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From School to Art Exhibitions – The Story of Wihasjärvi 1906

Standing in the middle of the rural landscape, the Vihasjärvi school has witnessed many decades of change. Now, under the care of Aija Viitaniemi and Tapani Virtanen, it has become a popular event venue, attracting visitors with its café, art, and accommodation services. Aija and Tapani didn’t just drift by chance into managing the old school, they have a strong connection to the place. During the years, their parents and grandparents have been a big part of the school’s activities.

In 1906, after three years of construction, the Vihasjärvi school began its operation. Local farmers selected the best trees from their forests and donated them as building logs for the school. Their careful work paid off, as the building has remained in good condition to this day. Even a wall up to 40 meters long is still standing perfectly straight.

In the 1920s, the school had its highest enrollment, with over a hundred children, and an extension was built in the late 1940s. The small schoolchildren were never short of things to do. There was a play area in the large backyard but also a utility garden for the teachers. Even today, the original trees and bushes still grow in the garden, despite renovations over the years.

The Vihasjärvi school stood out as a three-teacher school compared to other schools of its time. It had four classrooms, living quarters for the personnel and upstairs a hall that served as a woodworking classroom for boys or as a gymnasium and auditorium. The kitchen was also located upstairs until it was moved downstairs in the 1940s. The students helped carry food and dishes between the floors. Tasks related to food and cleaning were the responsibility of the girls, while boys were responsible for carrying firewood from the woodshed. The building had over 20 fireplaces, about ten of which heated public areas. Fortunately, the kids didn’t have to carry water, as pressurized water had been piped into the school building and sauna.

The cook was a real multi-tasker back then. In addition to managing the kitchen, she took care of the garden, and heating and cleaning the school’s public spaces. Local fishermen delivered fish to the kitchen, and berries were collected from nearby swamps. Teachers took care of beehives to produce honey. In the early years, the students were also responsible for procuring ingredients; apples and lingonberries were brought from home in the fall.

The migration of large age groups to cities and the reform of the education system led to the closure of many Finnish schools. In 1968, the Vihasjärvi school was closed. Tapani’s parents bought the property with the intention of starting a business related to beet cultivation. In the 1970s, they also rented out the school premises to the community college and the municipality.

When the school property came into Aija and Tapani’s ownership in the early 2000s and Aija started her business there in 2018, the Vihasjärvi school began offering café services. Still today, many people in the construction industry come to see the school building. Craftsmanship is evident everywhere, but especially the two-story structure and the upstairs hall are subjects of amazement.

Introduction of Aija Viitaniemi

Aija Viitaniemi, the entrepreneur behind Wihasjärvi 1906, has achieved success in various roles throughout her life. Aija holds a Master’s degree in Food Sciences and graduated as a chef from Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business College. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and is qualified as a teacher.

Aija’s dedication to work has paid off, as she has received recognition for her expertise. The Finnish Chef Association has awarded her both the golden and silver guild recognitions. For years, Aija held the position of lecturer, and she has also been awarded for her work as a teacher.

In 2018, Aija launched her business in the premises of the Vihasjärvi school. At the beginning of the company’s journey, the old school was renovated for the company’s use. Aija and her husband, Tapani Virtanen, have restored the school while respecting traditions. They have received an environmental award for their cultural contribution to the local community.

Over the years, the company’s activities have evolved, and now Aija, with her extensive experience, manages catering and café services, event organizing, and accommodation services in Wihasjärvi 1906. Her interest in using local and clean ingredients has persisted throughout her entrepreneurship.

When she has free time from running the business, Aija enjoys spending time outdoors in nature and traveling, both abroad and in Finland. Aija’s diverse education and work experience, combined with her adventurous spirit, have led her from one experience to another over the years. Her determination to pursue her own dreams has helped in the extensive restoration of the Vihasjärvi school and in guiding her own business, Wihasjärvi
1906.