Editing Unionville, North Carolina (section)

=== Union Institute ===
Founded in 1886 by Professor Oliver C. Hamilton, the Union Institute was organized to serve the educational needs of the community. In 1885, local residents provided materials and labor for the construction of the school which served students of all ages from Union County as well as upstate South Carolina.  Professor Hamilton left the school in 1898, but returned to the institute serving as head instructor in 1904. Originally constructed as a private school, the Union Institute was turned over to the county board of education in 1910. The two story structure was constructed next to the site of the current Unionville Community Center.  In January 1917, a fire destroyed the building in its entirety. Students escaping from the building saved the school bell from the second story porch. The original Union Institute bell has served each successive Unionville School since; and today is displayed from the main entrance to Unionville Elementary School.