It was August 2005 and the sun was shining and the temperature was optimum for front yard work at the school.  A gentleman approached from behind as a volunteer and I worked at salvaging the stops containing the panes of glass in the main entrance door.  He was Karl Hagglund, third-generation to the original Hagglund homesteader during early 1900.  I knew the name:  his grandfather originally owned the land where Alango School was eventually built, one fact of many I had gleaned from the property’s abstract.  I was happy to make his acquaintance. 

After introductions, we talked of things like the weather, the school, the future, and the bus.  Wait – what bus?  Seems in my passionate critique of the virtues of visiting colorful Colorado, I mentioned the 1930’s-vintage school bus there that would make a wonderful focal point here at Alango.  Karl agreed.  And Karl said he knew of a bus, just not quite that old.  I was curious but also busy at the moment, so offers by Karl to visit the bus were deferred. 

Along strolls my dad (Ronald Maki, Class of ‘57), who affirms a previous introduction with Karl made weeks earlier.  The small-talk came back to the bus.  Dad and I agreed to take a ride offered by Karl to see his bus.

When we arrived at the location, imagine my surprise when I first laid eyes on the Hagglund’s 1950 Ford Model 5 school bus, complete.  I mean complete, as it was parked in 1961.  I was amazed, as was Dad.  Karl was humble: “It could use a wash and a look at the engine.” 

Karl’s grandfather, Karl Hugo Hagglund, originated the area bus route for School No. 45 in St. Louis County some time before 1927.  The lineage of transport vehicles is still to be determined.  Eventually, Karl Hugo passed the route along to his son Karl Harry, Karl Hagglund’s dad.  Through rain, snow, sleet, hail, and wind (amongst other meteorological phenomenon), “Harry” drove until 1961 when he passed away.  The family parked the school bus for the last time.

Karl Hagglund, his brother Kenneth Harry, and sisters Eileen, Karen, and Martha, have recently donated the school bus to the Alango School Project. In so many ways this one kind gesture has sent life into this effort, more than they may ever know. Their gift is a wonderful tribute to the legacy of a very generous and caring family.