I think of this because this month in our water bill we got a page about the Sedalia Public Library. The beautiful Carnegie building was built in 1901. It was the first Carnegie library in the state of Missouri. The building was closed recently because engineers said it was in immanent danger of collapse because of the drought we suffered this past summer. Several buildings in downtown did collapse. A proposed property tax increase is going to be on the ballot in April to save the building. The 1.5 million needed will cost the tax payer $0.07 per $100 assessed valuation. The flyer discusses how it will be much cheaper to repair the Carnegie building than it would be to build a new building that would replicate the size of our current library. I think it sounds like a good idea that will only raise my tax bill by about $10 a year.
Saving buildings has me thinking about the old one-room schoolhouse that sits on our farm. My sisters and I would like to save the building but we have no idea how. We are not carpenters and we cannot rely on dad to help us with this one. It has me thinking of those This Old House programs and wondering if the work would be worth it. I remember standing on the platform in the old building when I was a child and playing school. I would stand there teaching my imaginary students. My favorite thing to do was write them grade cards. The building holds memories for many people but I don't know what to do about it.
What are your thoughts about saving old buildings? What buildings have you seen in disrepair that you wished you could save?
I love that old school house! I remember playing in it as a kid. If you can save it, please do. Let me know if I can help. :)
ReplyDeleteSame here! You know we'd be over to help, just let us know!
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