Looking like a scene from Little House on the Prairie, students, many dressed in period clothing, crowded into the Kragero one-room schoolhouse last week to experience ‘Life in the Past Lane.’

 

Offered through Becker Community Education, the three-day program offers students in grades 1-6 the opportunity to experience what life was like in a one-room school. 

 

The authentic experience has been coordinated by members of the Ernest and Elaine Erickson family for the past 25 years, whose ancestors moved to the Santiago Twp. area from Kragero, Norway. In 1897 those immigrants determined there was a need for a school, erecting one on the Jens Ellefson farm. The new building had a double purpose; it was also used as a church on Sundays.

 

During its first year the school was only is session for five months. Its first teacher earned $100 for the year.

 

Kragero school was closed in 1967 and its students joined the Becker School District. In 1995, Tom Barthel and his wife, Gail Wilkinson, purchased the old school with the goal of keeping it in its original condition. They graciously allow the historic building to be used every summer for the ‘Life in the Past Lane’ experience.

 

The program is run by Erickson family siblings, Judy Larsén, Gloria Palmer, Karen Sakry, Terri Hughes, Ruth Chavez, Roger Erickson and Mary Nehring. Six of the 10 Erickson children attended Kragero school, including Larsén, Palmer, Erickson (Roger) and Sakry, who also teach the children during the event.

 

The Ericksons have a rich history with Kragero. The siblings’ great-grandparents, Jens and Sigun Ellefson were among those who immigrated to the area from Norway; the school was built on their land.

 

Their grandparents, Lillie and Carl Erickson, were also involved with Kragero; Lillie attended the school and Carl later served on the school board. Their father, Ernest, and two uncles also attended the school.

 

During their three days, the students are taught lessons, make old-time crafts, sing patriotic songs, play games from a bygone era and enjoy a nature hike and picnic by the creek. They also have the opportunity to pump water, wash clothing on a washboard, ring the school bell and make butter by hand.

 

At the end of the third day the children hold a program for their families, followed by wagon rides and a bonfire.

 

“We started the program in 1994 because we wanted to share what it was like,” said Larsén. “I also teach the kids about our nation and being patriotic,”

 

Along with the one-room schoolhouse experience, for the past several years the Barthels also open Kragero on the 4th of July for a community picnic, inviting everyone to attend. Along with a horse parade and horse-drawn wagon rides, the Declaration of Independence is read on the school steps, followed by a potluck and roasting marshmallows over the campfire.

 

The public is asked to note, however, that the 4th of July event will not be held this year due to road construction in the area.