The Mecca Wabash Township Graded School was originally built in 1901. In 1910 and 1923 additions were added to make it one of the biggest schools in Parke County. It housed grades 1 through 12 until 1963 when the high school was consolidated. For a few years high school students could choose either Montezuma or Rockville High School to attend. Eventually all high school students from Mecca were sent to Montezuma. In 1986 the new Riverton Parke High School was opened and all high school students from Montezuma, Mecca, Rosedale and Bridgeton attended the new school. The doors were closed on the Mecca School that year and elementary students were taken to Montezuma.The school has been used as a community center since then and has been used for many things. The building is now in dire need of a roof and some other repairs and the Mecca A.R.A.B.S. are attempting to raise money in various ways. To be a part of this organization contact the email address on our home page.
News from the A.R.A.B.S.
We are planning many things for the new year. January 19th we had a teen dance. It was very successful and loud!!!
February 23, 2008 we had our First Annual Chili Cook-off and All you can eat Chili Supper. It was a great success. We had 17 people enter their chili to be judged. The winners were Jane Wilson Bivens for the Best Chili and Virginia Doan for the Best Named Chili. We had a lot of people from the entire area who came and everyone had a great time. We will be having another cook-off next year. Practice making your favorite chili and come and join the fun.
March 19, 2008 we sponsored a trip to the French Lick casino. We all had a great time and we raised several hundred dollars to help with the expenses of the school.
April 12, 2008 we raffled off another 4-wheeler. It was won by Donnie Cobb's son from Montezuma. CONDRATULATIONS!
May 2008 we will be going to the track in Indy with the Fire Dept. to help with the concession they run. We need volunteers to go. We will also be having a community yard sale in the gym on May 17. Call Dixie Akers at 569-5754 or Madonna Babyak at 569-6143 for details.
June 2008 we are planning something new. Check back later for details.
July 2008 we will be taking our shack to the Parke County Fair with our Bloomin' Onions, Veggies and Fish Sandwiches.
August 9, 2008 we will be having our Car Show at the bridge. Call Judy Wilson at 569-2705 to register. Cost is $8 in advance and $10 the day of the show. We will have food, refreshments and entertainment. Dash plaques for the first 50 entries and trophies for 6 different catagories. Bring your car and join the fun!
September we are planning a Bowl-a-thon. We will have the details later.
October we will once again be at the Covered Bridge Festival. This was by far our biggest fund raiser in 2007.
If you can volunteer to work at any of these events please contact Ronnie Sanders, Frank Babyak, Jim Harper or Judy Wilson to volunteer or to make a donation.
The youth program has been closed for the season. Check back in the late summer to get the new schedule and to volunteer.
To join the A.R.A.B.S. please call Judy at 569-2705. COME ON AND JOIN THE FUN!!!!!!!!
More news later!!!!