History

The Sedalia Center exists because of the vision of Bill and Annis McCabe.

The couple purchased the former school building from the county at an auction more than 20 years ago with the idea of turning it into an arts center in a rural setting. They shortly got it rolling, setting it up as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a board of directors. It runs entirely on donations, the proceeds of festivals and volunteers — lots of volunteers.

Bill McCabe, affectionately known as Doc McCabe, was a beloved medical doctor who frequently made housecalls well after this common practice had gone out of fashion.  He was a noted area equine enthusiast as well.  Doc’s wife, Annis, was a celebrated area artist whose vision lives on here at the center through the Art of Living and The Living Arts.  Doc and Annis have sadly passed on, but their family remains active in many aspects of the Center.  Their daughter, Gin McCabe,  is an avid supporter and volunteer.  Their son, Thomas McCabe,  works tirelessly to keep the building and grounds in tip-top shape.  Thom’s wife Doris, has served as director in years past, and currently serves as Chairwoman on the Board of Directors.

Doris McCabe, married to the McCabes son, Tom, moved down here from New York State. She described the area where she lived, in the Hudson River valley, as much like Bedford County. Prior to moving here, she taught freshman-level college English classes and English as a second language. She’s also been involved with horses all her life and has been “horse crazy” for as long as she can remember. At present, she has a mare, named Mystery, that her father-in-law bred.