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By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff Writer and JOE BLANKENSHIP, Staff Photographer

More than 70 years after the first Homestead communities were established in Dailey, East Dailey and Valley Bend, it's as if no time has passed for residents and alumni of Homestead School.

With assistance from the federal government, the three towns were created to help those who were affected by the Great Depression. In 1935, 129 Homestead houses had been finished, ushering in a way of life that still exists for those who reside in that area.

The Homestead area was designed to be self-sufficient and community oriented. Many Homesteaders were frugal and made use of their gardens and cellars by raising and canning their own vegetables, explained Homestead School Principal Diane Hull.

Today, many who still reside in the "special" Homestead communities are descendants of the original homeowners, said Tygart Valley Homestead Association President Sonny Knaggs.

The school, that's now a historic landmark, celebrated its 70th anniversary on Saturday by welcoming back its alumni and the community.

It was 1939 when Homestead school welcomed its first group of first- through ninth-grade students. The new building consolidated several small schools in the areas.

Photos from the past still hang on the walls throughout Homestead, prompting some former students to point out pictures of themselves to old friends and family.

Of course some stories were shared, including one about the school having to close because someone placed ramps in the radiator system, according to an alumna.

Throughout the day Hull shared the school with visitors by offering tours. The facility hasn't changed much over the years, except for fire code upgrades and the addition of a walking trail.

When Homestead School opened, it was one of the most state-of-the-art school facilities in West Virginia, Hull said.

Hull said many former students were amazed with the recently updated computer lab, which didn't exist when they went to school.

Edna Hight Mull, who now resides in Lexington, Va., is a Homestead School class of 1951 alumna.

"You can't forget your roots, and these are my roots back here," Mull said. "I'm delighted to see my old schoolmates, some of which I remember, and others I remember after we re-introduce ourselves. It's just wonderful to see all the new buildings being built from Elkins to Valley Band over the last 10 years."

Elkins resident and Homestead School class of 1957 member Marjorie Daft Barrickman said, "I'm glad to see a lot of people I haven't seen in years."

Today, with help from the community Homestead School is still thriving. Hull explained that parents and organizations, including the Tygart Valley Homestead Association, are always willing to lend a supporting hand.

"They have a tremendous love for their community and school," Hull said.