A "Must-See" Destination
Heritage Register
There were lots of handshakes, smiling faces and photographers at a June 20, 2014 ceremony in La Conner, WA. There, the Governor’s Advisory Council of the WA Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, officially confirmed listing of the Historic 1905 Camano City Schoolhouse on the WA Heritage Register of Historic Places. In her presentation remarks, Allyson Brooks, PH.D, DAHP Director and State Historic Preservation Officer said, “The Camano City Schoolhouse is historically significant, as an intact example of an early, one-room schoolhouse, directly linked to the early educational system of WA state.”
This designation for the schoolhouse enhances its stature as a “must-see” destination for ever-growing numbers of ardent “heritage travel” fans.
In the photo, the then Camano Schoolhouse Foundation President Jim Turk (left) and Treasurer Chuck Durland (right) accept the Award from Susan White, a Citizen Member of the Heritage Advisoy Council.
Camano Schoolhouse Foundation
In 2012, the Camano Schoolhouse Foundation was formed and purchased the Camano City Schoolhouse building from the Camano Island Fire District. The original property was split into two lots. Lot 1 contained the Fire Hall, and Lot 2 contained the Schoolhouse. As the Schoolhouse was gradually restored, use by the community grew. Major events filled the combined Schoolhouse and Fire Hall parking areas.
Camano City Fire Hall
In late 2018, the Camano City Fire Hall was listed for sale. From the support of a generous donor, the Camano City Schoolhouse Foundation was able to purchase the Camano City Fire Hall and reunite the two properties. The Schoolhouse Board is currently working on plans to integrate the Fire Hall and Schoolhouse resources to expand opportunities for future community events and exhibits. Volunteers and community members have spent many hours repainting both the interior and exterior of the Fire Hall. See photos. Planning is also underway for a unified parking plan and enhancement of the existing landscaping.