UPDATE: Former students of Horace Mann Elementary School in Fargo gathered for a nostalgic self-guided tour on November 26, as the iconic building prepares for demolition after this school year. The emotional event allowed attendees to revisit cherished memories and explore the familiar hallways one last time.
The tour drew a crowd eager to reminisce about their early school days. Many participants shared personal stories, including Adam Korstad, who highlighted changes within the school, such as the transformation of the old computer lab into additional instructional space. “We all remember our elementary schools, and we remember the smell, we remember the activities,” said Leandra Ostrom, Principal of Horace Mann-Roosevelt. “Seeing the art on the walls and how teachers decorate their rooms now is just wonderful.”
The historic school, which has served the community for over 110 years, will be replaced by a new facility, also named Horace Mann Elementary, expected to open in 2028. This transition marks the end of an era, making the tour feel particularly significant for those who walked its halls.
As part of a year-long celebration honoring the school’s legacy, the tour featured a library filled with historical documents, including yearbooks dating back to the 1960s and PTA records from the 1930s. “The people make the building,” Ostrom emphasized, reflecting on the connections formed within the school’s walls.
The school plans to host three additional tours before the academic year concludes. The next opportunity for former students and community members to revisit their memories will take place on December 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.. Additional tours are scheduled for April 11 from noon to 4 p.m. and May 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Ostrom hopes the tours will encourage attendees to reconnect with their past, stating, “It’s about the families, it’s about the students, and it’s about the legacies that were built in these hallways.”
As the countdown to demolition begins, the community is reminded of the lasting impact this beloved institution has had on countless lives. Don’t miss the chance to revisit your own memories before this chapter closes forever.
