2009 Welcome to Wise.indd - Wise County Messenger

14
Boonsville Balsora
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consolidated with Bridgeport, 11 miles to the
north.
In 1964, the old school received a major
structural overhaul and was renamed the
Boonsville Community Center. From the 1960s
to the early 1970s, the community center
entered statewide competitions for community
improvement and won many prizes, including
second place in the State Community
Improvement Competition in 1965.
The same community spirit that saved the
school and helped it become a beacon for
the Boonsville/Balsora area so many years
ago is alive today in a group of women who
meet once a month at the center, with the
exception of July and August. The Boonsville
Ladies Group now hosts a luncheon every May
to raise funds for utilities and maintenance at
the community center.
People come from far and wide to enjoy the
MESSENGER PHOTO BY JOE DUTY
HORSES IN A FIELD IN BALSORA
In the heart of the Boonsville/Balsora area in far southwest Wise County
sits the Boonsville Community Center.
The building is the former school, which closed in 1950 when Boonsville
lunch, complete with homemade desserts.
The luncheon started four years ago when the
center needed a new roof. The following year,
the luncheon raised funds for siding, sheetrock
and paint, as well as new chairs.
The Boonsville/Balsora Volunteer Fire
Department was organized in 1968. The
dedicated group of men and women are
trained in fire prevention and protection
and First Responder medical care. Several
members are certified EMTs and ECAs.
The department raises funds through a
chili supper every fall. Not only does the
department have a fire truck in Boonsville,
but it also has an additional truck located in
Balsora.
The first gas well was drilled in the
area in 1950, which began the Boonsville
Conglomerate Oil Field. A statue near the
community center pays tribute to the field.