Right in the heart of Chillicothe, Illinois, there’s a building with a truly remarkable story to tell. For 35 years, Pearce Community Center (PCC) has been a place where recreation, connection, and growth come together. What started as an aging school building has transformed into a thriving hub, thanks to the vision of local leaders, the dedication of volunteers, and the incredible support of the Chillicothe community. 

From Schoolhouse to Community Vision
It all started back in 1936, when the Chillicothe Grade School was built with funding from the Public Works Administration. Just a few years later, in 1940, it was renamed Pearce Grade School to honor L.L. “Doc” Pearce, a beloved superintendent who spent 17 years shaping young minds. For decades, the school was a cornerstone of education, leaving a lasting impact on countless students.

But by 1984, financial struggles forced its closure, leaving the building empty and its future uncertain. That could have been the end of the story, but by the late 1980s, a group of community leaders, including Mayor Irvin Latta, Jerry Fennell, Barb Truitt, and James Thornton started dreaming of something bigger. They saw potential in the old building and worked to turn it into a community center. In 1989, their vision took a big step forward when the Chillicothe Foundation, Inc. purchased the property for just $1. That moment marked the beginning of what we now know as Pearce Community Center.

Visionary Leadership and Early Success
From the very beginning, transforming the old school into Pearce Community Center was a team effort, driven by passionate leaders and volunteers. The first Board of Directors—led by Jerry Fennell as President, Darlene Kumpf as Secretary, and Creta Harper as Treasurer, along with members Dennis Parkins, Scott Meints, Roger Atkins, Karen Moewe, and Neil Montgomery—worked together to bring the vision to life. They rallied the community to breathe new life into the historic building.

The groundbreaking and grand opening ceremonies were a true celebration of this collective effort. Key figures who played major roles included:

• Mayor Irvin Latta championed the idea of turning the school into a community hub.
• Floyd Mischke from the Chillicothe Building Corporation, helped make the renovations happen.
• Bob Truitt, a member of the Chillicothe Foundation, whose efforts helped secure the funding and resources needed.
• James Thornton, a former IVC Superintendent, poured his energy into supporting the center’s mission.

On April 23, 1990, Pearce Community Center officially opened its doors. It was a day filled with pride and excitement, as hundreds of residents came to see the results of their hard work. The grand opening featured tours of the brand-new fitness area, gymnasium, and multipurpose spaces, marking the start of PCC’s role as a vibrant hub for the community. The 

Legacy of Barb Truitt and the Pearce Foundation
You can’t talk about the success of Pearce Community Center without highlighting the incredible contributions of Barb Truitt. Her generosity truly shaped PCC’s future. In 1991, Barb donated $1.2 million to fund the creation of the Barb Truitt Memorial Pool, a state-of-the-art facility that quickly became one of the center’s most beloved features.

But Barb’s impact didn’t stop there. In 1995, she left an incredible legacy with a bequest of $1 million in cash and $940,000 in farmland to establish the Pearce Foundation. This foundation was designed to secure PCC’s financial future, and it’s been a game-changer. Since its creation, the foundation has distributed over $2 million to fund major projects and improvements, including:

• A $500,000 renovation of the pool in 2019.
• Fitness area expansion and equipment, cycling room addition, women’s fitness room, and locker room remodel.  
• A redesigned front entrance, an expanded parking lot, and a playground.

The Pearce Foundation also goes beyond building improvements—it supports community programs like the Center’s Summer Camp, which offers kids a safe, fun, and enriching experience year after year. Barb Truitt’s vision and generosity continue to make a lasting impact on PCC and the community it serves. 

Celebrating Through Community Events
In May 2023, the Pearce Foundation kicked off its first-ever “Beef & Bourbon” fundraiser, and it was a hit! The event brought the community together to support PCC and raise awareness about its mission. Guests enjoyed an impressive steak-cooking demonstration from Tim and Sandy Brown, the World Steak Cookoff Champions behind Stress Relief BBQ. There was also live music from The Unemployed Architects and, of course, plenty of bourbon tastings to round out the night.

The success of the fundraiser showed just how much the community stands behind PCC and is currently planning its Third Annual Beef & Bourbon fundraiser for Saturday, May 10, 2025. 

Growth & Improvements Through the Years
Thanks to the dedication of its board members and staff, PCC kept growing and evolving throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Here are just a few of the milestones along the way:

• 1995: A brand-new gymnasium was completed, boosting membership to 1,400 households.
• 1998: A $350,000 renovation added a second-floor computer lab and an elevator, making the center more accessible and functional for everyone.
• 2000: PCC hit a major milestone—1 million visitor sign-ins! It was clear just how much the community loved and relied on the center.
• 2004: Membership reached an all-time high with 2,200 households, representing over 5,000 people.
• 2012: A new playground and the Pearce Strong room were added, giving families and fitness enthusiasts even more reasons to visit.
• 2014: A second-floor renovation was completed enhancing the fitness areas and equipment and additional youth program areas.
• 2019: A $500,000 pool renovation included repairs to the roof, new paint, and a new sauna.
• 2023: First floor interior renovations completed.
• 2024: Installation of new rooftop air conditioning units, exterior improvements including a new sidewalk, and interior improvements including new flooring.

Throughout this time, leaders like Ben Alvarez, PCC’s first Executive Director, along with the board members, worked tirelessly to keep the center moving forward. Their vision and hard work ensured PCC could meet the needs of a growing and diverse community. 

A Gathering Place for All
PCC has become so much more than just a building—it’s a place where friendships are formed, goals are reached, and memories are made. Whether it’s kids participating in youth sports leagues or seniors enjoying specialized programs, there’s truly something for everyone. Thanks to the strong partnership between PCC and the Pearce Foundation, the Center continues to thrive and is well-positioned to serve future generations. 

Celebrating 35 Years of Community
As Pearce Community Center celebrates its 35th anniversary, it’s a perfect time to look back and appreciate the visionaries who made it all happen. Leaders like Jerry Fennell, Barb Truitt, Darlene Kumpf, and countless dedicated volunteers took what was once an empty school building and turned it into a lively, thriving community hub. Their hard work has left a legacy in Chillicothe, creating a place that continues to bring people together, enrich lives, and build connections.

PCC’s story is proof of what a community can achieve when it works toward a shared vision. It’s a reminder that incredible things happen when people come together. As Pearce Community Center looks ahead to the next 35 years, it remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of Chillicothe.