Save the Carus Historic Schoolhouse

Another historic schoolhouse torn down to build a parking lot?!

The Carus old historic schoolhouse is being moved to Evans Farms to avoid a July teardown date. Community organizers and construction workers have been working franticly to save the building, and it looks like it might happen.

Raising money for the $150,000 move and the $500,000 renovation is a huge worry for The Friends of the Carus Historic Schoolhouse. Community support is strong and "The Friends" are optimistic that they can pull this off, but they need your help.

Please consider giving what you can to help save this building and turn it into a community center for the Carus neighborhood.

In 1926 Clarence Evans and Carl Schmeiser built the Carus schoolhouse milled from old growth trees on Evans' farm. Over the years, dozens of Evans and Schmeiser descendants, as well as hundreds of children from the community, either attended the school or taught at the two-room Carus schoolhouse.

In December of last year Canby School District requested permission to demolish the building if a buyer who would move the building could not be found. Improvements to the parking lot required space that was now occupied by the “old white building”. The date for demolition was set for July 1, 2023. This action horrified many residents in the Carus community who cherish this craftsman designed public structure.

When an initial buyer’s plan fell through in late March, a grassroots effort was mounted by the community. With no money, but a strong conviction to save the building, a mover was hired. And best of all the grand-daughter of Clarence Evans, Cindy Pease, agreed to settle the building on the same property where the old growth trees were cut and milled for the schoolhouse.

A donation of any size would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.