Posted: 8/2/05
Historical Society asking for $36,200
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
The Houston County Historical Society made its annual request for money to county commissioners on July 29.
President Shirley Johnson and treasurer Richard Cordes asked for $36,200, a $2,200 increase from the $34,000 they requested and received last year. Their total budget is $52,700.
Commissioners did not act on the request. It will be part of the annual budget that is approved in December.
Johnson and Cordes also updated the board on a building project that their group is planning.
ìWeíre getting poised,î Johnson said. ìWe canít wait to get started.î
The project will cost about $700,000. the group has close to $400,000 in hand now, and hopes to begin next year, Cordes said.
ìWe think it will be a great asset to Houston County,î Johnson said.
ìAnd to the city of Caledonia too,î commissioner Larry Graf responded. ìItís really something to look forward to.î
ìThereís no place to put anything now.î Johnson said. ìThe church is full too.î
The 14,000 square foot addition will be built on the fairgrounds in Caledonia behind the historical buildings on History Lane, which include the Sheldon Presbyterian Church, Flatten Swenson pioneer home, Mayville Town Hall and the Daley School.
The current building will be refitted for a research center and library The present barnyard friends building will be restored also.
The proposed building will have a visitorís center and gift shop near the front entrance. Geologic, historic and Native American timelines will put the countyís past into perspective
Also planned is space for interactive displays and events, and an exhibit featuring items from the former Palen Photo Studio. There will be a climate controlled storage area and drive-in basement. The entire building will be accessible to the handicapped.
More help is needed
Other upcoming historical society projects include putting a cedar shake roof on the log house at the fairgrounds and painting the church in Brownsville. They also had to fix burst water pipes at the museum in Eitzen.
The group could use more volunteers, Johnson said. For example, eight people are needed every three hours to staff buildings from 9 a.m.-9p.m. during the Houston County Fair on August 17-21.
Several commissioners praised the work of the historical society. ìWeíre very fortunate to have the volunteers we do,î Ann Thompson said.
Historical society vice president Anita Palmquist and board member Georgia Rosendahl also attended the meeting.
Caledonia Argus
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