The first students in Betty Telkamp’s 1968 Home Economics class at Flandreau High School that fall, walked into a room fashioned with all the latest and newest equipment for that time period.
Those in Janelle Weatherly’s class in the early 2000s, probably would disagree.
The past couple of years, students in Jason Gerlach’s FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) class, most likely thought they were transported back 50 years in time whenever they stepped into the room.
Flandreau School officials agreed and felt the need to do something about it.
That 1968 time capsule of a room at FHS was totally remodeled this past summer and now includes 21st century appliances and new stainless steel counters.
Over the years, some appliances had been replaced so some of the equipment wasn’t totally 56 years old.
The new commercial kitchen space and restaurant-grade equipment in the FACS classroom aims to provide Flandreau students with hands-on experience as to what it might be like to pursue a career in the restaurant or food industry. The total remodel job is a much enjoyed improvement and cost the Flandreau School District just under $100,000 to remodel and outfit, lower than was anticipated.
