History Corner, by Susan D. Engle
By 1940 the Reverend Ronald Brunger had written several versions of the history of the Dixboro [Methodist Episcopal] Church. This early narrative began: "The hamlet of Dixboro was platted by Capt. John Dix in the year 1826: four lots space were laid aside for the public square on which should stand the village school and church." (The "public square" is now known as "The Village Green" with its red brick schoolhouse in the middle.)
The "village school" also has a long history. The sign in front of the old Dixboro School reads: "Constructed in 1888, the Dixboro School was part of Superior Township School District No. 2. It stands on land set aside in the original village plat of 1826 as "a public square to be used for construction of a school and church." The school house was built at a cost of $1200 by Mr. Tessmer, replacing one constructed in the early 1830's. Students were taught in the one-room school by a single teacher. During winter terms there were as many as 35 pupils, ranging from four to 21 years of age. Dixboro School served the area until 1958. It is now owned, along with the surrounding village green, by Dixboro United Methodist Church."
"Property and funding increased during the Reverend Halsted's tenure. In January 1958 the church bought the historic Old Schoolhouse and its surrounding Village green across the street from the church at a purchase price of $5,050, for which the church took out a $5,000 loan. That was approximately the total amount in 1833 for all the properties in Dixboro sold by Captain Dix. The profit from the centennial celebration in July 1985 was used for loan payments."
Fast forward to Sunday, August 19, 2018, when Tom Freeman told the congregation about plans to build a permanent Pavilion on the Village Green at no cost to the church.
What a wonderful addition that will be for not only the church but for the entire area!
The "village school" also has a long history. The sign in front of the old Dixboro School reads: "Constructed in 1888, the Dixboro School was part of Superior Township School District No. 2. It stands on land set aside in the original village plat of 1826 as "a public square to be used for construction of a school and church." The school house was built at a cost of $1200 by Mr. Tessmer, replacing one constructed in the early 1830's. Students were taught in the one-room school by a single teacher. During winter terms there were as many as 35 pupils, ranging from four to 21 years of age. Dixboro School served the area until 1958. It is now owned, along with the surrounding village green, by Dixboro United Methodist Church."
"Property and funding increased during the Reverend Halsted's tenure. In January 1958 the church bought the historic Old Schoolhouse and its surrounding Village green across the street from the church at a purchase price of $5,050, for which the church took out a $5,000 loan. That was approximately the total amount in 1833 for all the properties in Dixboro sold by Captain Dix. The profit from the centennial celebration in July 1985 was used for loan payments."
Fast forward to Sunday, August 19, 2018, when Tom Freeman told the congregation about plans to build a permanent Pavilion on the Village Green at no cost to the church.
What a wonderful addition that will be for not only the church but for the entire area!
