Woman's Club thankful for help restoring schoolhouse

The Plains Woman’s Club wishes to thank the community at large for support of our project of re-shingling the first log school built in the area. Letters of Support for a Montana History Foundation grant application were written by the Thompson Falls Historical Society, Gregg Eitelberg, Mayor of Plains, Lori Rehbein, 4th grade Plains School Teacher and the Plains Business Community.

The Town of Plains provided a Port-potty and night security during the project.

Plains Schools loaned security fencing and ladders. Thom Chisholm brought shingle shovels and rippers to the project.

PWC members provided logistical support and meals. Community member, Sharon Wilson appeared during one lunch break with items to add to our menu. Tom Peterson of Ripples Ice Cream shop appeared during one work break with large, complimentary servings of their special rhubarb-strawberry flavor of the month.

Local donations made it easier to purchase material and we especially wish to show appreciation for a generous donation made in honor of Gertrude Vacura Bryce who was an active member of the Plains Woman’s Club for many years.

We owe special thanks to Kirby Matthew of Deer Lodge for providing scaffolding and tools as well as his considerable expertise in the art of historic preservation. Of course we could not have done the project at all without the willing participation by a group of retired community members who gave of their time and energy, skills and tools, for no other reason than to be involved in, and to complete, a project for community betterment. Those people included Marc Childress, Les Carpenter, Brad Stacey, Rob Seli, Marvin Tanner, Tom Collins.

All of the individuals and organizations mentioned helped to preserve an important part of the cultural heritage of the area for the enjoyment and education of future students, residents and visitors.

Thank you!

Ellen Childress

Plains Woman’s Club Secretary