UPDATE: Former students are flocking to Horace Mann Elementary in Fargo for a series of self-guided tours before the cherished building is demolished this summer. The tours, which commenced on November 26, allow attendees to revisit their childhood memories in a space that has served the community for over 110 years.
As the clock ticks down to the demolition, the nostalgic atmosphere was palpable. Participants walked through familiar hallways, sharing stories about their first classrooms and reminiscing over what once was. “We all remember our elementary schools, and we remember the smell, we remember the activities, the teachers,” said Leandra Ostrom, Principal of Horace Mann-Roosevelt. “Seeing the art on the walls and how teachers are decorating their rooms now is just wonderful.”
The building’s history is rich with memories, including an old computer lab that has been repurposed into instructional space. The library remains intact, housing significant documents from the school’s extensive past, including yearbooks from the 1960s and PTA records dating back to the 1930s.
With the demolition set for summer 2024, the community is invited to cherish these final moments. Ostrom emphasized the importance of these memories, stating, “The people make the building. It’s about the families, it’s about the students, it’s about the legacies that were built in these hallways.”
The tours are part of a year-long celebration honoring the school’s impact on the community. Three more tours are scheduled: the next from 5 to 8 p.m. on December 29, followed by sessions from noon to 4 p.m. on April 11 and 5:30 to 8 p.m. on May 13.
After the old Horace Mann is torn down, a new facility, also named Horace Mann Elementary, is expected to open in 2028, marking a new chapter for future generations. As memories blend with anticipation, the community is encouraged to participate in these emotional tours and celebrate the legacy of Horace Mann Elementary before it fades into history.
Don’t miss your chance to revisit an important part of Fargo’s educational landscape—experience the nostalgia before it’s too late!
