OCHS directors tour museum renovation

It’s been a little over 90 days since the early morning fire temporarily ceased operations for the Osage County Historical Society Museum.

Last week, museum directors were given a glimpse into the dramatic changes the historical railroad depot is undergoing. Attendees for the museum’s May 4 annual meeting and dinner will also get first-hand information about the museum’s exciting future. According to contractor Jerry Loftis, cement for the 1,920 sq. ft. annex will be poured early this week if the weather cooperates.

Loftis explained the white paint inside the depot is a Kelm paint applied by Servepro, the company the museum hired to safely remove and rescue the numerous artifacts following the January 9th fire. This paint was applied to defuse the smoke smell. The museum directors were very pleased with the progress and elated over the open concept planned for the restored facility.

Items continue to be donated for a silent and live auction which will be held during the museum’s meeting on May 4. The live auction will feature a Tracy Letts autographed Broadway playbill of August Osage County and the accompanying book, a certificate for one of Debbie Reed’s famous pies and Judy Thomas’ delectable Apple Dumplings. In addition, a limited edition Boy Scout Bronze “What It’s All About” will be up for grabs along with a silver-plated cowboy hat chip ‘n dip set.

The silent auction will feature a Vera Wang handbag, beauty products, hand-painted skulls, Pendleton products, assorted paintings, a dozen meat pies, photography sitting, tanning, golf fees, and a weekend getaway. These items are currently on display at the Depot Museum’s temporary Gift Shop Annex (at the stop light).

In addition, the Historical Society is sponsoring a raffle for a beautiful Pendleton queen-size quilt with matching shams. Tickets for the raffle are $5 and will be available now until the night of the dinner. The quilt is also on display at the Museum Gift Shop.

Theme for the May 4 dinner is “As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so the OCHS Museum rises from the fire.”

Tickets are $20 and include a steak dinner and a chance to win a door prize. For more information, please contact Barbara Pease at 918-287-9119.