Community Effort

Congratulations and Admiration for a Job Well Done!
When you need to hear a story of a community's "can-do" spirit, just turn your attention to Canby, Oregon and the restoration of the Mark Prairie School.  When a devastating ice storm in 2021 felled a number of trees near the schoolhouse, one came crashing through the roof to cause near irreparable damage. The story of the resurrection of the 100 year-old school is so well documented by the Mark Prairie Historical Society that you need only witness the process on their fascinating and graphically beautiful website. (LINK BELOW) See scores of inspiring photos of their journey through hard work and resilience.
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It is a story of disappointment in the ravages of Mother Nature, hope for renewal, and determination to rebuild what was a center for community activity for a century. Volunteers worked for four years from debris clean-up,  through reconstruction, to the Grand Re-opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 14, 2025. It is an amazing and inspiring story of countless community donors and legions of volunteers.
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The schoolhouse restoration features carefully recreated elements that are true to the original design and build. The results are an inspiration to behold. Here we provide the link to the whole story submitted by Erin Nelson for The Report Card readers.

​In the tradition of highlighting restoration stories like the Cole School in Boone, IA, and the Forest Grove Schoolhouse in Bettendorf, IA, we offer kudos to a job well done to Canby, Oregon for their preservation of one of our remaining country schools.

And...in celebration of the restored Mark Prairie School a family reunion is planned for July 26th and 27th at the schoolhouse. (From their Facebook Page):

Mark Family 100th Reunion July 26 & 27!
We’re so excited to share the details of the
​Mark Family's 100th Annual Reunion
on July 26 and 27. 
This milestone honors generations of family, friends,
and the rich pioneer history rooted here at Mark Prairie.
All are welcome to share in our special day and join us
in celebrating the legacy that continues to bring
​our community together.
Hope to see you there! ​

Prairie Mark Facebook Page

WEBSITE: Mark Prairie Historical Society