 "South Dakota Mennonite College" was founded in 1900, and three years later, classes began in "The College" building (today's "Music Hall"), located one-quarter mile south of the downtown area of Freeman, S.D.Today, Freeman Academy is a private Christian school for grades 1-12, which offers students a strong academic program with an emphasis in faith and the arts.The first Schmeckfest was Friday, March 13, 1959.