As old one-room schoolhouses throughout Maine languish in decay, or are converted to other uses, it’s nice to know that some of them are being preserved.

The late Aroostook County Judge Julian Turner was of that mind when in 1985, he spearheaded an effort to restore the one-room James School on the Niles Road in Presque Isle.

Today, his wife, Mary Turner of Presque Isle, carries on his work as president of the 17-member James School board of directors.

“My husband thought this was a historic landmark that should be saved, and that it could be saved,” she told us of the facility that was built in 1917 and used as a school until the spring of 1948.

For the next 10 years, it served as a nondenominational church before remaining vacant for 27 years.

The restoration work began under the leadership of Judge Turner in 1985.

Contributions from area businesses, organizations, schoolchildren and individuals, along with fund-raisers and volunteer labor, enabled the work to be completed in June 1987.

The old school is now open to the public 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sundays from the third week of June to the second week of September, and by appointment.

On the Sundays it is open, it is staffed by members of the board of directors, Mary Turner said.

Occasionally, Eunice Hemingway of Presque Isle, who taught at the James School, is present to give talks about the facility.

“We have a couple of histories that were written by her, and by another teacher,” Turner said of information available to the public when they visit the old school.

In order to maintain the historic facility, the James School board of directors is seeking financial support to increase its endowment fund to $30,000.

Having that amount in an endowment fund would produce the approximately $1,200 it takes annually to maintain the facility.

To help increase the endowment fund, the James School board of directors recently launched a fund-raising campaign.

“We’re hoping to raise about $20,000 with this campaign,” Turner explained of the current effort to raise funds to keep open the building that is not only of historic interest, but serves as a museum and meeting place for educational, social and family groups.

Restored so that teachers and students can experience “A Day in a Country School” as did their grandparents and great-grandparents, the facility also includes a site for picnics that features a comfortable resting place with a scenic view.

The use of the facility is free for school groups. Donations are gratefully accepted from others visiting the schoolhouse.

Perhaps you or a family member attended this particular one-room school. Perhaps you or they attended another like it.

Or, perhaps, you would just like to have a hand in keeping this historic County facility open for others to see and enjoy.

If so, the James School board of directors hopes you will make a donation to its endowment fund.

Checks can be made payable to James School Corp. and mailed to Peter McConnell, treasurer, 67 Pine St., Presque Isle 04769.

Sylvia Sprague and Lorraine Thibeault are two members of “The Stray Cats” team that will participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event, which is planned for this May.

To help raise funds for the ACS, their team is hosting a Spaghetti Supper 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Milford Community Center.

The cost of the supper is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

The event also features a 50/50 raffle and raffling of other prizes from gift certificates to crafts.

If you have questions about this event, or their participation in this fund-raiser, call Sprague at 732-5493 or Thibeault at 262-8795.

Two lovely ladies, whom we knew, died recently, within a few days of each other. We mourn their passing.

The Greater Bangor area is diminished by the death, on Saturday, Feb. 3, of Ana Brown of Bangor and Sarasota, Fla., and, on Monday, Feb. 5, by the death of Vivienne Page of Hampden.

These women shared a common trait we greatly admire.

Their love and devotion, to family and friends, was unquestioned and, forever, foremost in their lives.

They were dedicated to those they loved, as were those who loved them. We extend to Ana Brown’s husband, Doug Brown, son, Ron Brown, daughter Debbie Brown Additon, their spouses, children and families, our sincerest sympathy on the loss of a wife and mother whose quiet pride in her family lit up her face like the morning sun whenever she spoke if them.

To Sandy Page of Hampden, her brother Richard Page of New Jersey, their family and friends, we offer our condolences on the loss of their mother, Vivienne.

A bouncy little lady who loved to teach – by example as well as in the classroom – she had a delightful sense of humor accompanied, always, by an enduring chuckle that ensured she never laughed alone.

We will remember her smile, and smile when we remember her.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.