OUR HISTORY

In 1847, the John Mark family arrived in Oregon City after crossing the plains by ox team via the Oregon Trail from Jackson County, Missouri.  John Mark traded a yoke of oxen and either a wagon or a mare for 640 acres with a cabin on it. His eldest son, Alexander, over 21, but not married, could only claim 320 acres, which he did adjoining his father’s farm.  His sisters and their husbands staked claims adjoining Alexander’s. Hence the name Mark Prairie.

In 1879, Alexander deeded the present two acres of land to school district #38, on which was to be constructed a building to be used for school and religious purposes.  In 1893, Alexander and his brother Samuel deeded a right-of-way for a road from the south side of the property to Barlow Road, then called Market Road 8/9.

The present building, circa 1879, was built by the people of the community. The lumber was hauled from Cole’s sawmill, located on the south bank of the Molalla River, near the present Island Park.

In January 1946, the school district was consolidated with Canby district #86, and the building and grounds ceased to be used as a school. Rather than reclaim the property, the Mark heirs donated it to the community for community use.  To manage the property, the Marks Prairie Community Club was organized on November 6, 1947.

Since that time the school site has served the needs of the community in providing a meeting place for family reunions, wedding receptions, Christmas and other parties, picnics, church groups, 4-H clubs, a mother’s club, Extension club, and monthly meetings of the Community Club.  

In 1948, the remains of the Mark pioneers were relocated to the site, creating a new monument using the headstones from the original Mark cemetery. The property was then named Mark Memorial Park by county officials.

When the building was used as the school, it was only a single room. What is now the kitchen was a woodshed/play shed located about 50 feet to the southeast. In 1949, it was moved to the west end of the main building and became the kitchen

In 1979, the Community Club celebrated the 100th birthday of the district with a picnic held at the park. More than 100 persons signed the guest book. It was a wonderful day of visiting and meeting new friends. Unfortunately, the school bell could not be rung as it had been stolen. It has since been replaced and can be rung today!

In 1993, a major restoration was undertaken. A concrete foundation was placed under the building, and the building was straightened and strengthened.

In 1998-99, a well was drilled and a new cedar shingle roof was installed on the main building. The bell was also replaced.

In 2010, the Marks Prairie Community Club changed its name to Mark Prairie Historical Society.

In 2021, the Mark Prairie One-room Schoolhouse was severely damaged by an ice storm that hit the Canby area. Several of the historic oak trees on the property were uprooted and unfortunately, a couple of the trees fell on the roof of the schoolhouse causing extensive damage to the structure. A restoration project is currently underway.

After the storm, volunteers started immediately on disaster recovery and restoration of the iconic schoolhouse. The insurance settlement process began, a contractor was secured, and grant writing started. Furnishings and artifacts were moved to safe storage by volunteers. The building was stabilized with braces on the tilting walls and the gaping hole in the roof was tarped.  Partial demolition was done nine months later, and then the building sat for months, further deteriorating as the roof continued to collapse and standing water covered the fir floors. After 16 months with no cost estimate and no progress, the original contractor was terminated. 

Emerick Construction soon stepped in and had the building closed in by winter 2023 with new stick-built trusses, roof, and rebuilt walls. Original windows and siding were repaired; other materials were custom-made to match the existing. Remaining interior tongue-in-groove walls were stripped of their lead paint.  A new septic system was installed.

The insurance claim was finally settled at the maximum amount, leaving more than $400,000 in expenses for MPHS to raise. Construction progressed as monies were raised through grant writing and fundraising efforts. Work turned to the interior with the goals of preserving the historic materials and ambiance while meeting current building codes. New HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and insulation were installed, along with internet capabilities while the walls were open. Interior walls and ceiling were clad with reproduction, 3-inch, tongue-in-groove paneling to match the original. Fir floors were lightly finished to maintain the patina. Volunteers from Canby Rotary painted the vestibule and built a new porch on the north side of the building with lumber donated by Pacific Timber Products. Work parties of volunteers cleaned the grounds, prepped to plant more native plants around the Oregon white oaks, refurbished antique appliances, and helped with myriad projects.

Nearing completion, the interior fir walls glow with the warmth of amber shellac. Salvaged and reproduction light fixtures bring the building up to current codes. And salvaged cabinets have been rebuilt and installed in the 1950-kitchen addition. Volunteers have written 32 grants to raise funds to complete this massive reconstruction project. Inordinate county code compliance for this County Historic Landmark Building has proven to be very expensive. 

When the building passes its final county inspections (hopefully in 2024!), MPHS will celebrate with a ribbon cutting and grand reopening, throwing the door wide for a party with the community! Mark Prairie will once again welcome neighborhood potlucks, reunions, 4-H and Scout meetings, classes, showers, weddings, and other events as a community hall and rental venue. In 2025, Mark Family descendants will come from near and far to celebrate their 100th Family Reunion on the site of their ancestors’ gift to future generations.