URGENT UPDATE: Former students flocked to Horace Mann Elementary in Fargo on November 26, 2023, to relive cherished memories during a self-guided tour ahead of the school’s impending demolition. This emotional journey allowed attendees to revisit their formative years as they prepared to say goodbye to a beloved landmark.
The tour, part of a year-long celebration marking the school’s 110-year history, provided an opportunity for nostalgia. Visitors reminisced about their first classrooms and explored areas of the building that have transformed over the years. Adam Korstad highlighted an old computer lab now serving as instructional space, while the library still brimmed with yearbooks dating back to the 1960s and PTA records from the 1930s.
“This is a chance to reconnect with an old friend,” said Leandra Ostrom, Principal of Horace Mann-Roosevelt. “We all remember our elementary schools—the smell, the activities, the teachers. It’s wonderful to see it come to life again.” The emotional connection was palpable as visitors absorbed the vibrant art on the walls and the spirit of the school still resonating within its halls.
With the demolition slated for next summer, a new Horace Mann Elementary is set to rise in its place, expected to open in 2028. Ostrom expressed hope that the community will cherish these memories before the next chapter begins. “The people make the building. It’s about the families, the students, and the legacies built in these hallways,” she stated.
Three more tours are scheduled before the school year’s end, with the next opportunity on December 29, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m.. Additional tours are planned for April 11, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m., and May 13, 2024, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.. This initiative not only serves to honor the past but also to engage the community in celebrating its legacy.
As the countdown to demolition begins, this poignant event underscores the deep-rooted impact Horace Mann Elementary has had on generations of students and families in Fargo. Visitors are encouraged to share their stories and memories during these final tours, preserving the spirit of a school that has touched countless lives.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the nostalgia and honor the history before it’s too late.
