Preserving History for Future Generations in Canby

One of Canby’s treasured historical buildings, the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse, continues to make strides with its reconstruction. The exterior of the damaged schoolhouse saw completion earlier this year, and of late the interior has been receiving all the attention. Remarkably, the original fir floors from 1879, suffering from exposure and pools of standing water, managed to withstand the elements and remain intact. The anticipated August completion date was set aside to accommodate other construction in the area taking priority. Hopefully, the Schoolhouse will now be completed by year’s end.

Relying heavily on donations and volunteer help, the Mark Prairie Historical Society “Save the Schoolhouse” campaign has witnessed the Canby community coming together to preserve this piece of the past. Canby Rotary Club donated $4,000 to the project and its members and volunteers recently built a porch on the northwest end of the building; they also cleaned and painted the vestibule. A recent Clackamas County TDC SIP Grant for $100,000 will go a long way toward completing the project. “We can’t be sure this will cover all the remaining costs,” explains Judi Aus, MPHS president. “Prices keep rising and some unplanned upgrades are needed that we didn’t anticipate.”

Community volunteers and public donations are still needed to ensure a quality finish for the 1632-square-foot structure which includes the 1893 vestibule that originally served as a mud porch, and the kitchen annex added in 1849 utilizing an existing woodshed. Once completed, the schoolhouse will again serve as a meeting place for local community events, just as it has since 1946 when School District 38 ceased to operate at Mark Prairie School. The Mark Family’s generous gift of the site to the community 78 years ago continues to provide a meeting place for local 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts, weddings, reunions and any other gatherings that serve the needs of the community.

“One of the reasons we’re working so hard to save the schoolhouse is that it helps the young people understand the importance of preserving history through historical buildings. It also gives the community a place to hold small events, and it attracts tourists to the farm community,” Judi explains. “I feel that it adds charm to the country landscapes.”

Still seeking a part-time inaugural site manager, Mark Prairie Historical Society asks anyone who might be interested to please step forward. What better way to become involved with your community? Booking events, overseeing the grounds before and after events and helping with fundraising are a few examples of what a site manager would be asked to do.

To learn more about the Mark Prairie Schoolhouse, the Mark Family, reconstruction updates, online donations, volunteerism and becoming a member, visit markprairiehistoricalsociety.org. Donations can be mailed to: Mark Prairie Historical Society, 7528 S Mark Rd, Canby, 97013. For inquiries, call 503-353-6563 or email info@markprairiehistoricalsociety.org. Mark Prairie Schoolhouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.