News : How Benton County Historical Society is changing after storms of 2011

Two years ago, the derecho windstorm that created havoc in Vinton and surrounding areas left behind many issues the Benton County Historical Society (BCHS) had to deal with. The Monroe #5 Country Schoolhouse west of Vinton was damaged beyond repair and had to be demolished, so the schoolhouse project had to be scrapped. The Ray House and Carriage House received significant damage as well as some damage at the Depot. But the Horridge House sustained the most damage from the storm.

For most of the last two years, the Board of the BCHS has been in crisis mode. How were we going to find the funds to pay for the almost $100,000 of damage at the Horridge House? Insurance covered most of the repairs at the Ray House and Depot but only paid for about half of the estimate of repairs at the Horridge House. We looked at different ways to find the remainder of funds to cover the repairs. We applied and received a $9,448.00 emergency grant from the State Historical Society, mounted a local fundraising effort and because the Horridge House is a public building, were able to tap into FEMA funds. Work continues today on the inside of the house.

After the initial crisis was over, the Board started a conversation on how to better utilize the Horridge House as well as the Ray House and Depot for community benefit. What seemed so bleak right after the storm has turned into a thoughtful re-examination where creative ideas have turned lemons into lemonade. The Board has many ideas, but the immediate task is to complete the inside work at the Horridge House. When the current work is complete and the inside is cleaned and things put in place, the Board plans to have an event and open house for the public.

At this point, we have a lot of ideas for the future and we are always looking for input from the community on what would interest you but this is a preliminary list of what we have talked about.

1) Instead of the Horridge House being decorated as a depiction at the time it was built, we want to have part of the house as a revolving exhibit of historical topics.

2) We want the Horridge House to become a community education center with a revamped research and genealogical center, with programming for the public on historically relevant topics-bringing in special speakers with an accompanying exhibit or artifacts from local sources, if possible.

3) Other suggested events include an antiques appraisal fair, old-fashioned ice cream social, outreach to the schools for field trips, collaboration with area historical museums, the ideas are endless and we are open to suggestions.

In addition, BCHS is revamping our policies for the acquisition of items. An additional article will be made public as time goes on but the emphasis before accepting items will be whether the item is historically significant to the eras of the properties or to Benton County. We have limited space for storage so we need to make sure there are criteria that provide guidance when accepting items.

One thing that has already occurred is the creation of a Facebook page at Benton County Historical Society, Vinton, IA. It is hoped that people will visit the page and participate in conversations about the photos or topics listed. The BCHS has literally hundreds of photos, some where we do not know the people or circumstances of the picture and would like the public’s assistance in identifying and telling the story of those photos. Additions to relevant sites will be ongoing and placed on the page.

In addition to monetary contributions that are always needed, there is an urgent need for volunteers to either serve on the Board of Directors or help with special projects. The Board has a renewed sense of purpose and the future is bright, but to accomplish those goals and ideas, we need an influx of volunteers. The time commitment is up to the volunteer. Any amount of time that you have available we can utilize. The Board is committed to having a more visible and community centered organization. Please watch for more information in the future.

To make a donation send to BCHS, P.O. Box 22, Vinton, IA. 52349, for more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities call Sharon Happel at 319-533-4524 or email bentoncohistorical@gmail.com. Come see the changes!!

Sincerely, The Benton County Historical Society Board of Directors

Sharon Happen-President

Phil Borleske-Vice President

Rosemary Schwartz-Secretary

Rose Rouse-Treasurer

Barry Leftstad-past president

Bob Moen

Bev Hilner

Dale Schmidt

Brian Trester

Martha Long—Genealogy Administrator