ARTS AND HISTORY CENTER PROJECT
The Historic Preservation Corp. has begun converting the former Baker's Food Market building (just west of the Terwilliger Home) into the Maple Camp Arts and History Center. Construction began in August, 2010, to add restrooms and a dressing room to the rear of the building, and a hallway and entry lobby to the west side of the building. The roof is being raised 16 inches to increase the height of the ceiling. The historic, 1947 storefront will be preserved.
The Center will seat 100 persons, and will have a stage, a movie screen, and a projection area. We plan to present monthly programs providing educational entertainment in the areas of art and history. As a multi-purpose building, it will be used to display historic and art exhibits, and to present lectures, drama, music, and similar activities. It will be available for orientation of groups touring the Maple Camp historic site, in particular, and Council Grove, Alta Vista, and Morris County in general.
Funding for the initial phase of construction, to enclose the addition, has been provided by the W. S. & E. C. Jones Testamentary Trust (Bank of America, Trustee), the Bill B. Young Foundation, and the City of Council Grove Promotion Grants Committee.
Additional funds will be required to complete the interior. Some construction materials left over from previous projects on the site can be used on this one. We have already purchased 100 cushioned chairs for seating, a DVD projector to show films, lighting fixtures, and an antique, pressed-metal ceiling to be installed in the entry lobby area. We also have available a slide projector used to present slide programs.
Contributions are tax-deductible. The Historic Preservation Corp. is an IRC 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit corporation. Your help will be greatly appreciated in making the Center available to the community. Donations should be sent to: Historic Preservation Corp., 803 W. Main St., Council Grove, KS 66846, designated for the Arts and History Center. Thank you very much!
For an update on this project go to the "Whats New" section of our Blog.
