Willoway of Sutherland, Iowa stood as a school building in Sutherland approximately 1922 until 1992. The community banded together to reuse the 4-story brick building into senior housing and a fitness facility with an indoor pool.
A broken water line caused a flood in the basement boiler room of Willoway 2023. The cleanup caused a lot of debris. The cleanup was tough work, but produced one remarkable piece of school history.
A mosaic approximately five feet tall was discovered in the debris. Twenty five students were involved in creating the unique image. Mrs. Mohni taught 6-B and led this activity.
The project taught so many skills to the students. They had to learn team work and communication. Most likely they had to share tools. Art, of course was a key lesson. They learned the color arrangement and the pieces to shaped the image. Measuring and the math that comes with a project of this kind certainly cannot be overlooked. In 1963, the students learned about how different kinds of products interacted and the result the combination of materials made. The mosaic is a rich tribute to multi skilled projects.
The students’ signatures on the artwork are: Douglas Rohwer, Gary Johnson, Sheryl Nielsen, Cindy Faust, Wesley Menke, Mike Hill, Steve Mummert, Brian Fisch, Steven Steele, Sharon Schreiner, Pat Cooper, Darla Frerk, Ronald Bierman, Sandy Houldson, Ted Powel, Janice Dau, Natalie Frolkey, Cathy Nelson, Donna Mathern, Margarit Hurtig, Mark Mugge, Marvin Einck, Terry Johansen and Terry Zehren. One student’s signature was not legible. Brian Fisch, a resident of Paullina did not remember the project itself. “I just moved here about that time,” he explained. He does remember Mrs. Mohni, his classroom on the 3rd floor stage and the art teacher, Mr. Patmaud.
Brian Fisch lives near Paullina. He does not remember the project but does remember his 3rd floor classroom, Mrs. Mohni and the art teacher, Mr. Patmaud.
The mosaic and names are on display on the main floor of Willoway.