Central Academy in Patrick County
I recently learned of a Facebook page called “Abandoned in Virginia” and with some excitement I went to the page and discovered wonderful images of days gone by. I had a thought about a month ago that I needed to narrow my focus in my photography. At least that’s what a lot of the pros say. Find your passion and specialize. I have never done that because I find too many subjects of a variety of themes that draw me in depending upon my mood, or even where I might be on a given day. So, as I went to my photography catalog and began looking for shots showing abandonment, I began to feel rejuvenated about my photography. A trip back to my hometown a few days later gave me perfect opportunities. Here are a few images of a place I didn’t know existed in the county where I spent the first seventeen years of my life. This is Central Academy, a school operated by the Presbyterian Church from 1910-1932. It was a boarding school with a main adminstration building, where classes were held, and boys’ and girls’ dormitories. It became a county elementary school until the mid-1950s and some of my friends recall their parents and siblings talking about attending school there. One friend reported that it must have been a good school because her parents studied Latin there, were on the debate team, and had told her the school had a marching band! Today it is a privately owned property. One dormitory has been restored and it is their residence. The other is vacant. The main building with classrooms burned in the late 1930s, and all that remains are four pillars under some huge pine trees. Thanks to my friends from the area for providing me with this information. Here are the photos from the property.
Patricia Temples Photography 
I have no idea where this site is, but I very much like your “Adventures in Virginia’s History” Your pictures are great ! And educational !
Love your blog. Thank you for the article and photos. Two of my aunts went there. I have a scrapbook from one them filled with photos.
My mother went there. Are there pictures with names? I would love to see a picture of Mama when she went there if any exist Replying to Gary Lankford
In April 2022 as a result of reading in my blog about Central Academy, you asked me a question about seeing pictures of people with the names, maybe to find your mother. You might look at a Facebook group called Mountain Top Families. If you join that group you can ask those folks, and I’ll bet someone has photos. Beverly Belcher Woody is the administrator. When you ask to join mention that your mother went to CA. I assume you are from Patrick? That alone will get you in. It’s a great group. no fluff, no foolishness. Good luck. June 22, 2023.
I am a member of that group. Thank you so much for your reply
Hi Carol and Gary,
Gary, have been so busy this summer. Aren’t these pictures great.
Carol and Gary, there was a book written about the Central Academy. I’ve been doing everything I can to obtain a copy, just haven’t been able to. Know for a fact that some of my Howell ancestors are mentioned in the book, even including my 2nd great grandfather, John Martin Cruise, and a Newman ancestor. Gary, bet your family is also listed.
– Jim Gray
Jim, thank you for this information. I will look out for the book as well. I can ask some folks I know in Patrick.
Jim, thank you for this information. I will look out for the book as well. I can ask some folks I know in Patrick.
Is this it? I found this title, but nothing more. It might be possible to find it at the Library of Virginia, but I believe you might have to read it on premises, not as a loaner. Also, you might check at the Patrick County Historical Society.
“A Historical Sketch of Central Academy School – 1910-1932.