Gar-Field High School, located on Smoketown Road, was originally established near Cardinal Drive and Route 1 on land donated in 1949 by Martin Gilmer Garber and Grover P. Manderfield.
According to Circuit Court records, approximately 20 acres of land near Neabsco Creek that had once been part of “Round Top Farm” was donated to Prince William County’s School Board. The gift stipulated that this land would be used for building a public school for white children which opened to students on December 8, 1953. The building remained an active school until it was moved to its current location in 1972.
Martin Gilmer Garber was born in Augusta County, Virginia on August 15, 1896. The Garber Family was involved in farming and Garber was no exception, spending most of his life working on his family’s farm. He owned the land that was donated for the school as well as the Elm Farm Trailer Park in Woodbridge. He was a member of the Woodbridge Elks, Dale City Moose Lodge, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. On July 5, 1969, Garber passed away at the age of 63.
Grover P. Manderfield was born in Houghton, Michigan on May 29, 1901. He left Michigan in his teenage years when he began his career with the Rust Engineering Company, where he worked for almost 50 years.
His career with this company brought him to Prince William County in 1938 where he became the Superintendent of the Woodbridge Clay Products Company. Manderfield was very involved in the community-he was the major stockholder of the Bank of Occoquan (later merged with the Bank of Virginia Company), he organized the Woodbridge Realty Company Inc. and developed the Woodbridge Shopping Center.
In addition to his business ventures, Manderfield served as a member of the School Trustee Electoral Board and he represented the Occoquan District on the Board of Supervisors for 8 years. He chartered the Woodbridge-Occoquan Sanitary District committee and was a member of the Woodbridge Kiwanis Club. On August 26, 1972, Manderfield passed away at the age of 71.
Martin Garber and Grover Manderfield co-ownership of the 20 acres of land and their dedication to the community allowed for a new school to be built for the county’s children. By combining the first parts of their last names, Gar-Field High School is a subtle reminder of the impact two residents who cared about their community.
This post was written by the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division.
Recent Stories
The discussion over school security in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is intensifying as parents and advocacy groups push for armed security personnel in elementary schools, particularly in overcrowded schools like Covington-Harper Elementary School near Dumfries.
An OmniRide commuter bus traveling northbound on Interstate 95 in Woodbridge caught fire Tuesday afternoon, resulting in a total loss of the vehicle.
A road rage incident on Richmond Highway escalated into a high-speed police chase, with the suspect evading capture after running red lights and making an illegal U-turn. The victim’s vehicle sustained damage, and deputies recovered a beer bottle at the scene.
Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget to the Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025.
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
