About Us
The Paradise Center is the second life of the former Paradise Elementary School, currently owned by Sanders County and operated by the Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee (PESPC). The 1910 school building is possibly the most important historic building in Sanders County. When the school closed in 2013, concerned residents from across the county participated in a public meeting to discuss the future of the site. Some came together to form the PESPC to ensure the site was preserved and repurposed for continued service to and access by the public.
The committee has worked tirelessly to sustain the historic integrity of the site while reimagining how it could remain a vital and viable part of the community. Today, the site is used and/or visited by more than 2000 people annually. Uses include family and community events, dramatic and musical performances, classes, and drop-in visits to see the many exhibits.
The new life of the former Paradise School focuses on continued service to the public, both in terms of sharing history as well as offering contemporary resources. After renovations to ensure sustainability and improvements to enhance accessibility, The Paradise Center is ready to serve the community, visitors, and the arts for another 100 years.
The Town of Paradise, MT and The Paradise Center
The film crew included:
Director/Editor: Fuyuko Mochizuki
Director of Photography: John Enos Dickey
Location/Sound Kaitlin King
In July of 2024 a young lady from Missoula, Fuyuko Mochizuki met with Board President Dave Colyer at the The Paradise Center. She was hired by a Dutch Film company to do a short video of places called Paradise. Our little town of Paradise was among forty towns named Paradise to be considered. Fuyuko and her film crew came to The Paradise Center to film a video that included appearances by Betty Meyer, Gary Sanks, Judy Stephens, Shirley King, and Darin King.
In September the Dutch Filming company aired the video in the Netherlands in the Dutch language only. The filming done in Paradise was edited to the extent that Fuyuko decided to create her own version of the film and give it to the Center. Her generosity and hard work to provide this video are deeply appreciated.
History
The community of Paradise and the Paradise School have a remarkably rich history. We have prepared a detailed history of the area and the school as well as our preservation efforts. Please follow the link below to see photos and learn more about our area, school and center. We have so much there for you to see!
Board of Directors
Many historic buildings in Montana have fallen into disrepair or ruin. Citizens of Sanders County did not want that to be the fate of the Paradise Elementary School. Those citizens worked with the County Commission and school Trustees to ensure a new life for the historic school. After months of work, the school became the property of Sanders County and, in July 2016, the Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee assumed responsibility for its future.
The board of directors represents a countywide effort to achieve a common purpose – long life for the historic site. Members include individuals directly involved in the history of the former school as well as others from diverse backgrounds who believe in the effort.
Through grants, individual/business contributions, and volunteer efforts, The Paradise Center operates as a nonprofit organization. The PESPC is constantly reassessing past achievements and exploring new ways to serve the community, visitors, and the arts. The future is promising, and we have a grand vision. Watch this space and this website!
Dave Colyer
President
Paradise, MT
Kathleen Hubka
Vice President
Plains, MT
Jackie Colyer
Secretary
Paradise, MT
JoAnne Colyer
Treasurer
Paradise, MT
Carol Brooker
Director
Plains, MT
Gary Sanks
Director
Paradise, MT
Marilyn Sisler
Director
Plains, MT
Wally Brown
Director
Plains, MT
Kay Wittig
Director
Camas Prairie, MT
Judy Stephens
Director
Paradise, MT
Ilona Khachaturova
Director
Plains, MT
Jerry Slabaugh
Director
Paradise, MT
Emeritus
Karval Pickering
Emeritus
Director
Paradise, MT
John Thorson
Emeritus
Director
Plains, MT
Karen Thorson
Emeritus
Director
Plains, MT
In Memorium
Elsie DeMars
In Memoriam
Director
Plains, MT
Lynne Shotwell
In Memoriam
Director
Paradise, MT
Kenton Pies
In Memoriam
Director
Plains, MT
Jo Hanson
In Memoriam
Director
Plains, MT