|
|
Post by wardengine on May 16, 2008 0:06:48 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by wardengine on May 16, 2008 9:54:25 GMT -5
SHENANDOAH — The Schuylkill Historical Fire Society received $250,000 Thursday that it will use to renovate its headquarters in two historic borough buildings.
The check, presented by State Sen. James J. Rhoades, was obtained from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Society president Michael Kitsock said the money will be used for a variety of renovations, most importantly to make the SHFC headquarters at 105-111 S. Jardin St. handicapp accessible.
The society uses the 1870 fire station of the Columbia Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 at 105 S. Jardin St., and last year acquired an adjoining former Columbia Brewery bottling plant it uses to store antique fire apparatus.
Kitsock said the money will include $197,500 for renovations including handicapped accessible structure improvements, lighting and emergency lighting upgrades and improvements on the stone facade of the original buildings.
The remaining $52,500 will be used to install an elevator and renovate the second story of the former brewery to house historical memorabilia.
The group is also looking at the possibility of designated an area to house memorabilia of the former Columbia Brewery.
Other renovation projects will include replacing the roofs, windows and garage doors, installing fire and burglary alarms and correcting code deficiencies.
Kitsock said Thursday’s money is the largest amount of money the society obtained since its inception in 1996.
Not only is the fire museum an attraction for firefighting enthusiasts, it also draws people into Shenandoah, Kitsock said, making it a win-win situation for both the borough and society.
“For the first few months of 2008 alone, several hundred tourists and visitors from throughout the United States and Canada have visited our impressive museum,” Kitsock said.
Rhoades commended members of the society for its efforts to preserve the history of the volunteer fire service in Schuylkill County.
“I know it’s a labor of love with you guys,” he told about 10 members of the SHFS and municipal officials who attended the presentation ceremonies.
The senator also said he has visited similar museums throughout the state and thinks Schuylkill County’s is the finest.
“I say we have better stuff than they do,” Rhoades said.
Kitsock said the society has one of the largest collections of antique fire alarm equipment, firefighting helmets and antique fire apparatus in the United States.
Kitsock said anyone wishing to become a member of the society, or anyone wishing to schedule a tour of the museum and memorabilia, can call 462-4400.
The Schuylkill Historical Fire Society is a federally approved nonprofit organization.
|
|
