By Courtney Rabideau (Contact / Staff Bio)
August 9, 2008 - 12:00 a.m. EST

CARO ‹ Where Schall Elementary School stands today, so did another years ago. The Tuscola County Normal, which used to be attached to Schall and was later torn down, was offered as a means of receiving a two-year teaching certificate for those who had graduated high school. With that certificate, students gained access to teach at any rural school in the state.

Following graduation from its programs, many went on to receive Bachelor’s degrees from Central Michigan University and other colleges.

The last graduating class from Tuscola County Normal finished in 1951. The students have been having reunions every two years since 1984.

Although a reunion was held last year, 2008 marks a special year for the Normal and another is being held next month. Opened in 1908, the TCN is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Don Davis, this year’s coordinator, is announcing the event, which will take place on Sept. 27 at Brentwood. The reunion is set to begin at 11 a.m., with food at noon and entertainment following. A musician will be on hand as the reunited classmates take pictures and visit with each other.

Davis sent out roughly 184 invitations, both in and out of state. At last year’s reunion, 64 were able to attend.

“Those who can’t make it sometimes send notes, which we are sure to read at the reunion,” Davis added.

Davis is optimistic about the reunion and hopes to see old classmates come together for what could be the last reunion.

“We aren’t sure if we’re going to have more after this, but we’re still very excited about this one.”