“Demo Day” at the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse

Photo courtesy of Jason Paolo

A work crew from Keystone Contracting, arrived at 9:30 this morning to begin the removal of the damaged portions of the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse. So begins the first phase in the rebuilding process!

Although it is painful for many of us to see our beloved schoolhouse like this, we know the completed project will look amazing and are excited to watch the transformation take place.

Stay tuned for further updates on the rebuild as it progresses!


If you would like to make a donation to help us rebuild the schoolhouse, please click on the “donate” button below. Thank you for your support!

Photo courtesy of Jason Paolo
Photo courtesy of Blaine Sessions
Photo courtesy of Jason Paolo
Photo courtesy of Blaine Sessions
Photo courtesy of Jason Paolo
Photo courtesy of Blaine Sessions
Photo courtesy of Jason Paolo

MPHS Needs Your Help

Fall has arrived! Thanksgiving and Christmas are just a few short weeks away, the end of 2021 is rapidly approaching and the work doesn’t stop here at Mark Prairie Historical Society. We are nearing the deconstruction phase of our schoolhouse!

We have had numerous hurdles to jump over since the February Ice Storm which caused extensive damage to the schoolhouse. With the recent winds and rain, the roof is continuing to collapse. Thankfully the building is insured, however, the insurance will not cover everything. WE NEED HELP! We would be most grateful if you would consider providing a year-end donation to our rebuilding of the Mark Prairie School. Your support is critical to the completion of our project.

Mark Memorial Park and Mark Prairie School belong to the community for use, and when the restoration is complete, the community will have a beautiful updated wedding venue and meeting hall for all to enjoy again 😊

Thank you for your continued support!

More of the roof has collapsed since the recent winds and rain
Extensive damage to the roof
The interior of the schoolhouse

Canby Bicentennial Parade, 1979

Welcome to Canby, 1979! The Mark Prairie Community Club (now Mark Prairie Historical Society) had an entry in the Canby Bicentennial Parade! The float featured a replica of the Marks Prairie Schoolhouse built by Gordon Carlson.

Riding on the float were Mark family member Vesta Mark (School teacher) and Marilyn and Ed Rentz (children). The tractor was driven by Otto Hansen.

The Mark Prairie Historical Society would love to find more of these historical photo treasures for our collection. If you have any pictures pertaining to the schoolhouse, the community club or Marks Prairie in general that you would be willing to share (digitally), please email us at: mp1847@markprairiehistoricalsociety.org

Thank you!

Visit Us at the Fall Flea Market TODAY!

Happening NOW!! Be sure to stop by! Mark Prairie Historical Society is having a booth at the Canby Historical Society Flea Market on Oct. 2 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Stop by and visit us, buy a treasure, make a donation or get an update on the rebuilding of the 2020 Ice Storm damaged schoolhouse. We are at Canby Fairgrounds in the 4-H Building on Oct. 2.

We Are Rebuilding!!! Demolition will begin soon!

Annual Members Meeting Held on July 31

Thank you to all the MPHS members who turned out for the 2021 Annual Members Meeting, held on July 31, via ZOOM.

One highlight of the meeting was a presentation by MPHS advisor, Peggy Sigler, who updated the attendees on the progress of the restoration of the schoolhouse.

The election of the Board of Directors took place and members voted to approve the slate of the Board of Directors. Congratulations to the returning Board as well as our returning Advisor!

Giant Yard Sale a Huge Success!

Why are these lovely volunteers so happy? Well, the Giant Yard Sale benefitting the restoration of the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse was a HUGE success that’s why! The sale was busy from start to finish and kept our volunteers on their toes.

The Mark Prairie Historical Society would like to send a Huge heartfelt thank you to all who helped make our recent 2 day yard sale a big success. To all who donated: sale items, the time and energy to collect and set up the sale as well as to clean up afterwards, our customers, and those who donated money, we are truly grateful. We all appreciate you very much. Without this community spirit, none of this could have been possible. Again, our sincere thank you to everyone who participated and made the event successful! 😊👍🏻👍🏻

Alright “Yard Salers”, It’s time to go “Saling” for a Great Cause!

Calling all “Yard Salers,” it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Our Giant Yard Sale, benefiting the restoration of the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse, is happening THIS Friday and Saturday, July 9th and 10th! We’re not excited, you’re excited! Oh heck, who am I kidding, we are VERY excited! 😊

Thanks to all our generous donors, we have so many wonderful items for you to pick through and purchase! Who knows! You may just discover that perfect treasure you never knew you needed but just HAVE to have! You’ll never know unless you swing on by.

Check out the pictures below for a sampling of some of the fabulous items we have for sale and see the flyer below the pictures for all the important details. We are so excited for this event and look forward to seeing you there!

Happy Saling!