The McCandless Schoolhouse project was originally envisioned by Dr. G.C. McCandless as a memorial to his late wife, Dr. Pauline McCandless. In 1988 the building was moved to the campus of Slippery Rock University from its original location in Franklin Township. Through the generosity and leadership of Dr. G.C. McCandless of Franklin and Joseph and Sara McCandless of Ellwood City, this facility was officially dedicated to Slippery Rock University on May 11, 1989.