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VANDALIA, Cass County — The Mason County Historical Society was recently awarded the Michigan One-Room Schoolhouse of the Year Award at the 2024 Michigan One-Room Schoolhouse Association Annual Conference. The honor highlights the rich history and careful preservation of the Marchido School now located at Mason County Historical Society’s Historic White Pine Village.
Marchido School was part of Pere Marquette Township School District No. 1. It was built in 1894 on the southeast corner of Bronson and Hesslund roads, providing education to children in grades kindergarten through eight.
In 1956, the Marchido School district was annexed to the Ludington Area School District. The building was moved across the road in the back of the new building, Pleasant View Elementary, and was used as an activity building. In September 1973, the building was donated to the Mason County Historical Society by LASD. It was then moved to the newly developed Pioneer Village, which opened on July 4, 1976. Pioneer Village’s name was later changed to Historic White Pine Village.
The schoolhouse was restored with furnishings and details such as a 44-star flag from 1890, kerosene lamps, and desks of varying sizes, reflecting the time when one teacher instructed students of all ages in a single room.
“We are deeply honored to receive this award. The Marchido School is more than just a building—it’s a window into the educational experiences of children before the era of school consolidation,” said Rebecca Berringer, executive director of the Mason County Historical Society. “We are proud to preserve this important piece of history, and we are grateful to the Michigan One-Room Schoolhouse Association for their dedication to recognizing these important landmarks across the state.
“The Marchido School offers visitors an authentic look into education from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the traditional recitation benches and Palmer Method penmanship lessons to the beloved Christmas programs and community gatherings that took place in the school, it reflects an era where one-room schools were the heart of education in rural communities.”
In addition to being a popular exhibit at Historic White Pine Village, the Marchido School provides hands-on educational experiences to students from across west Michigan. During programs, such as the spring and fall History in Action Days, children have the opportunity to step back in time and experience what it was like to attend a one-room schoolhouse, making history come to life in an immersive, interactive way. The experience is typically led by a volunteer retired teacher.
The Mason County Historical Society is a non-profit charitable 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1937. While at one time the Society was supported by a local tax millage, it has operated autonomously, without taxpayer support, for over 30 years. Its mission is to preserve and present Mason County’s rich history, inspiring visitors to appreciate and engage with their heritage. The Society owns and operates Historic White Pine Village in Pere Marquette Township, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum in Ludington and the Mason County Research Center in downtown Ludington.
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