Hub City Times

Top Menu

  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Subscribe

Main Menu

  • Home
  • News
    • Around the County
    • Arts & Ent
    • Education
    • Government
    • Local
    • Police / Sheriff Calls
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
    • Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
  • Coming Events
  • Business
  • Obits
  • Classifieds
  • Military Photos
  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Subscribe

logo

Hub City Times

  • Home
  • News
    • Around the County
    • Arts & Ent
    • Education
    • Government
    • Local
    • Police / Sheriff Calls
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
    • Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
  • Coming Events
  • Business
  • Obits
  • Classifieds
  • Military Photos
HistoryLocal
Home›History›Aster to host Purdy School reunion

Aster to host Purdy School reunion

By Hub City Times
August 18, 2016
967
0
Share:
Aster Assisted Living will host a reunion for students of Purdy School on Sept. 10.

By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

MARSHFIELD — In the years surrounding World War I, Marshfield was experiencing an overcrowding in its schools. By June 1918 plans were developing for the construction of a new middle school and vocational school building on the southeast corner of West Third Street and South Chestnut Avenue.

With the government’s wartime restrictions, plans for what would be known as Garfield Middle School moved forward slowly, and it was not until the war’s end that development would proceed.

By this time the name had changed to Franklin Middle School. But with Marshfield residents still uncertain about the name, petitions began circulating regarding a new “outstanding American” to honor.

Willard D. Purdy was just 23 years old the night his squad crossed into enemy territory. After a successful bombing of the German trenches, his party returned to its dugout just as the sun peeked over the horizon.

As Purdy removed his gear, a grenade slipped from his shirt and fell to the ground. Seeing the igniter dislodge, Purdy immediately threw himself on the grenade to save the others in his squad.

The Purdy School opened its doors on Nov. 11, 1920, and was named after Willard D. Purdy, a local man killed in World War I.

The Purdy School opened its doors on Nov. 11, 1920, and was named after Willard D. Purdy, a local man killed in World War I. (Photo courtesy of the North Wood County Historical Society)

The selfless act of the young man stuck in local residents’ minds, and when the doors opened to the Willard D. Purdy School Nov. 11, 1920, citizens were reminded of his supreme sacrifice.

Many junior high classes walked through Purdy School doors until the new senior high was constructed and the junior high grades were moved to the East Fourth Street building.

Mid-State Technical College then leased the building until its new campus was completed on West Fifth Street.

In 1990 the Marshfield School District began looking for a company to develop the structure, but it would not be sold for four years.

Then in 1995 a portion of the vacant building was demolished, and the rest was converted to a home for independent older adults called The Purdy Retirement Community.

“It then became the Angelus, and the Angelus morphed into Aster,” explained Aster Sales & Marketing Director Tammy Hardinger. “Now, we are actually fully assisted living.”

“My idea was — because it’s a historical building — lots of people have memories here,” said Hardinger. “We have lots of people living here that went to junior high here. We have one gentleman here who taught when it was a technical school. It’s a building that has touched a lot of lives.

“My thought was to have an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a free event for anyone who has gone to school here, if they were in junior high here or even in the tech school.

“It would be fun to have people who have not been back in the building, or even if they have, come do some reminiscing.”

The Purdy School reunion is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include music, free food, memorabilia, and tours of the building.

If you have any questions on the reunion or memorabilia or memories to contribute, contact Tammy Hardinger at 715-384-6611 or thardinger@ashfordmartin.com.

TagsAster Assisted LivingFeaturedhistorymarshfield historyPurdy SchoolreunionschoolschoolsTammy Hardinger
Previous Article

Historical marker dedication to be held in ...

Next Article

News-Herald takes legal action against Marshfield School ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related articles More from author

  • Stratford running back Kade Ehrike cuts back for a big gain during the second quarter of the Tigers’ 40-7 victory at Auburndale on Friday night. Ehrike finished with 192 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
    Sports

    Quick start, tough defense pushes Stratford football past Auburndale

    September 30, 2017
    By Hub City Times
  • Opinion

    Letter to the Editor: Reader unhappy with school system’s view on demonstration

    April 10, 2018
    By Hub City Times
  • Sports

    Stratford makes it five in a row

    January 8, 2018
    By Hub City Times
  • Opinion

    Graduation approaches for career-based learning students

    May 21, 2017
    By Hub City Times
  • India Mission Joy volunteers present money and school supplies to the Mother Teresa Orphange in Calcutta, India.
    Arts & Entertainment

    Festival to celebrate Indian culture, support charitable projects

    August 4, 2017
    By Hub City Times
  • Stratford pitcher Kiana Weiler delivers to the plate during the Tigers’ softball game against Spencer on Friday at Hilgemann Field in Stratford. Weiler threw a complete-game shutout as the Tigers won 1-0.
    Sports

    Stratford edges Spencer softball in pitcher’s duel

    May 20, 2017
    By Hub City Times

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

About Us


Hub City Times is published by Multi Media Channels LLC, N2919 County Road QQ Waupaca, WI 54981.

Timeline

  • April 16, 2021

    Video: April 15 Post Council Press Conference

  • April 15, 2021

    Marshfield School District updates

  • April 14, 2021

    Marshfield council seeks legal advice on group complaint

  • April 14, 2021

    PFC discusses process for new police chief; Zeps named acting chief

  • April 14, 2021

    Area youth invited to participate in Marshfield 150 logo design contest

Find us on Facebook

Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels, All Rights Reserved. Designed by MMC Team Awesome
×