Grant propels restoration effort
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Saturday, August 9, 2008 10:49 PM PDT
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| Larry Meyer | Argus Observer
Sandijean Fuson, president of the Drexel H. Foundation, talks about the progress occurring at the Grand Opera House in Vale. |
VALE—A $10,000 grant may not seem like a large sum, especially if you are working on a $70,000 project.
For Drexel H. Foundation President Sandijean Fuson, though, the money is not only a significant contribution but another milestone on the way to restoring the Grand Opera House in Vale.
Fuson, who is spearheading the restoration effort at the historic Vale structure — situated in downtown Vale — said she could not be happier for the grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust and is already working on ways to come up with the required match.
Fuson said the grant from the trust will go toward completing the plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling.
“I’m ecstatic,” she said. “It is tough to get funding.”
Fuson already has secured part of the matching funds through Idaho Blue insulation, which uses recycled denim fibers, borite and a binder.
“One of the goals of our restoration is to use sustainable methods in our programs,” Fuson said. “The insulation has been installed. Now we are ready for the original tin ceiling work to be completed.”
Other progress made on the opera house during the last year include the sanding of the floors, which are now restored, stuccoed interior walls and final roof repairs.The philosophy the Drexel H. Foundation operates under is “you pay as you go,” which means the project, which has been going on for more than 15 years, continues to be slow but Fuson said she is undaunted.
“There is so much to save,” Fuson said. “I see the value of it.”
The Drexel Foundation was created to save the Vale Hotel and the Grand Opera buildings when they were threatened with demolition. Built in 1895, the Grand Opera House was first used as a saloon, Fuson said, and then it became a place for entertainment when the town went “dry” because of prohibition. The goal now is to create an art center for the community where people can enjoy cultural events and have art programs for area youth. In addition to grants, the work is supported locally by donations and volunteers. A grant from the Oregon State Historical Preservation Office has provided a commitment to assist with the front facade work on the opera house. The preservation office has been working on its architectural review since December.
“The main thing is to get the buildings back in use.” Fusion said.
Fuson said she is happy to be helping with the restoration.
“I never thought I would make my mark in life in trying to save two buildings,” she said, adding she believes no one should wait to give back to their communities. One of the benefits of the Drexel foundation is that if she is not around the project will go on, Fuson said.
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