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Lamar's 2012 Annual Report is out:

Click here for Lamar's 2012 Annual Report 

New events announcement 

Capital Campaign goal of $375,000 for the 2012 year reached!  Thank you to everyone for your help.

Lamar Says Goodbye to Retiring Board Members

See story below and new board info on "About Lamar"

Welcome!

Lamar, a 1905 two-room school house on the National Register of Historic Places, has provided a focal point for community for over 100 years  --  first as a country school, next as a gathering place for a tightly knit agrarian community, and now as an innovative center for education and the arts.  

Lamar carries a legacy from century to century of devotion to place, dedication to the varied learning that happens there, and care for the diversity of people who are transformed by the Lamar experience – be they the cherished elders who once attended school at Lamar, the children and adults who enjoy the participatory arts activities at Lamar today, or the lifelong learners who come to Lamar for classes in renewable energy and sustainable living.

MISSION

Inspired by its legacy, Lamar builds community through education and the arts from a 1905 school on the National Register of Historic Places 

Thanks for being a part of Lamar!

Lamar Honors Retiring Board Members Lamar President David Butler presents Certificates of Appreciation to Dr. Steve Bont and Brooke Dierkhising.  Steve has been an advocate for Lamar since  2004 and served on the board during the pivotal years of the capital campaign in 2011 and 2012.  Brooke Dierkhising has served Lamar since 2006 as the founder of the Kids Art Camp, secretary, and treasurer.  Thank you Steve and Brooke!  We’re grateful for all you’ve offered to Lamar and the people it serves!               "Its pure heart supporting Lamar" Jill Shannon from the St. Croix Valley Foundation which has supported Lamar since 2007 told the audience at the September 10th challenge grant celebration “it’s pure heart supporting Lamar.”  Kris Schmid, Chair of the Building Committee, described  the elements of the renovation project including roofing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, accessibility measures, and others,  all in keeping with the historic character of the 1905 school.  Melody Wahlberg, Vice President of Lamar, talked about the social history of Lamar as a place that has fostered friendships, learning, and traditions for over 100 years and that it will continue to do so.  She told guests:  “You can be proud to know you helped make this happen” and invited people to turn to each other and “share a hearty handshake and thank you.” Jonathan Moore from the National Park Service described Lamar as inspirational for its respect of history and innovations in sustainable building materials and renewable energy systems.

"Do More Together" Lamar participated in an area wide meeting of historical societies on Thursday, March 8th, celebrating the importance of history to our community vitality.  Historical societies and history affiliates met at the Luck Historical Society with Janet Seymour from the Wisconsin Historical Society.  The history of Lamar began with the Brokaw-Masterson School in 1879.   At Lamar, we're proud to preserve our cultural past while offering programming that addresses the needs and wants of our present time.

LAMAR VOLUNTEER                RECEIVES STATEWIDE AWARD

            It would be hard to top the dedication of Dorrinne Bebault, Osceola, for her 60 years of service to Lamar Community Center.  The Green Bay Packers agree.  Dorrinne was one of ten volunteers in the state who received the Green Bay Packer Community Quarterback Award during a recognition dinner at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Wednesday, January 11^th.

Dorrinne attended 1905 Lamar School in rural Saint Croix Falls which began operating as Lamar Community Center following its closing as a school in 1945.  As a young bride in 1951, she became a member of the Lamar-Sunshine Homemakers who cared for the building in its second era as a community center in the rural tradition.  In 1982, she worked with the Wisconsin State Historical Society to place Lamar on the National Register.  Dorrinne has continued to assist during the last decade serving as treasurer through the first stage of Lamar’s renovation in 2004, as one of the beloved “Pie Ladies” at the annual Lamar Festival, and in many other ways.

“Dorrinne’s dedication to Lamar is inspiring to us all,” says Director of Lamar, Kathleen Melin.  “We’re here today in part because of her foresight and hard work.”                    

            The Community Quarterback award comes with a $2,000 grant designated to Lamar’s capital campaign to complete the renovation of Lamar School and expand programming for area communities. 

            Lamar has been a focal point for community and civic activities for over 100 years.  The school was built by the immigrant farming community that surrounded it in 1905 and continues to be a reference point for cultural continuity.  In addition to cultivating community locally, Lamar is also slated to be a destination for those outside of the immediate area with classes, seminars, and events that will contribute to the experience economy developing in the Saint Croix Valley.

            Lamar welcomes donations to the campaign which can be made to Lamar, P.O. Box 344, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.  For further information, email lamar.community@gmail.com.

 Last updated: 04/10/2013