Clarkson Historical Society
seeks donations for schoolhouse restoration

On September 10, the Clarkson Historical Society held its second annual Clarkson Schoolhouse Reunion, in the recreation room of the Clarkson Community Church. There was a table of very old photos taken of students at the Clarkson Schoolhouse over a period of years and those present were invited to help identify their ancestors or neighbors. There was a discussion of the activities that took place daily in the one-room schools of our country with many of the people in attendance adding their experiences for the record.

The restoration of the Clarkson Schoolhouse has been the focal point of the Society for the past nine years. In the past three years, members began cleaning out debris from the first and second floors, completing the repair of the bell tower, shoring up and reshingling the roof, installing new windows and painting the outside woodwork. The next phase of the restoration will include installing the heat, electricity and plumbing and the interior walls, ceiling and floors.

Approximately $140,000 is needed for this work to be completed. The society has exhausted its search for outside grant funds and needs assistance from local contributors. Individual, group and corporate funds are being sought to complete this project. Call Mary Edwards at 637-5810 for information.

When the building is fully restored it will have many uses for the community including a meeting place, a chance for local school children to see what education in the previous years was like and a repository for historical memorabilia of our area.

October is membership month for the CHS. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Clarkson Justice Court from 7:15-9 p.m. The speaker on November 1 will be Holley resident Chad Fabry, who will talk on historic home styles. Visitors are welcome. For membership information come to the next meeting or call 637-5810.

October 29, 2006