The debilitated Forest Grove School is finally headed in a better direction. In 2012, Sharon Anderson, a true Forest Grove supporter, decided she wanted to see the school in the full glory it deserves. She and other Forest Grove supporters have started the reconstruction of this icon.
According to Bill Sherman, this is, “the most significant one-room school restoration project in Iowa ever.” Sherman is on the Iowa Country’s Schools board.
Sharon has given all of her love, time, and commitment into making this old school into something new and beautiful. Barbara Anderson once lived on the plot of land where the school is located. Anderson stated, “I don’t think there’s a person on Earth that could have pulled together all the resources and poured her heart and soul into it like Sharon has.”
Anderson admitted she had no clue this project required so much time and effort. But her hard work and dedication has opened the eyes of many to the symbolism behind this building.
Ben Taylor, one of the builders on site, said, “We’ve been working on the school since around 2012. It’s been quite the project. I’m very proud of the work that I and everyone has done. This school has been around for as long as I can remember and it is something that makes the town unique.”
Forest Grove is lucky to have people who care so much about the town. The Forest Grove School is going to be a wonderful icon for the town.