Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Vignes School Reunion! We hope you enjoyed reminiscing and reliving your school days. We hope you enjoy the photos from the event.
- Date: September 16, 2023
- Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Location: Heritage Village at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay
- Admission: Free and open to the public
Heritage Village at Big Creek is excited to host the much-anticipated Vignes School Reunion, a heartwarming event that will take attendees on a nostalgic journey back in time. This event, organized by the Door County Historical Society, is set to take place on September 16 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Heritage Village located in Big Creek.
The Vignes School Reunion is a unique opportunity for former students, teachers, and community members to come together and relive the cherished memories of a bygone era. The event will be hosted within the meticulously restored Vignes School, a historic one-room schoolhouse that was lovingly relocated to Heritage Village by the Door County Historical Society in 1995. This quaint schoolhouse stands as a testament to the educational heritage of the region, and the reunion seeks to rekindle the spirit of learning that once flourished within its walls.
Event Highlights:
Walk Down Memory Lane - Step back in time as you explore the preserved Vignes School, complete with original desks, chalkboards, and educational artifacts. Take a stroll through the meticulously maintained schoolyard and reminisce about days gone by.
Engaging Exhibits - Discover the captivating exhibits presented by the Door County Historical Society, highlighting the history of education in the region and the tireless efforts behind the restoration of the Vignes School.
Interactive Projects - Vignes alumni are invited to participate in an interactive art installation that showcase the memories and experiences of those who attended Vignes School.
Memories and Mementos - Share your personal stories, photographs, and keepsakes from your time at Vignes School, and connect with fellow alumni who share a common thread of nostalgia.
Delightful Refreshments - Enjoy delectable refreshments reminiscent of the era, adding a culinary touch to the overall experience.
Join us at the Vignes School Reunion as we celebrate the indelible mark that education has left on the fabric of our community. This event promises a unique blend of history, nostalgia, and camaraderie, serving as a bridge between generations and a tribute to the enduring importance of learning.
About Vignes Schoolhouse
Located in the Township of Clay Banks in southern Door County, Vignes was a Norwegian community for which the schoolhouse was named. Built by its residents in the 1890s, the school was a cornerstone of the community and an important gathering place; it hosted concerts, plays, holiday programs, graduation ceremonies, and later Town Hall meetings until the early 1990s.
When the school was slated for destruction in 1995, the Door County Historical Society took steps to acquire it for the Heritage Village at Big Creek. The town voted to donate the building and to help move it the nine miles to the Heritage Village site. The journey meant overcoming obstacles such as 89 overhead electrical and telephone wires and crossing a bridge over the waters of Sturgeon Bay.
After much discussion and planning, the 28 foot by 40 foot building (minus its roof) was moved.
Once at Heritage Village, the school got a new roof and a reconstructed steeple, thanks to work and donations from John Collins and PortSide Builders. The warped floor was restored with time donated by the custodians from the School District of Sturgeon Bay. Members of the Door County Historical Society restored the interior of the building. Today, the Vignes Schoolhouse stands as a testament to the dedication of generations of Door County residents who supported education and encouraged learning.