Colony Historical Society Approves Room/Donor Program
At the recent meeting of the Penn Colony Historical Society Board in Lincoln the decision was made to proceed with the restoration of the Henry Heim House. The board discussed the proper process of bringing the house into condition for storing and exhibiting the many artifacts and family heirlooms, which have been and continue to be donated to the Society. There are 4 bed rooms with closets upstairs plus the stairway, 6 rooms on the main floor including the bathroom and the kitchen, and the project of tuck pointing the foundation and leveling the floor in the summer kitchen which is attached on the west side of the house. To date, efforts to restore the Henry Heim house for a museum have focused on stabilizing the structure-putting on a new roof, leveling floors, installing a new porch floor, and doing some necessary electrical and plumbing repairs. At a recent meeting of the Historical Society board in Lincoln, it was decided to proceed immediately with the next phase of restoring the house as it was
nearly three-quarters of a century ago, i.e., the period of the 1930's and before. When completed, it will be a suitable repository for storing and exhibiting the many artifacts and family heirlooms that have been and continue to be donated to the Society. In order to achieve this goal, the board is announcing an " Adopt A Room" campaign in which families can adopt a specific room in the house, contribute to its restoration to an earlier period, and participate in the restoration, redecoration, and furnishing. A plaque will be placed in each room to recognize the family that adopted and restored it. There are four bedrooms with closets upstairs plus a stairway, and six rooms on the l11ain floor, including the bathroom and kitchen. We intend to hire local people who have expertise in remodeling to do the work. Of course, the donating family may be closely involved if it wishes. Each room has been photographed and measured. The cost of renovating will vary from room to room, and prospective donors and representatives of the board will discuss all aspects of the project before any agreement is reached This is a project that we feel will appeal to a number of Colony families and will provide an opportunity for families and individuals to assist the Society in establishing an attractive museum while honoring their families. If you would like to discuss adopting a particular room, contact Bob Williamson, RRl, Box 127, Dawson, NE 68337, e-mail wb20437@alltel.net, or phone 402-855-2485. It is important that this program get underway in the near future, and we would appreciate your discussing it with family members and responding as soon as possible.