Stecoah – Nostalgia filled the air both inside and outdoors Saturday, as friends, family and former school employees gathered to celebrate a century of community.
The Stecoah 100th Anniversary Celebration saw hundreds of attendees flock to the former center of the community in eastern Graham County for a fun-filled day of live music, a hot dog lunch – with SnoCones as an added bonus – cornhole, and a chance to reminisce between those who share fond memories of their time spent inside the building's hallowed halls.
Now known as the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center – after the non-profit started in 1996 – the former Stecoah School buzzed with activity. Former students, teachers and faculty members roamed the campus, to recall a simpler time. The school operated until 1987, when the high school consolidated with Robbinsville High; grades K-8 still reported for assignments until the opening of Robbinsville Middle/High School in January 1993.
The biggest draw of the event was a re-creation of the famous panoramic portrait that was taken on Dedication Day in October 1926. There were 200 Stecoah residents present for the original photograph – some of which remain unidentified to this day – and modern technology allowed a drone operated by Mac McEntire to capture Saturday's gathering from the air.
Unlike the first go-around, names were collected before those pictured disbanded.
Look for a video tour of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center soon on The Graham Star's YouTube channel.