Go Ahead . . . . . .
Sleep In Class

By LeAnn Eckroth, Staff Writer

Some 9,000 hours of hard labor, a large chunk of change and dogged determination have made one Arnegard man's dream a reality.

The Old School Bed & Breakfast is now open for business.

Touting the theme "Go Ahead ... Sleep in Class," Milt Hansen has regenerated life into the 90-year-old Arnegard school house which closed to elementary students back in 1976. Its high school shut down in 1963.

In April, it was licensed for operation through the state.

Nearby, natural lighting enhances the antique setting of the formal dining area, and the former science room is now an elaborate kitchen. For the curious, there is an old creamer and other items used in an era gone by.

Work first began on the project in October of 1998. "This past summer, the roof was redone, the flooring was refinished and I got the new beds.

"Throughout the building, it is decorated with old school memorabilia. We have class pictures between 1935 and 1963, textbooks, old maps and desks. More history can be found in the library.

"They'll be getting a unique setting with a fine breakfast and access to the two gymnasiums," Hansen said.

"We are within an hour of any tourist attraction," Hansen reasoned. He gave examples of the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the confluence, Fort Union, Ford Buford, and the casino in New Town.

He is marketing the bed and breakfast for baby boomers and older, Lewis & Clark tourists and later, hunters.

"It's been a dream and a nightmare," said Hansen of his 5 1/2 years of labor into the project.

Suites range from $75 to $100 per night, and extra beds can be added for a nominal fee.

He will rent out one of the gymnasiums for private roller skating parties, auctions, craft shows, dog training and other events. He envisions the little gymnasium functioning as a site for weddings, dinner theaters and more.

Hansen said many people have loaned or donated memorabilia to the bed and breakfast for display. He even has old report cards.

With the acquisition of an old school, Hansen also has accumulated a string of tales from old alumni. One fellow pointed to the original floor and recalled that's where his desk had been screwed down so it was assured he would sit still, another woman told him of a topple she took sliding down the stairs.

Hansen has done some research between the building project through the State Historical Society.

Naturally, this will allow him to give a background on the building's history. The structure was first erected in 1914. At that time it was thought Arnegard would be the county seat.

Hansen reflects over old news clippings he found in the "Arnegard Call" about the construction of the school and compares them to the headlines of today. "They were worried about consolidation. Back in 1914, that meant closing a lot of country schools," he said.

The little gym was built in 1936 and the large gymnasium was completed in 1954. He admires the big maple floors that would be very costly to replace today.

A Web site is in place for part of his marketing the bed and breakfast. He also welcomes tour groups.

Hansen said there is a definite market for the bed and breakfast, and many people go from one theme inn to another.