From President Judi:
“Burt and I delivered 60 winter coats to Otis, Oregon today. The 2500 acre Echo Mt fire burned over 1200 structures which included over 300 family homes.
The remaining coats, sweatshirts, misc items and light jackets will be delivered to CANBY Center and CANBY Kiwanis.
I had inquired with many Clackamas Co. centers and everyone was overwhelmed with clothing. Otis, in Lincoln County, needed winter coats, so happy to know we could help out. “
Thank you to all who donated!
A very special thanks to EVERYONE who came out to the Mark Prairie schoolhouse and donated coats today for distribution to fire victims from the local Oregon fires. We received 2 trunks full…..thank you, thank you! We are hoping to help a lot of people this winter. We collected so many beautiful coats for men, women and children! So happy this was a success – and it was because of all of you!
The WORK DAY was also a success! Inside the schoolhouse there was a layer of ash which was scrubbed down and sanitized with Clorox bleach spray. Outside volunteers worked to spray blackberry vines, pick up branches from the storm and mow! When we left, the schoolhouse was so clean inside and out we found it disappointing we couldn’t have a big celebration! Next Spring – we are hoping!
Dear MPHS Members,
Hope this finds you all safe and well.
Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have found it necessary to cancel the July 26th MPHS Annual Meeting at the schoolhouse. We will be sending out a year-end report and a Treasurer’s report shortly and we will keep you updated.
We miss you and are looking forward to meeting with you all again soon! Stay safe!
Dear Mark Prairie Historical Society Members and Friends,
Due to the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Mark Prairie Historical Society Board has made the difficult decision to cancel our membership meetings until further notice.
We look forward to being able to meet again once it is deemed safe. Be assured we will update you as to when our next meeting will be. In the meantime, please stay safe everyone 🙏🏻
On March 7th, Cub Scout Pack 209 from Beavercreek and their families completed a service project for Mark Prairie Historical Society. They raked leaves to clean up the property as spring approaches! The property has always leant itself to use for scouting meetings and camp outs for local packs and troops. The Scouts said they were honored to be asked to help with yard maintenance this year, and we at MPHS are so very thankful for all their hard work!
Mark Prairie Historical Society will be meeting in the Willamette Room of the Canby City Library on February 22 from 10:15 a.m. – noon. Carol Palmer, Canby Heritage and Landmark Commission and a MPHS member, will speak to the group on care of historic headstones at 11 a.m. The meeting is open to the public.
The time has come for you to renew your membership with Mark Prairie Historical Society for 2020!
Your $10 dues will cover the period of Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2020.
Last year, your generous donations helped fund a number of efforts toward saving the Schoolhouse including:
· Paying off all back taxes owed on the property!
· Regaining our Property Tax Exempt Status!
This year, we hope to accomplish even more! However, we can’t do it without the generous contributions of members just like you!
Please join our organization for another successful year by renewing your membership today. On our “Join Us” page, you will find a copy of our membership application for you to download, print out and mail in with your $10 dues.
Thank you again for your continued dedication to our cause!
I am sooooo excited and happy to be able to share this news with you!
From Judi Hester Aus, President of MPHS:
“We did it everyone! I am toasting you ALL with a glass a wine for what we have accomplished. A MAJOR MILESTONE!
Yesterday when I opened the mailbox at Mark’s Prairie and saw the letter I ripped it open and Read it and just started screaming and jumping up and down like a cheerleader and Burt says “I’m glad you’re so happy to see me!” He had no idea what it was and we both started laughing. So then I told him and he was just as happy as I was. This is huge! “
What is HUGE you may ask??? Why are we celebrating??? WELL, guess what?? The back taxes owed on the property have been PAID IN FULL and that is only HALF of it! The big news is Mark Prairie Historical Society has REGAINED IT’S PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION!!!! The property taxes are paid in full and NO NEW TAXES WILL BE DUE going forward!! I’d say this is definitely a cause for celebration!!! I cried when I got Judi’s email I was so happy!
MPHS has gone from just a handful of members to over 60 members in the last 4 months. There is a new website, a Facebook page, donations can be made via PayPal online (and we have received quite a few) and new alliances are being formed within the community. It is no longer a forgotten relic, but on its way to becoming what most of us had dreamed it could become, a vital and vibrant part of the community! We have raised enough $$$ through donations and membership fees to pay the back taxes and through multiple events and hard work, we have regained our property tax exemption!
So, in celebration, if you are so inclined, feel free to raise up a glass of your favorite adult beverage and toast to a bright future for Mark Prairie and all of us!
Well done everyone 🍷
Erin