By Marla Ballard
Reporter
MENTONE, ALA. -- The Moon Lake Elementary school was founded in 1911. The first building stood two stories high and burned down in the 1920s. The current building was rebuilt in 1929 by community members. In 2021 the school was closed, this treasured landmark has been revived, and the former Moon Lake Elementary School campus is being converted into a financially viable business featuring artisans and other businesses. The campus will now be known as Moon Lake Village and is being organized by Director Paul Nail under the umbrella of the Mentone City Council.
Nail retired as Director of the Fort Payne Water Works and is a resident of Mentone. “I was interested in the position of Director of the Moon Lake Village as soon as I heard about it,” said Nail. “Mentone is all about the arts and it seemed reasonable that the best solution for the property would be to showcase craftsmen and artisans.”
The campus hosts nine classroom-sized spaces for rent and a larger rental space for community functions, known as the Bill Berry Community Room. A section of the room will be dedicated as a museum containing memorabilia from Moon Lake School and the Mentone area. This room may be rented for $50 for a half-day and $100 for a full day. Non-profit groups are welcome free of charge after being interviewed.
Currently, all of the classroom-sized spaces have been rented, there is a waiting list for future rentals. At present, the classrooms host various artists which include a quilt maker, a photographer, and a soap maker. Plans to turn the cafeteria into a local eatery are currently being worked on. The playground is still available to the community. Nail said, “We always appreciate volunteers who can assist in various projects on the property.” Follow on Facebook PaulandMaria Nail.
Another project at Moon Lake is the Shigley Amphitheater. This project is being constructed strictly by donations. Donations may be sent to: Town of Mentone, P.O. Box 295, Mentone, Al. 35984.
“We are looking forward to having something new for visitors to enjoy when the Mentone Colorfest begins,” said Nail. This year the Mentone Colorfest will be held at the Moon Lake Village on October 15 -16. Saturday 9:00 – 5:00 and Sunday 9:00 – 4:00. There is a $5 parking fee. The Colorfest is presented by the Mentone Area Preservation Association (MAPA). The festival features live music, children’s activities, food, hand-made arts & crafts booths, and other fun activities.
The Moon Lake Village is located at 5866 East River Road, Mentone. Open Thursday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information call Paul Nail - 256-996-0351.
