Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie And Eric Meulebroeck.
Hi Katie and Eric, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Old Schoolhouse is a historic, three-story brick school building constructed in 1917 and utilized by the school district until 1972 as Carr Lake School. In 1973, the property was purchased by the late Herb and Lois Dale of Bemidji, beginning a multi-generational family mission to restore and preserve the landmark structure. The business has now transitioned to the next generation, operated by their granddaughter, Katie, and her husband, Eric Meulebroeck, who continue to maintain the building as a vital community space.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a profound adjustment navigating this career without my grandma. After graduating from Bemidji State University and establishing this as my lifelong profession, she and I worked side-by-side. Not having her here to bounce ideas off of or to answer my questions has been a heartbreaking hurdle, especially because our creative and professional partnership was so close.
While maintaining a 109-year-old historical building, which has been a massive undertaking, especially since the structure represents the spirit of our business. That challenge became a crisis last year when Bemidji was hit by a once-in-a-century storm that permanently altered the landscape of our community. We suffered devastating damage—half of our roof was ripped away, exposing the interior and destroying a significant amount of our art supplies.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Old Schoolhouse is proud to offer Bemidji’s most competitive prices on custom, in-house framing. From a wide range of wood and metal frames to advanced computerized mat cutting, Eric creates tailored designs (frames and mats), custom shapes, and personalized lettering to meet any client’s needs.
We are also a full-service hub for creatives, stocking a rich selection of supplies for painters, model makers, pastelists, alcohol ink artists, and fiber crafters alike. Aside from a single big-box competitor, we are the last independent framers in the area. We view our business as a vital support system for local artists, and we’re proud to provide the personal touch that keeps our creative community thriving.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Hmmm. The things that we’ve learned…
We are so incredibly grateful for our family bond, our upbringing and having a safe creative space to thrive in.
We have had to learn to pivot quickly, “KEEP SMILING” and try to do our best to keep the vision of The Old Schoolhouse alive. We have fully embraced that TEAM WORK DOES MAKE THE DREAM WORK!
We are so incredibly grateful for our loyal customers and community. We hope to soon be fully back and better than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theoldschoolhousemn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoldschoolhouse.mn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOldSchoolhouse.mn
