The Wright House Restoration project is continuing. The Wright House Restoration Alma (MI) Facebook page now has over 2500 members. Ammi Wright himself was resurrected in the person of Elmer Johnson and his wife, Anna Case, was portrayed by Bobbi Bush at the Highland Festival parade on May 25. He also appeared at the Wright House vendor booth on campus, available for photo ops.
An Alma Evening in the Park Wright House presentation by Mike Swims attracted many attendees, some who were taking notes to increase their chance of success at trivia night. The Wright Night for Trivia held on June 13 saw over one hundred participants and, along with other sales and donations in the match period, raised over $23,000. The United Way will match that up to $15,000 with a presentation at the Wright House on June 20. Farm market vendor booths are set up in Alma every Saturday and In St. Louis every Thursday; these offer a variety of Wright House merchandise including T-shirts, mugs, yard signs, raffle tickets and the opportunity to make a cash donation.
Future events include the R.B. Smith Memorial Hospital “babies’ reunion” on August 17 at 1:00 pm in Wright Park, culminating in the large raffle drawing. A lucky winner will go home with $1,000!
The Gerstacker Foundation granted the project $150,000 ($50,000 for each of three years); the Strosacker Foundation has granted us $100,000; and the GCCF Robert and Marcelle Crumbaugh Fund has forwarded $5,000 as well. Additional grants have been submitted.
A property survey has been done and the temporary chain-link security fence has been reinstalled. Preliminary estimates for wood flooring restoration and plumbing updates have been received. The roof estimates will be discussed and roof replacement will begin imminently. There are adequate funds to cover this expense, thanks to the numerous donors who want to see this happen! Continuing fundraising will be targeted at the sandstone siding restoration.
Join us in the recovery of one of Alma’s most precious treasures. We can use volunteers and, of course, donations for nearly every area of the plan. If you’d like to be part of this history-making effort or would like more information, please connect with us via Facebook or at wrighthousemuseum.org.