Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
The Old School Gifts and Collectables

Enjoyment and Passion

From time to time stories of success are written about a person's life or experiences.  We read about how to become truly satisfied with life and how to live it to the fullest is to become involved each and every day with work and organizations that make you feel good about what you are doing and what you are accomplishing.

Our passion for sharing our knowledge and interest in collectibles with so many people through the years continues to bring enjoyment and fulfillment to our days here at The Old School.  We thank the thousands of people who have visited us and welcome those friends that we haven't met yet for making our days so special.

We hope to make everyone who stops at The Old School feel like they have stepped into a warm, welcoming place of comfort each time they visit us.  Please let us know how we are doing and if there is anything we can do to make your visit with us more interesting and enjoyable.

 

Let's Buy It!

Introductions are in order. My name is Craig Berken. I was born and raised in Green Bay, WI and recently "retired" from Wisconsin Public Service after 21 years. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for two years, spent four years in the Navy and another seven years with the Navy Reserve and National Guard. I have two sons, Mike and Scott, and one daughter, Virginia Lynn.

 

My wife, Mary, was born and raised on a farm near Brodhead, WI and actually attended a one room school through 8th grade. She graduated from Marquette University with an associate degree in Dental Hygiene and practiced for 35 years. She has one son, Jacques and one daughter, Rachel.

 

Civil War re-enactment at The Old School in Mishicot, Wisconsin.We both come from large families -- I am the oldest of seven (four of my siblings are teachers) and Mary is the youngest of seven. We were married in 1995. We are very involved in community theater groups in Green Bay -- Next Door Theatre for Children, Evergreen Productions and Green Bay Community Theater.  While Mary enjoys playing bridge in her spare time, I enjoy "fighting" the Civil War with fellow Civil War Re-enactors.

 

In February of 2002, I saw the For Sale sign on The Old School when I stopped just to see what new Fontanini figures were available. At that time I had no idea that eventually I would own them all!

 

On July 1st we purchased The Old School from Lyle and Carole Anderson who had put their hearts and souls into this fabulous business and building for over 20 years.

 

Mary and Craig on the widows walk atop The Old School in downtown Mishicot, Wisconsin.Now Mary and I have been having a fun time refurbishing the building from the front door to the widow's walk high on the rooftop, learning the business, purchasing new inventory, getting to know the staff (they all agreed to stay!), talking with customers from across the country and becoming involved in the Village of Mishicot.

 

Stop by and let us know what you think. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

 

~ The Berken's

 

 

 

 


 

 

History of The Old School

 


 

The Old School Staff

TOS Staff

We look forward to helping you!