Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Hello to our Minneota-area friends, past and present!
As we fondly remember those words from a song by Ralph Larson, an educator, musician and writer from days gone by, we have an opportunity and challenge for you.
As you may have heard, the Society for the Preservation of Minneota's Heritage (SPMH) has become active once again. Thanks to fundraising efforts of SPMH and Friends of the Minneota Library (FOL) and donations large and small by individuals and organizations, the O.G. Anderson & Co. "Big Store" has been repaired and renovated.
In fact, the Minneota Public Library, which moved into the first floor in January of 2015, is well-used and a source of community pride for all of us.
Presently, the LULA elevator that is in the process of being installed, will provide access to the second floor of the building, the location of the Opera Hall.
At this time, SPMH is funding improvements to this second floor space and working to sort and inventory the collections of items that have been stored up there since the time the building was purchased.
This will allow us to complete the renovation, to host new events, and to showcase historical items when public gatherings are allowed once again and COVID-19 restrictions are removed.
As we look to the future, we realized that expensive repairs and maintenance costs are inevitable. A most recent inspection of the Big Store building has revealed an unexpected need for repointing the brick exterior at an estimated cost of $47,000. This repair is necessary to maintain the 1901 building integrity, protecting the investment that has been made thus far.
This news has prompted us to launch a fundraising campaign, and SPMH is soliciting donations to provide funds to assist with costs of building upkeep and improvements that we hope will last well into the future.
Payments can be made by cash, check (payable to SPMH), or direct-rollover from a Traditional IRA if that fits your situation as we are a 501(c)(3) organization. You can donate to SPMH to honor or memorialize a friend or family member.
Donations can be sent to: SPMH; Attn: Sandy Josephson, Treasurer; 1663 320th St. N., Taunton, MN 56291; or dropped off at the Minneota Public Library.
In addition to funds, SPMH needs volunteers to complete the work we need done. Please consider this opportunity to assist with the projects that are ahead, such as cleaning, sorting, cataloging and maintenance. We have plenty of room to maintain social distancing.
If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Sarazyn (507-531-7958) or Sandy Josephson(320-815-78290. Watch for updates relating to dates and times for future events in the Mascot and our newly-developed Facebook page.

SPMH Officers:
Wendy Sarazyn, President
Gary Buysse, Vice President
Sandy Josephson, Secretary-Treasurer