Breaking Ground on the Final Phase: A Tour of the Bloomfield Schoolhouse

Two weeks ago, on August 20, 2026, we broke ground on the final phase of restoration at the Bloomfield Schoolhouse. It was one of the most meaningful days we have had here.

Before the next chapter of work began, we walked through the building with Isaac Rogers of Irog Media to capture the schoolhouse as it stands today. Marion takes you room by room, sharing the history of each space, the details being carefully preserved, and the vision for what every room will become when the work is complete.

A Milestone Years in the Making

The Bloomfield Township Schoolhouse was built in 1904. For generations, it was a place of learning, laughter, and community life in rural Bloomfield Township. Its three brick Italianate classrooms once echoed with spelling bees, piano recitals, and the everyday sounds of children growing up in a small farming community.

When Marion and Greg first discovered the building, the windows were broken, the plaster was crumbling, and much of the structure had been left to time. Instead of seeing a ruin, they saw possibility. What began as a personal restoration project slowly became something larger, as neighbors stopped by to share memories of parents and grandparents who had once taught or studied within these walls.

The restoration has unfolded season by season, guided by patience, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the history held within these walls. This groundbreaking marks the beginning of the final phase.

What Comes Next

The final phase of restoration is expected to be complete by November 2026. When it is finished, the schoolhouse will stand fully restored for the first time in generations, ready to serve as the heart of Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender for many years to come.

The wide plank floors will still creak beneath every step. The tall windows will still pour natural light into the rooms. Lavender will continue drying from the rafters. And the building will continue doing what it was always meant to do, which is bring people together.

Thank You

To everyone who has followed this journey, shared a memory, or simply stopped by to say hello, thank you. This building belongs to so many more people than just Marion and Greg. They are simply the ones lucky enough to be caring for it right now.

You can read more about the origins of the restoration in our earlier post, Preserving History: The Restoration of the Bloomfield Schoolhouse.

Visit the Apothecary
Step inside our downtown LaGrange apothecary and experience the story of Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender in person. Plan your visit.

Video by Isaac Rogers of Irog Media. Music: 'Glow' by Scott Buckley, released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au