VICKSBURG, MI HISTORY
STRONG SCHOOL DEDICATION
Property of the Vicksburg Historical Society
| Historic Village - VICKSBURG COMMERCIAL PRINT SHOP |
| Historic Village - STRONG ONE ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE |
| Historic Village - STRONG SCHOOL DEDICATION |
all contemporary photographs taken by Dick Branch
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The restored Strong School was officially dedicated in a Memorial Day Ceremony. Family of the school donors, people active in the restoration, representatives of involved organizations, former teachers and students, and community members gathered at the Vicksburg Historic Village. |
Scenes of the school just before the ceremony
SPEAKERS AND PRESENTATIONS
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Kristina Powers Aubry, served as host for the event. It featured speakers representing all interested organizations. |
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| Kristina Powers Aubry, told the families of the school donors, "Your families' donation is a true living part of the legacy of Vicksburg, and hopefully when you come by this building, as you pass it, you will look with pride on what we tried to do restore the building." |
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Mike Hardy, Village Council President
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Mike Wunderlin, Historic Village Committee
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Lloyd Appell, Vicksburg Foundation
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Dennis Patzer, Vicksburg Community Schools
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Presentation to Walt Wesoloski and the families of the donors |
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Presentation of the Leland and Doris Eldred Weick Award for Local Historic Preservation Recipient: Mason Bishop "Mason Bishop has been a part of this community since he drew his first little breath, and he has been making, active contributions to the village all his life. In addition to countless other contributions, Bishop restored the presses in the Historic Newspaper Office ( See the Vicksburg Commercial Print Shop page on this site ) in the village and is currently teaching a pupil the art of using the equipment. He made three dimensional models of buildings that no longer exist for the museum. He is always willing and able to lend a hand wherever it is needed." |
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Kristina Powers Aubry acknowledged the gift of an original school flag stand |
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Bonnie Holmes, Vicksburg Historical Society
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| Children of the families who donated the Strong School cut the ribbons opening the building. Girls and boys in front of their respective doors following the practice of earlier years. |
CONCLUDING THE DEDICATION:
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Aaron and Sallye Snow who donated the school bell rang it to signal the assembled group to come in for refreshments. |
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The cloak room with the bell rope
INSIDE THE SCHOOL
Today's Assignment:
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refreshments served
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An informational exhibit about one room schools
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Another inside Strong School
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The Reception winds down
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| Vicksburg Community Schools and the Vicksburg Historical Society will share use of the building, with the focus on providing a one-room school experience for young people. And, the Vicksburg Historical Society will use the school to teach children and adults about one room schools, and their role in educating rural youth from pioneer days, and beyond, consolidation in the late 1940's. The building will also be used for special events and programs, and will be available for rent by individuals and organizations within the community. |
Also see the SCHOOLS page.
Kalamazoo
County USGenWeb Site
