the building—from the roof, to the rotting siding, to the kitchen, to the dining room, to the HVAC, to the under-structure and so much more..

   KCA is putting out the call now for those in the Georgetown Community, that value the Old Kelsey Schoolhouse, to join us in “rescuing” this cherished historical landmark.

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   If you would like to donate money to put forward towards the approximately $150,000 needed for labor and repairs and/or make yourself available to help do some of the repairs and rebuilding—please contact KCA by email: 

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                  kelsycommunityassoc@gmail.com        ATTN: Rescue Kelsey School.

 

   You can also....

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MAKE CHECKS OUT TO: Kelsey Community Association AND MAIL to: 

                                         Kelsey School

                                         % Kelsey Community Association

                                         P.O. Box 954, Georgetown, CA 95634

        OR...

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A donation can also be made through our GO FUND ME page:    [Go Fund Me]

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All donations of money or materials are TAX DEDUCTIBLE.  Upon request, you will be sent a receipt for your donation. KCA thanks you in advance for each and every donation or gift of time that you feel encouraged in putting forth towards rescuing The Old Kelsey Schoolhouse.

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Additional information will be posted regularly to this page.