Strong communities are built by strong leaders. Yet leadership doesn’t happen by accident—it grows through mentorship, opportunity, and places where people come together to learn and serve.

That is exactly what the Thompson-Ray House represents for Grant County.
Built in 1902 by John L. Thompson, founder of the Thompson Bottling Company, the home has long been a symbol of community leadership in Gas City. Later, Bob and Marguerite Ray carried that tradition forward. Bob serving as mayor for more than two decades and Marguerite opening her home to those in need. Their legacy reminds us that leadership begins with generosity and service.

Today, the Thompson-Ray House continues that tradition as the home of LEAD Inc., where Grant County’s leadership story continues to unfold. Within these walls, programs such as Leadership Grant County bring together emerging community leaders, and students in the YES! Network discover their own capacity to serve.

The house is more than a historic landmark—it is a gathering place where leadership training happens, where young people find their voice, and where community members come together for meetings, celebrations, and meaningful dialogue.

That’s where Friends of the Thompson-Ray House makes a difference.
We invite you to be part of this community-driven effort to preserve one of Grant County’s most cherished landmarks. Becoming a Friend of the Thompson-Ray House is simple—$25 per year, or a sustaining membership of just $5 per month. Your membership directly supports the care and preservation of this historic home and the leadership programs it houses. 

Thank you for considering becoming a Friend of the Thompson-Ray House. Together, we can preserve this historic treasure while investing in the leaders who will guide Grant County’s future.