Our story began around 1900 as the Sydenstricker School & Community League, which originally served to support the schoolhouse and address education issues. Even after the school closed its doors in 1939, the League continued meeting, using the empty schoolhouse as its "League Hall."
In 1948, as folks returned home from the war looking for a place to put down roots, we reorganized as the Upper Pohick Community League (UPCL). Determined to maintain our community center, the League purchased the schoolhouse at public auction and formally incorporated in 1954.
In those days, Springfield was a sleepy rural area with homes few and far between. The UPCL was the only community association for miles around, and the schoolhouse was at the very center of local life. From holiday parties and festive picnics to square dances, community celebrations, and wedding receptions, it was the place where neighbors came together. The League was also incredibly active in local matters, actively campaigning for better roads, funding local schools, and advocating for smart local development and land use.
ROOTED IN HISTORY -- DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY
- Membership entitles you to discounts on our fundraising events (trivia nights, performances, workshops, children’s activities, etc).
- Members receive a special 10% discount on rental fees for the building for one use per calendar year.
- Members receive priority registration and a discounted vendor fee for our Annual Santa's Merry Makers Market in December.
- Members are invited to "Members Only" events, field trips and other special activities held throughout the year.
- Members vote for our board members and help shape the future of our building and organization. Members in good standing for at least one year are also eligible for positions on our Board of Directors.
- Most importantly, membership gives you the opportunity to support local history while networking with other friendly people in our community.
A LIVING LEGACY
As time passed, Springfield grew into a bustling, vibrant bedroom community of Washington, D.C. While our original role naturally evolved as nearby neighborhoods established their own associations, our deep connection to the historic schoolhouse and our dedication to the community has never changed. Today, the UPCL is the oldest continually operating community association in Springfield, Virginia, and is one of the oldest in Fairfax County.
We continue to honor that legacy by keeping the schoolhouse active, vibrant, and useful. The building regularly serves as a civic space for political candidate debates and district council meetings. We also bring neighbors together through a variety of community outreach activities, including engaging lectures, Trivia Nights, monthly Open Houses, the Sydenstricker Community Plant Exchange, and our annual Santa’s Merry Makers Market in December.
Our membership is open to all. When you become a member, you do not just join an organization—you help keep this rich local history alive, connect with a fantastic network of friendly, engaged neighbors, and forge a vibrant path for our community's future!
Our membership is open to all. When you become a member, you do not just join an organization—you help keep this rich local history alive, connect with a fantastic network of friendly, engaged neighbors, and forge a vibrant path for our community's future!
Then & Now
MEMbership benefits
Our mission is to honor our history while ensuring that the schoolhouse continues to serve the community by creating a welcoming, connected environment where neighbors can meet, learn, and grow together.
Please join us!