St. Francis Historic Mission School celebrates sixth anniversary in the Ak-Chin Indian Community

The St. Francis Historic Mission School in the Ak-Chin Indian Community celebrated its sixth anniversary on Friday, September 6. People came to celebrate, enjoy lunch and cake, and see the building’s vintage furniture and trinkets.

Located next to the Ak-Chin Him-Dak EcoMuseum, the schoolhouse has a long history in the Ak-Chin Indian Community. It was recently renovated to help preserve the memories and artifacts contained there.

In 1925, the St. Francis of Assisi Mission School opened and was administered by Father Antonine Willenbrick, according to an article in the Ak-Chin O’odham Runner newspaper. Father Willenbrick served both the Ak-Chin and Gila River Indian Communities, and he learned the O’odham language while living on the reservation.

Historically, young members of the Ak-Chin Indian Community left their families to attend boarding schools run by the federal government or by Catholic missions. The St. Francis of Assisi Mission School provided education to Ak-Chin youth right in their community.

Photo courtesy of the Ak-Chin O’odham Runner Newspaper

Many current Ak-Chin Indian Community Elders attended the school, and they share fond memories. Elders also recall festive holiday celebrations, as the school served as a meeting and gathering place, according to the article in the Ak-Chin O’odham Runner newspaper. Some students even watched their first movies right in the schoolhouse.

Architect Arthur Stables with BWS Architects renovated this building with oversight from a team of Ak-Chin Indian Community Elders. The project was recognized as one of 10 recipients of the 2017 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards. Each year, this award recognizes people, organizations, and projects that represent outstanding achievements in preserving Arizona’s prehistoric and historic resources, according to the Arizona Preservation Foundation.

Photo courtesy of the Ak-Chin O’odham Runner Newspaper

The September celebration of the St. Francis Historic Mission School observed the sixth anniversary of the building reopening to the public. Attendees received free tote bags and were able to catch glimpses of exhibits that recreate the look of the historic schoolhouse.

Members enjoyed a good time of fond memories and celebrating part of the history of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.

Last Updated on 10/17/2019 by Carolyn Sostrom

About the Author:

Carolyn Sostrom

Biography:

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle.

She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*.

With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower.

She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.

Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.

CLN Community & Event Sponsor