Mark Prairie Historical Society

The recent ice storm that hit Canby, Oregon has dealt a devastating blow to the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse and grounds. Several of the historic oak trees on the property were uprooted and unfortunately, a couple of the trees happened to fall on the roof of the schoolhouse causing extensive damage to the structure. It has not been safe to go in and assess all of the damage at this point, but as soon as it is, we will update you on what we are dealing with. Our insurance agent has been contacted (YES, we do have insurance!) and our tree service company has been notified.

Please be assured the board of MPHS is working tirelessly on this situation and will keep you all informed as to what the next steps will be. If you would like to make a donation to help, you can mail a check to Mark Prairie Historical Society, 7528 S. Mark Rd., Canby, Oregon 97013. If you would prefer to donate online, just go to our Donate Page and follow the instructions. As always, thank you for your continued support.

Sometimes, pictures just speak louder than words. Photos courtesy of Blaine Sessions.

On February 1st, 2021, we received a message from a concerned member who read in the paper that MPHS had declined grant funds. Below is the message and MPHS’s response to the concern.

Message: “Hi, I’m a member and saw MPHS mentioned in the Canby paper. It was in regards to the Clackamas County Cultural Coalition awards. It stated that MPHS “Let’s Warm Up Mark Prairie Schoolhouse!” had been awarded $2500, which was then declined. I was interested in the background behind this decision to decline/return the funds. Thank you.”

MPHS’s Response: Regarding the January 27th article, “Canby, Molalla projects receive county grants”, we would like to reassure members and supporters of the Mark Prairie Historical Society that the organization’s declination of a recent grant award from the Clackamas County Cultural Coalition, albeit not explained in the posting, was actually for a good reason!

In efforts to repair the defunct heating system in the circa-1900 schoolhouse, we received five quotes that ranged from $5000 – $30,000, none of which were optimal solutions for the historic building. We had $2500 in donated funds to provide a match so opted to apply for the $2500 CCCC grant funds. In the time between our application and their awarding of the grants, a sixth local HVAC company repaired the existing furnace for $250 for parts and $1000 in donated labor. The company offered to keep it operational through the years at no additional cost. We are most appreciative for this generosity! The existing furnace is, in fact, the best, least intrusive, least expensive heating option so it was a win-win for Mark Prairie Historical Society. 

But with a less costly solution found, the Cultural Coalition would not permit us to redirect the grant funds to another much-needed project, such as trimming some dangerous trees or closing in under the building.  We will, however, be following up with an application for a smaller CCCC grant to put towards the tree trimming.

As a small organization working to preserve this 120-year-old schoolhouse, we survive and can only move forward with donated resources – time, money and expertise – so we gratefully appreciate you, our supporters, and all you give to Mark Prairie. Thanks so much for your interest and support!

Mark Prairie Historical Society

Can you believe it’s 2021? Time goes by so fast when you’re having fun! Hmmm, well I’m not sure how fun 2020 was, but it sure did seem to fly by!

Now that 2021 is here, it’s time to renew your membership in the Mark Prairie Historical Society. If you’re not already a member, this would be a great time to join! All you need to do to renew (or join) is print out a copy of the membership form below and mail it in with a check for $15 per member to 7528 South Mark Rd. Canby, Oregon 97013 Of course if you feel the need to include a donation as well, I’m sure no one will complain! 🙂

Our fabulous leader, Judi Aus, was interviewed by “Now Hear This: Canby” for one of their podcasts, episode 241, “Hit the Mark.” Judi’s interview begins around the 16:00 mark and it is followed by a brief history of Mark Prairie that begins around 35:09! What an awesome way to get the word out about what’s been happening at the schoolhouse!

https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-62k6h-f8df4a

Have a listen!

1928 Mark Family Reunion

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 26^th 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!