A
few years ago I served a term on the board of the Kossuth County Historical
Society. One of our main concerns was
the condition of the foundation of the main museum building. The foundation dates back to 1887 when it was
moved to its present location and it shows every bit of the wear and tear of those
130 years. Large cracks, leaks and
settling have compromised the entire structure.
The basement itself was never fully excavated adding to its problems.
The
museum building is located on Dodge Street which is being reconstructed by the
City of Algona in 2018. This street project
will involve the removal of all sidewalks in the area. Putting a new basement under the building
will also involve removal of sidewalks, so it is a very appropriate time to
give this grand building a new foundation.
Of course any project of this nature is expensive and a fundraising
campaign is underway.
The
other day I came across an article I wrote for the 2013 autumn newsletter for
the historical society. We had just
begun to raise funds with the hope of restoring the building to its original
glory. One day as I worked in the
museum, I began to wonder what it would say if the walls could talk. I was inspired to write a letter to Santa and
although it is not the Christmas season, I hope its sentiments might inspire
you as well.
Dear Santa:
It has been a while
since you heard from me. The last 20
years or so, although I have tried to be a good building, it seemed as though I
had been forgotten. Occasionally I would
feel someone walking across my floors, but no one stayed for long. Eventually my furnace was shut off and I was
left dark and alone, a far cry from where I began.
Do you remember the
first time you came to see me? As I
recall it was near Christmas in 1867. Of
course, I knew you as St. Nick back then.
I was the brand-spanking new school filled with young minds ready to
learn. As the holidays approached, the
children worked for weeks preparing a program for their families. When the big evening arrived, parents’
buttons were popping with pride as they watched their students (even though
some were shaking as they stood to do their recitations and needed a little
prompting from teacher). Everyone joined
in to sing the old Christmas hymns with gusto.
My rafters rang with music and laughter that evening. And when you arrived at the close of the
program and handed out gifts—well, let’s just say that my windows got a little
foggy with happiness.
Time has a habit of
moving on and soon a larger schoolhouse was needed. I was worried what might happen to me but
after Central school was erected, I was moved from that location to my
permanent home here at 122 South Dodge.
Throughout the years you continued to visit me, Santa, as I served the
community in many different ways. The
first library was located within my walls and I hosted services for the
Methodists while they were building their church. Later I was honored to be chosen as the home
for the Grand Army of the Republic and the Women’s Relief Corps. Oh, the stories those veterans told! They were such brave men and generous to a
fault. They adopted your spirit and
helped many families at Christmas with food and gifts for the youngsters. I know you remember Santa because you helped
with their cause. My service to our area
veterans continued as I was passed from the G.A.R. to the American Legion. The lights from my windows guided you to many
a Christmas party during those times as well.
By 1967 I was 100
years old, an age when most buildings have been laid to rest. My outsides had undergone many changes, but
my bones were still strong. Many of the
stately homes and business buildings of my early memory were gone. The American Legion had moved to a more
modern building and so I thought my days were coming to an end. But to my astonishment, a new adventure
awaited me. An enterprising group of
citizens who believed in preserving the past decided to purchase me. A bright new sign was hung outside telling
the world I was the “Kossuth County Historical Museum.” They filled me up to the brim with
interesting artifacts and historical information. The hum of activity over the next few years
just did my heart good. Best of all, the
children were back—I felt young again!
But then Santa,
things changed. The wonderful citizens
who saved me passed on and no one came along to take their place. Although a skeleton crew kept me from the
wrecking ball, I kept wondering why did no one care? What will become of me and
all the treasures that I hold? I stood
silently waiting for an answer.
Two years ago about
this time, I woke up with a start when I once again felt footsteps across my
floor. I thought I heard voices say it
was important that I be opened again to the public. Could I be?
I had to clean the dust out of my windowsills so I could hear more
clearly. It was true! Another generation wants me to live again.
My new friends have
been working so hard. Through their
fundraising efforts and generous contributors I have heat and air
conditioning. They have moved all of the
photographs and documents that I held to the second floor of my sister, the
Wells Fargo building, and created a document storage/research center. Two very special people, Phil and RosaLee,
have given me so much tender loving care—cleaning, painting and
repairing—helping to make me ready for visitors. With rearranged displays, I am becoming quite
handsome once again. My list of friends
continues to grow as new members join and in next year’s Christmas letter I
will be able to tell you that I am on the National Register of Historic
Places.
And so Santa we come
to the reason for my letter to you.
Although I am still strong and sturdy, arthritis has attacked my
foundation and it is cracked and deteriorating.
I may be old, but I still have an important job to do and need a good
foundation to stand on. It has been a
long time since I asked you for anything Santa, but I know that with your
encouragement your elves would come forward to help in my hour of need.
Thanks to my new
friends, I believe in the future again.
So, dear St. Nick, please spread the word that there is a fundraising
drive to raise enough funds to take care of me.
A donation of any size would be welcome.
In fact I have a new mailbox all ready for the mailman to fill with
contributions and membership applications.
Once I have my new foundation, I will be ready to serve as proudly as
the veterans who used me for so many years.
Thank you Santa and
Merry Christmas to you!
Kossuth County Historical Museum
I hope you will consider a contribution to this very worthwhile project.
Until
next time,
Jean
