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

MPHS at Canby’s First Thursday Night Market

Mark Prairie Historical Society Volunteer Judi Jarosh and President Judi Aus.

Our dedicated Mark Prairie Historical Society volunteers Judi Jarosh and Judi Aus, alongside the Friends of Carus School and the Canby Historical Society, were thrilled to share Canby’s rich heritage with visitors at the recent First Thursday Night Market on May 2, 2024.

Our volunteers had the pleasure of engaging with attendees, sharing information about our organization and the exciting projects we have in progress. Being part of the First Thursday Night Market scavenger hunt added an extra layer of excitement to the evening, making history come alive in unexpected ways.

We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase Mark Prairie Historical Society as an integral part of the community and we were honored to be included in such a vibrant event.

The evening of May 2nd was a special highlight, as we participated in the placement of a time capsule at the historic Canby City Arch. The companion event at Holly Street City Hall was equally memorable, with the planting of a heritage tree, the unveiling of a plaque, and live music that filled the air with nostalgia and joy.

As we reminisce on these unforgettable moments, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who joined us in celebrating Canby’s enduring legacy. Together, we continue to preserve and honor our community’s rich history for generations to come.

Oh, by the way! Spot the reflection of the Historic City Hall in the background of the above photo? Emerick Construction Co, the same amazing firm that is currently revitalizing the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse, was involved in it’s restoration too 💕

Mark Prairie Historical Society’s Peggy Sigler to receive Oregon Heritage Excellence Award

Mark Prairie Historical Society’s Volunteer Project Manager Peggy Sigler has been named one of the recipients of this year’s Oregon Heritage Excellence Award.

Mark Prairie Historical Society is thrilled to celebrate the recent news that Peggy Sigler, our volunteer manager of the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse Restoration Project, will be receiving the Oregon Heritage Excellence Award and will be recognized at the 2024 Oregon Heritage Conference Award Dinner on April 18th in Hillsboro. Locally, she will be honored at the May 1 Canby City Council meeting as part of the kick-off to May Historic Preservation Program. 

Thank you Peggy! You are amazing!! We are very proud of you and thankful for all that you do!!!

Join us in celebrating Peggy’s well-deserved accomplishment!

🎊🎉🥳🙌🏻👏🏻

News Release Courtesy of Carol Palmer