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The Schoolhouse has everything you need for an enjoyable event. | Photo by Erin Nelsen
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Mark Prairie Historical Society is proud to announce the acquisition of a lovely new piano for the 1879 Mark Prairie Schoolhouse. During the 2021 ice storm destruction of the building, the existing piano was damaged beyond repair. A stately upright, the old piano had been at the school as long as Mark elders can remember.
Now that the building’s restoration is complete and the Schoolhouse is open for use by the public, the Historical Society has been looking for a new, old piano. Fortuitously, Mark Prairie volunteers and neighbors were looking for a new home for the piano with which the wife had grown up. They generously offered the lovely piano to Mark Prairie, which the Board happily accepted.
The 1897 Schiller Upright Grand piano originally belonged to the donor’s childhood neighbor in Tillamook. Her parents purchased the piano in 1969, then clad in white enamel paint. Known for meticulously refinishing antique “bargain” furniture for their home, their skill and attention to detail revealed the glowing carved mahogany, now carefully preserved through the decades. Internal work by professionals was done over the years, with complete restoration in 1999.
The piano remained in Oregon, moving with them until 1990 when it came to the Canby home of their daughter, for whom the piano was purchased. She said, “The piano has been a grand statement for displaying cherished photographs in the last fifteen years and should be in a place where it can be played. It has a beautiful sound and should be enjoyed as the musical instrument that it is.”
In addition to the lovely piano, the donors gifted a crocheted, linen piano scarf made by her great-grandmother, Flo, of Nebraska. The crocheted scarf with scalloped trim was handed down to the donor’s mother, the family pianist, long before the piano was acquired. The scarf’s perfect fit is as if it was made for the old Schiller.
On July 9th, 2026, the lovely old Schiller made the short trek to Mark Prairie Schoolhouse. The heirloom piano scarf was spread on top and musician Blaine Oswald, Mark Prairie’s Site Manager, tickled the keys. Its presence is triggering great anticipation for Mark descendants as they gather this month at the Schoolhouse for their 101st family reunion.
