Country

In September 30, 2004 the country school, Blaine Township #32 was moved into Florence. Karen Jaskulka, Lisa Fuhrer, and Sherri Sumner applied for the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation Grant and received $5,321 for the project.

Many local businesses, alumni, and community members contributed time and donations to this project. This project was dedicated to the many country school educators and country school attendees, Florence School District and Florence community. The Country School is a working historical museum and is dedicated to the preservation of education.

A note from Mrs. Eila Wiegman, Country School House Museum Coordinator: Florence is fortunate to have such a gem in our community. She is living history at our fingertips for all to touch, feel and experience. She represents academic and religious education at its roots! She was the “fore-father” of what we have today in the form of this amazing building. What a wonderful opportunity to share and experience a bit of our past! There’s nothing better than hands on learning that can spark a greater appreciation for both our past and our future! She invites you and beckons you to come in for a visit! If you do give her the pleasure of your presence would you honor her history by signing the guest book? But with her comes the need to keep her alive and well. Exterior maintenance, interior preservation (including minimal heat in the winter) and some handy-man projects are on her “needs” list. Should your heart be inspired, and your eyes see the need, would you please consider making a donation. They can be in memory of a loved one, either one-time or recurring.

Each year area schools are invited to experience a “day in the time of country school”. Mrs. Eila Wiegman is the coordinator and she also serves as the country school teacher.

Local organizations are invited to hold meetings at the museum. (Seating capacity is approximately 20.)

Each year during American Education, Mary Kay Black, Sherri Sumner and Sue Flisrand coordinate a “hat & crazy hair day” as a fundraiser for the Country School. Fast food restaurants and convenience stores are solicited for donations and for $1 students and staff are encouraged to wear a hat or have crazy hair and with that dollar or more if they so choose, their names go into a raffle for the prizes. The students enjoy the day and have a chance at many prizes. Thank you to the many donors!

For the last couple years, Mrs. Eila Wiegman along with help from Sue Arnesen and a few more volunteers have coordinated horse drawn wagon rides along with Santa and Mrs. Claus’s presence. There has been an average attendance of 75 children to visit Santa & Mrs. Claus. A special thank you to Gary Zubke, Linda Peterson, and Jim and Jean Anderson.

If you have any questions or would like to know more the person you may contact is Mrs. Eila Wiegman ejwiegman@yahoo.com or 231-883-3803.

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