News : Ask the Community

Written by Melody Snow On Behalf of the BCHS This isn’t going to be one of my usual articles that I write on behalf of the Benton County Historical Society (BCHS). It’s not an article trying to spark an interest within your soul. Nothing to pique your curiosity. This is going to be an “in your face”, forget the niceties, and “tell it like it is” article. In case you’re not aware, over the years the Historical Society has acquired three properties within the Vinton city limits.The Depot, nestled along the tracks between Second and Third Avenues;The Horridge House, one block west of the Depot on the same tracks, at 612 First Avenue; and the Ray House, which I fondly refer to as “The Grand Old Lady of First Avenue”, resting at 912 First Avenue The Historical Society wants nothing more than to have every historic property in town to be a showcase for visitors, including their three properties. But the reality is, that’s not going to happen. And reality is also that BCHS’s own three properties are in need of transformation. But the other reality, that’s hidden behind the facade, is that without participation, the viability of maintaining these three properties comes into question. Repairs on long-standing, geriatric structures are not quick and easy fixes, and because of such, they tend to be costly. As thankful as BCHS is for the opportunity of being caretakers for such grand properties, with it comes the burden of financial responsibility. If you own your home, you can relate. The worries of “Will the furnace turn on this winter?” “Is the roof going to leak?” “Will the basement flood with all this rain?” And worse yet, if those things do happen -- “How are we ever going to pay for them?” Well, the same holds true for the Benton County Historical Society -- times three! A seemingly lack of interest, the unwillingness of a majority of a community to step forward to become involved by means of time, energy, and/or fiscally, has caused the BCHS to become disheartened. After hosting numerous events, manning informational booths, seeking new members, requesting input, and participating in fundraisers and grant writing, there appears to be minimal to limited interest in our community’s historical value. I’m not sure if it’s truly a lack of interest, a lackadaisical attitude, a sense of taking it for granted, or the thought that “someone else will do it”. Well, that no longer seems to be enough, and because of this, the BCHS is faced with making some very real and very drastic decisions. If the level of public involvement with the BCHS remains the status quo then there is only one viable solution.The BCHS must consider relinquishing ownership of one or more of the properties. Doing so would free up financial and personnel resources which can then be focused on the remaining property. If this is something that does happen, the best case scenario is the new owner will hold as much passion for the properties as all of us who have come to love them. The properties will be restored and, if nothing else, the public can enjoy them from a distance. They will no longer be available for you to experience the life and stories that reside within them. They will be closed off and their secrets forever silenced to the public. But there is no guarantee the new owners will be restorators -- or even that the structures will remain standing. Razing historical sites sadly has been something that does occur when forward thinking individuals simply want to “make a buck” in the here and now, not considering where we’ve been. A listing on the National Registry of Historic Places does not save structures. There is a general misconception that there are grants available for the asking. Sadly, there are very few grants available for restoration and preservation of structures, and those are very competitive. Without fellow Vintonians stepping up, taking an interest in the history we all share, the BCHS will begin to pursue options available to them for relinquishing ownership of one or two of the current properties. Properties in question and up for discussion include the Ray House (the “Grand Old Lady of First Avenue”), and the Horridge House. At this time, BCHS believes the Depot is safe from the chopping block and eagerly awaits it’s slow and steady refurbishment and is grateful for the contributions already made for the roof replacement project. Next year is Vinton’s Sesquicentennial, 150 years of community history culminated into moments in time where we honor all that has come before us and made us who we are today. We’ve lost many other buildings that were a part of who we are. Gone is the Opera House that once sat on A Avenue. The Pearl Button Factory ~ gone. Tilford Academy ~ gone, the Armory ~ all gone. East School is nearly a memory and even the brick streets have begun to fade away. It would be a shame to have Vinton’s 150th year earmarked as the year we also lost another historic landmark or two. Has this left a lump within the pit of your stomach as it has mine? Then ask yourself “What can I do?” If you would like more in-depth detail regarding the information in this article, becoming a member of the Benton County Historical Society, or have helpful suggestions please email bentoncohistorical@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook or contact people listed below. Sharon Happel, president Phil Borleske, vice president Rosemary Schwartz, treasurer Rose Rouse, secretary Board member: Brian Trester Trustees: Bob Moen, Andrew Elwick, Rich Farmer, Barry Lefstad, Dale Schmidt “To know nothing of what happened before you were born, is to forever remain a child.” ~Cicero