Volunteers needed for historic school preservation

RESTORATION IN PROGRESS — Brian Gabriel, Menomonie (Left) and Larry Theberge, Boyceville (right), power wash the Hilkrest School’s exterior to remove lose pain. —photo submitted

The Dunn County Historical Society (DCHS) is currently conducting a preservation project on the Hilkrest School, located on the grounds of the Rassbach Museum.

The one room schoolhouse, Hilkrest, served the children of Sherman Township until 1962. Children still come by the bus loads on field trips to experience what it was like to attend a one room rural school.

 During the months of May and June, the DCHS held a Paint-a-thon in which volunteers helped to power wash, scrape, and prime the school’s exterior. This work was accomplished by the following volunteers: Larry Theberge, Brian Gabriel, and the crew from Menomonie-based Positive Alternatives.

The DCHS is now looking for volunteers to complete the priming and painting of the school house by the end of fall. To accomplish this goal, they are in need of volunteers from both members of DCHS and the community of Dunn County.

Jan Theberge, volunteer coordinator for the DCHS, said, “Whether you or a relative attended the school in Sherman township or are just looking for ways to contribute to the community, we are looking for anyone who knows the value of this piece of history to Dunn County and wants to help. Together, let’s keep this building in good shape and ready for the school year.”

For more information and to schedule a time to prime/paint, call the museum at 715-232-8685 and ask for Jan Theberge.