The Past

Generations have passed through the halls of this old schoolhouse.

The original log building from 1884 still stands outside the newer, 115yo building that has served as the Pearl Community Center since 1958 when the school was consolidated with Evant.

The Present

The first Saturday of every month (except September when it’s the second Saturday) the Center has hosted a bluegrass jam for over 30 years. People from across the state and country come to play music, and camp in the RV park on site.

Before COVID restrictions shut down the event, people would come in as early as Thursday. Music would ring through the halls most of Friday and Saturday.

Through the past two years the Pearl Jam – like many families and communities – shrank as people have passed on or moved away. Dedicated souls like Ron Medart and Connie Long spearhead the non-profit organization behind the Pearl Community Center.

The small band of pickers that restarted the jam last May is growing again. There is still plenty of room in the on-site RV park. Hopefully the tradition will continue to bring together people from all walks of life for many years to come.