Our History
Our History
Our Historical Timeline
From its early days as a school to its current role as a community hub, the Old Hemlock School has a storied past.
1912
Union School Erected
The Union School at this location was built in 1911-1912, marking the beginning of its educational legacy.
1928
Tragic Fire
In July 1928, the original school building burned to the ground.
1931
Old Hemlock School Completed
The construction of the Old Hemlock School began in late 1930 and continued into 1931, when our current building was completed.
1958
Last High School Graduation
The last high school graduation took place in 1958, closing a significant chapter in the building’s history.
About Our Journey
The Old Hemlock School has been a pillar of the Livonia community since its establishment. After the original building was destroyed by fire in 1928, a new, modern facility was erected in 1929. This building served as a high school until 1958, after which it was purchased by Jack Evans in 1983. Jack made significant upgrades and transformed it into a community space, supporting small businesses and local events. In 1996, Jack donated the building to the Town of Livonia, which used it as a community center for 20 years. In 2016, the town planned to auction the building, but a group of residents formed the Little Lakes Community Association Inc. and purchased it in 2018. Today, supported by Jack Evans’s family and their business, Velmex, the Little Lakes Community Center continues to serve as a vibrant hub for community activities and small business support.
Jack Evans’ Vision: Behind every great institution lies a visionary. The center was founded based on the vision of 1935 school valedictorian Jack Evans. Evans co-founded Tropel Corporation (Fairport, NY), now owned by Corning Glass, and later founded Velmex Inc. (Bloomfield, NY). Evans began the effort to create a community center in the building in 1983 to preserve it, as he always felt a close bond with the school he attended.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Become a part of the vibrant community at Little Lakes Community Center! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, attending our diverse events, or supporting local businesses, your involvement makes a significant impact. Join us today and help us continue to foster a thriving community space.