Our Viewpoint

This week, the Paradise Center opened its doors to welcome visitors and show off projects and progress. My mom and I visited on Sunday. There were a few people in and out. I didn't mind it being quiet because I'm one of those annoying people at museums who stops and reads every word of every placard.

Our guides through the center, Kathleen and John, were full of information about the building and the exhibits. It was really interesting to visit the old classrooms and see how the preservation group is mixing the old with the new.

The Paradise Center really is a treasure for our county. When the elementary school closed in 2013, the building could have sat there and crumbled. But a group of residents came together and did something amazing. They completed restoration work and upgrades to the building, they have raised funds and worked to get grants for special projects. They are slowly building a replica of the railroad, depot and school. A room is dedicated to tourism, things to see and do in the area, and information on Glacial Lake Missoula. On top of that, they host plays and live music and art classes and a variety of other events. This all happens in this small community.

I'm so proud of those volunteers and what they have done with the school building. Their vision changes as the years go by, but their mission remains. Their dedication, like that of many groups in our area, remains.

Thanks to John and Kathleen and all the other volunteers for your passion and dedication. What you have done is truly a work of art. —Annie Wooden