The Lake County Historical Society (LCHS) is in the middle of a three-phased construction project to relocate, and then renovate, two 1938 US Forest Ranger residences into a museum and community center.  Phase I which entailed moving the structures from the Baldwin Ranger Station to the Historical Society’s property was completed in early 2015. Work on Phase 2 is underway and when complete in spring of 2016 the first house will be opened as a museum.  Phase 3 plans include the future construction of a small building to link both houses and to renovate the second house into a community center – most likely in late 2016 or 2017. 

 

It was recently discovered that the roof on the Museum House is leaking, allowing water into the ceiling and walls of the 2nd floor.  Work to re-roof both houses was planned for Phase 3.  But now it is urgent that the roof work be addressed as soon as possible to protect the investment the Society has in the building, the work that has already been completed as part of the renovation and the future storage and exhibition of historical artifacts.  And – if one house is leaking the second one, which has the same aged roof, will most likely not be far behind.  So it is best that they are both re-roofed together.

 

Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 have been fully funded with past capitol campaigns, and fund raising for Phase 3 will begin later in 2016.  The community has stepped up and to date given over 550 hours of volunteer labor towards the renovation of the Museum House.  This volunteer labor as well as thousands of dollars in donated materials, has reduced the work needed to purchase from professional contractors.  It is imperative that the roof work be completed as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, the money currently raised doesn’t cover the cost of the roofing project, and the work is beyond the capabilities of our volunteers, resulting in the need for this current fundraising effort.