Posted on by Erin

Landscaping Work Party

🌿 Mark Prairie Landscaping Work Party!

Final Push Before the Grand Re-Opening!!

💪 WE NEED HELP!

Saturday May 3rd and May 4th, starting at 10 am each day.  See flyer for more details!

We’re focusing on:

  • Completing the entry landscaping

  • Defining planting zones (hedgerow, tree clusters)

  • Prepping areas for fall planting

Supplies needed:

  • A pickup truck (to haul rocks
  • Flat cardboard boxes or large sheets (for ground layering under compost)
  • Old/unwanted garden hoses (to define planting zones)
  • At least one wheelbarrow
  • Two 25′ drip or soaker hoses + a watering timer

👒 WHAT TO BRING:

  • Work Gloves
  • Sun Hat
  • Shovels, edgers, and weeding tools
  • Utility knife or scissors (to shape cardboard)

🌼 Let’s get it done together! Invite a friend

 

Posted on by Erin

Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration!

Join Us!!

You’re Invited!

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

3:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting at 4:00 PM
7528 S. Mark Rd., Canby, Oregon

  • Drop-in tours throughout the evening
  • Dedication ceremony
  • Light refreshments served

 

 

Posted on by Erin

The Resurrection of the Historic Mark Prairie Schoolhouse is Complete!

Featured in the Canby Herald!!!

We’re so excited to share that the restoration of the Historic 1879 Mark Prairie Schoolhouse was recently featured in the Canby Herald! The article captures the heart of our four-year journey, from the devastation of the 2021 ice storm to the joyful, handcrafted renewal of this beloved community landmark.

“To step inside the refurbished and repaired schoolhouse is to step back in time…”
— Canby Herald, April 2025

From custom-milled 1879-style paneling to restored floors, handmade doors from the fallen oaks, and a lovingly recreated 1949 kitchen, every detail has been restored with care and intention.

We’re honored by the coverage — and even more excited to open the doors and welcome you in! Here’s your official invitation to join us…

You’re Invited: Grand Reopening Celebration

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
3:30–8:00 PM (Ribbon Cutting at 4:00 PM)
7528 S. Mark Rd., Canby, OR

We’ll have drop-in tours, refreshments, a short dedication ceremony, and of course, lots of celebration. Bring a friend and help us mark this special day in Mark Prairie history.

We’re grateful to the volunteers, donors, and supporters who made this transformation possible and we can’t wait to welcome you back inside.

You can read the full article here:
👉 Resurrection of Historic Mark Prairie Schoolhouse is Complete – Canby Herald

Posted on by Erin

Wrap it Up Week at Mark Prairie

We’re so close to the finish line, and we need your help to get the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse ready for its final inspection! Join us for two volunteer work parties on Friday, January 3rd, and Saturday, January 4th, starting at 10:00 AM each day.

There are plenty of tasks to tackle, from painting and sealing to cleaning and moving furnishings. Whether you can spare an hour or the whole day, every bit of help makes a difference.

📍 Location: Mark Prairie Schoolhouse, 7528 S. Mark Rd., Canby, Oregon 97013

Bring your favorite finish brush if you’d like to paint, and a fumes mask if you’re ready to seal shelves with shellac. Invite your friends and family to join—together, we can wrap this project up and celebrate this historic milestone!

Thank you for supporting the preservation of this incredible piece of history. We can’t wait to see you there!

Posted on by Erin

🌟 Giving Tuesday: Preserve the Legacy of Mark Prairie 🌟

Today, on Giving Tuesday, we invite you to be part of a movement that’s bigger than all of us—a movement to preserve history, celebrate community, and invest in the future.

The Mark Prairie Historical Society is dedicated to keeping the spirit of our shared heritage alive. From maintaining the historic Mark Prairie Schoolhouse to hosting events that connect us to our past, your support plays a vital role in everything we do.

How Your Support Makes a Difference:
Your contributions enable us to preserve the legacy of Mark Prairie and continue our mission to honor its history. With your help, we can:

  • Maintain and care for the historic Mark Prairie Schoolhouse.
  • Provide opportunities to share and celebrate our community’s story.
  • Support educational programs and events for future generations.
  • Strengthen the connection between our past and present.

Every dollar you give helps us protect this cherished piece of history while keeping it accessible to the community. Together, we can ensure the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse remains a place where stories of resilience, community, and history are celebrated for years to come.

Ready to Help?
Your generosity makes all the difference. Click https://markprairiehistoricalsociety.org/donate/ to contribute today and join us in preserving the legacy of Mark Prairie.

💛 Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we can make history matter.

#GivingTuesday #MarkPrairieHistoricalSociety #PreserveHistory #CommunityMatters

Posted on by Erin

Mark Prairie Historical Society Welcomes Two New Bat Houses, Thanks to Scout Isaac Knowlden

🦇 A friendly reminder from Mark Prairie: Please Do Not Disturb Sleeping Bats! 🦇 This beautiful sign, part of Isaac Knowlden’s Eagle Scout Project, helps protect our important winged neighbors.

The Mark Prairie Historical Society is proud to announce the addition of two bat houses on our grounds, generously built and donated by Isaac Knowlden of Boy Scout Troop 46 as part of his Eagle Scout Project. These beautifully crafted structures provide a safe haven for local bats and serve as an important step toward preserving our local ecosystem.

Bats play a vital role in controlling insect populations, including mosquitoes, and contribute to pollination. By providing these dedicated habitats, we’re not only helping protect these valuable creatures but also supporting the natural balance in our area.

We are deeply grateful for Isaac’s hard work and dedication to this project. His efforts included building the bat houses and creating a thoughtful sign reminding visitors to respect the bats’ space.

The bat houses now stand proudly on a tall pole near the Schoolhouse and are a welcome addition to our grounds. We encourage visitors to come see them while remembering to “please do not disturb sleeping bats!”

A heartfelt thank-you to Isaac for his commitment to environmental stewardship and community service. His effort will have a lasting impact at Mark Prairie and beyond.

🏠✨ Standing tall and ready to welcome their tiny tenants! These two bat houses are a wonderful addition to Mark Prairie, thanks to Isaac Knowlden’s Eagle Scout Project. Supporting our local ecosystem, one bat at a time. 🦇
Posted on by Erin

Work Party at Mark Prairie Schoolhouse

✨ Calling All Community Members! ✨
We’re hosting a Work Party at Mark Prairie Schoolhouse and would love your help! Join us on Saturday, November 2nd and November 23rd at 10 AM as we work on landscaping and setting up this historic gem. Bring your gloves, tools, and community spirit – let’s make a difference together! 🌱

For details, check out the flyer below or reach out to us at: info@markprairiehistoricalsociety.org

Hope to see you there!

Posted on by Erin

Winter’s Bounty: The Resilient Snowberries of Mark Prairie

Snowberries thriving at Mark Prairie Schoolhouse. Photo courtesy of Judi Aus

Captured by Judi Aus on the grounds of the historic Mark Prairie Schoolhouse, these Snowberries (Symphoricarpos albus) are a beautiful but toxic native plant. While their white berries are harmful to humans, they provide an important food source for birds in the winter months. The resilient Snowberry bush is a reminder of the natural beauty that has thrived here for generations.

Posted on by Erin

99th Annual Mark Family Reunion

 

**Mark Family Reunion – Celebrating 99 Years of Heritage!**

Calling all descendants of 1847 Oregon Pioneers, John & Martha Mark!  Join us for the 99th Annual Mark Family Reunion on July 27th and 28th at the historic Mark Prairie One Room Schoolhouse! This special event is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family, share stories, and celebrate our rich heritage.

**Event Highlights:**
**July 27th, 1-5 PM:** Family History Event – Explore our family’s history with photos, artifacts, and storytelling.
**July 28th, 11AM-3:30PM:** Reunion Celebration – Enjoy a fun-filled day with games, activities, and a delicious potluck.

Don’t miss out on this chance to create new memories and honor the legacy of our ancestors.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more details, email: erin@markprairieheritage.org or visit www.markprairieheritage.org

 

Posted on by Erin

Open House

📣 You’re Invited! 📣
Join us for an informal Open House at the historic Mark Prairie Schoolhouse on Saturday, June 22, from 12-2pm. 🏫✨ This is a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse of all the amazing progress that has been made, thanks to our dedicated craftsmen and volunteers.
Come see the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse, enjoy the serene surroundings, and learn more about our ongoing projects. We can’t wait to share the exciting updates with you!