I’m Arlen and Linda Johnson’s daughter, long-time members of the community who moved a few years ago. The news of the fire was devastating to us all. Holly, the community members, and the schoolhouse are special to all of us, but especially to Mom and Arlen. We had many weddings and family events at the schoolhouse. It was the place where family from far and wide would come to do a large family Thanksgiving every few years. I remember after graduate school, I came to live with Mom and Arlen for about eight months in Holly. It was a great time of peace and reflection, of long walks, and community potlucks. I remember occasionally substituting for one of my parents at the Holly Community Club meetings as secretary, or whichever role they held at the time. That was back in the day when Merle was president. We always had dahlias at the house when they were in bloom from Merle’s garden.
When I had my wedding there, almost 10 years ago to the day of the fire, there was no doubt that was the location it would be held.
When I had my wedding there, almost 10 years ago to the day of the fire, there was no doubt that was the location it would be held. Since it was going to be in April, we knew there was a risk with the weather, that it very well may be cloudy, gray, and rainy. Somehow we lucked out and got the opposite. It was a lovely, sunny spring day! We couldn’t have asked for more, and the venue fit just the right amount of people. We even had a local officiate! After the wedding, we brought out the BINGO machine as a planned event. Mom even bought and wrapped prizes for the winners.
Mandy Aaberg