In 1866, freed slaves from East Hillsborough County founded the community of Bealsville, named for Alfred Beal, a member of one of the original families. From the community’s beginning, residents placed great importance on education, with instruction first beginning in 1873. In the 1930s, residents made great sacrifices to support schooling by raising $1,100 and donating over 10 acres of land. The Hillsborough County School Board helped construct a three-room wood school building, and additional classrooms were added in later years. Named for William Glover, the school operated as a Strawberry School until 1956. In 1971, because of desegregation, it was converted to a sixth grade center, and white students were bused in from surrounding areas. The school closed in 1980, and in 1981 the Hillsborough County School Board deeded the property to Bealsville, Inc., a newly formed non-profit organization. The building still stands and serves Bealsville residents as a community center providing vital services.