Restoration Near Completion

There will be a lot of activity around the Bank of the Chickasaw’s building between now and the end of September. The Chickasaw Nation is investing a good deal of money to finish a restoration project that began over 20 years ago, when the society received a grant from the Oklahoma Historical Society. Unfortunately, the state society ran out of money and failed to fund the second half of that restoration project, and it came to a halt. The Bank project was completed, but the upstairs gallery windows and ceilings were left unfinished, with no weather stripping or seals…and the stain and finish was not applied to the inside window frames and sills. Outside woodwork was left raw and unsealed. The back side of the bank building has recently been crumbling, as it is not granite like the North and West sides. Letha Clark and Mary Jane Nelson appealed for help to the Chickasaw Nation several months ago. As a result, these problems and others are being remedied through the generosity of the Chickasaw Nation. Our community owes Governor Anaotubby and his staff a big “Thank You!”.

Once the building is repaired and restored, the Historical Society encourages county citizens to become more involved with the preservation of county history. Dues paying members have declined in the last few years and this has placed the society in a serious financial situation. Anyone with an interest to know more about county history or to become involved as a volunteer to help visitors tour our facilities or search for information about ancestors is invited to come join our group. The society has a tax ID and donations are tax deductible. Citizens are also reminded to consider donations of money or historical artifacts that originated in the country. Donors will be given tax receipts for donated items.

The gift shop, genealogy library, and downstairs museum will continue to be open this summer for visitors. The Victorian Tea Room is open to citizens for receptions, meetings and parties. However, the upstairs will be closed due to the restoration project. Other areas may also be closed as needed to allow construction work to proceed. To inquire or schedule an event, call the museum and Janice Underwood Fairchild at 371-0254 or Mary Jane Nelson, President, at 580-443-5788.

The society is currently engaged in a fund raising project, selling chances on another beautiful and unique Vera Taylor Quilt. The society was given several of her quilts by her son Bob Taylor. Chances are available from society members, and at the gift shop. The quilt is on display in the Victorian Tea Room during operating hours….Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 to 5pm.