I think it's great that two main street buildings are being renovated for new purposes. It's exciting to see the day-to-day progress and to know that two storefronts are getting a new lease on life. Thank you to those working hard and giving the Howard business district something to be proud of.
Are you talking about the buildings beside Howard State Bank?? What are they doing there??
I'm referring to the work PEP is doing to the space north of Batson's (won't that be awesome when it's done!!) and the building south of Howard State Bank. I'm not sure what that space will be used for (I recall hearing it will be a doll museum), but the upper-story windows have been replaced and it appears a new floor is being poured inside, so already there is improvement. I'd really like to see our business district take a "Main Street" approach ... which encourages all building owners (whether or not there is an active business in it) to make exterior improvements/repairs (paint, clean windows, flower boxes, etc.) to enhance to entire district.
Keep us posted. I am DYING of curiosity.
Speaking of dolls--- does anyone know what has become of Bertha Baumgartls' dolls? I know they are going to auction her house, so that must mean her dolls have been moved elsewhere. Any input? Will there be a sale?
Well, you know that building beside the Howard State Building. I have seen Marlin and Nadine Baumgartel working on that building along with Connie and Verlon Saxton. Maybe they are putting Bertha's dolls in it. I don't know!!
Oh, yes. I forgot all about PEPS project. It will be nice when it is through. I am sure that Julia will be glad, too!!!
How nice for Bertha if that is the case. She loved showing her dolls, and I loved seeing them. I posess a little expertise in that area if they need some help in indentity etc.
They had one of Bertha's auctions last weekend at the Piedmont gym. I don't recall there being any dolls listed. They did have lots of neat old furniture though.
I heard that yes, the building south of HSB will be used for the doll collection. I don't know if it's part of the Benson Museum, or just a separate entity. I agree that any renovations on main street will help the town AND county out!
HOW EXCITING !!! We are looking forward to moving "back home" next spring. I Really enjoy all of the updates on Howard, as Howard definitely is home to Fred and I. Congratulations to all that are doing all the" heavy" and making such wonderful progression to main street.
Jo and Fred
According to Rudy's paper, a portion of the personal property was sold Nov. 15, at the Piedmont Gymnasium, another portion will be sold Nov. 22, same location and the house to be auctioned Nov. 23, at the corner of Ellk and Paw Paw. There is no mention of dolls in the ad. If you didn't get in on last Sat.'s auction, you can still make it to this Sat's.
We have been told that Bertha's Doll Collection will be housed in the building south of the Howard State Bank as an addition to the Benson Museum complex. The building was purchased for that purpose with plans to rebuild it for displaying the dolls. What a nice tourist attraction for our Main Street! Hopefully, it will encourage more shops, etc. that would be appealing to visitors. I really wish the Benson Museum could find a place to display its treasures all in one building.
How nice for Bertha! I am certain that she would be thrilled as would be most collectors to know that their 'treasures' will be appreciated by the future generations.