The Smyrna Merrill Historical Society is in desperate need of a new roof.
“Last winter a lot of the old shingles blew off and are lying on the ground,” said Alberta McDonald of the historical society. “As a result of that, we are now getting major leakage.”
With seepage, it won’t take long before mildew and rot set in.
“We will lose this great old building,” said McDonald. “We are trying to raise funds for a new metal roof. We have someone who is going to do it and a quote of what it will cost. The young man is donating his labor, just charging us for the material.”
The Smyrna Merrill Historical Society will hold a pie auction Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. in the basement of the historical society. There will be coffee and goodies to snack on while bidding on homemade pies, bread and cookies. Just in time for Thanksgiving.
“We recently got notice from the IRS that we now have not-for-profit status, which means that all donations will now be tax deductible and that we can now apply for grants to help us maintain the building,” added McDonald. “It has been a long process to get our 501(c)(3), but we were helped along the way by Kenneth Bustard, a financial consultant, who donated his time to advise us.”
The Smyrna Merrill Historical Society members are appealing to the folks of the area to help us preserve the building.
“Without it, we would be hard pressed to do our annual events, like the Strawberry Festival, Harvest Supper and at least once-a-year dinner theatre, featuring the fabulous Hysterical Players,” said McDonald.
For those wishing to donate or give in memory of a loved one name, send donations to the Smyrna Merrill Historical Society at P.O. Box 21, Smyrna or visit their Facebook page.
