URGENT UPDATE: Former students are flocking to Horace Mann Elementary in Fargo for a self-guided tour today, November 26, just before the historic school faces demolition. This opportunity to revisit cherished memories is a poignant moment for many as they prepare to say goodbye to a beloved landmark after more than a century of service.
The tour, which allows attendees to walk through familiar hallways, has rekindled emotions and nostalgia for those who once called Horace Mann their educational home. Notable memories include the old computer lab, currently repurposed for instructional space, and the library filled with documents chronicling the school’s 110-year history, including yearbooks dating back to the 1960s and PTA records from the 1930s.
Principal Leandra Ostrom emphasized the deep connections people have with this school: “We all remember our elementary schools… when you can come in and still see it come to life…it’s just wonderful,” she shared. With the current building set to be demolished in summer 2024, a new Horace Mann Elementary is scheduled to open in 2028, making this tour a vital chance for alumni to reconnect with their past.
The school is hosting a series of tours as part of a year-long celebration recognizing its impact on the community. The next tour is scheduled for December 29 from 5 to 8 p.m., with two more planned for April 11 from noon to 4 p.m. and May 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.. As Principal Ostrom noted, “The people make the building…it’s about the families, it’s about the students, it’s about the legacies built in these hallways.”
With each visit, attendees are reminded of the laughter, friendships, and lessons learned within these walls. The emotional resonance of these tours emphasizes the importance of community and the lasting impact of education. Don’t miss your chance to experience this significant moment in Fargo’s history before the transition to a new era begins.
Residents are encouraged to join the upcoming tours and share their stories, ensuring that the legacy of Horace Mann Elementary continues to live on in the hearts of those it has touched. Share your memories and be part of this historic farewell.
