Heritage Headquarters Renovation Continues
Despite Setbacks, Volunteers Welcome
by Barbara Mastriania
RENOVO – If there’s any group that deserves recognition for determination and perseverance it’s the Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park committee. The committee and a handful of volunteers are forging ahead to renovate a historic Renovo building as its headquarters despite numerous setbacks and a shoestring budget.
The committee is sponsoring a fundraiser mixer this month to raise funds to continue the renovation of the former Bruno shoe store at 530 Erie Ave.
Alice Tarr, a charter member and past president of the committee has faithfully kept working to keep the headquarters project moving ahead for nearly a decade. It hasn’t always been easy, she said this week.
“It has been a long frustrating process. Our mission statement says it all about why we keep working at reopening the little building that is Heritage Headquarters,” she said. “We are dedicated to uniting, preserving, and promoting the history, heritage and community pride of the Greater Renovo Area.”
Heritage Park Committee purchased the 530 Erie Avenue property in the early 2000s with the intent to preserve it as headquarters. “Preserving a building instead of just tearing it down seems important to promoting the history, heritage and community pride of the Greater Renovo Area,” Tarr said.
Shortly after purchasing the building the committee was able to open for Flaming Foliage weekends and other times thanks to volunteers. Historic photographs, books, etc. owned by the committee and loaned by private individuals were on display.
There were problems that needed resolved, including a building next to it that was eventually torn down. But when that building, attached by a common wall, was torn down severe damage was done to the heritage headquarters. The resulting damage was to both the interior and exterior of the heritage property. The committee has spent the ensuing years working to repair and rebuild as money and volunteer time permits.
The project, while far from complete, is such that the committee plans to be open for this year’s Flaming Foliage Festival.
The long range goal is to open as a mini-museum and community center for public meetings, events and office space for the Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park committee.
Tarr said the project is not a true restoration but rather a renovation that will showcase the architecture and character of the late 1800 – early 1900 construction in Renovo. It will incorporate modern technology with the latest internet and media access. Plans include handicap access restroom, handicap parking and entrance from the rear alley.
“Though far from complete we will be open for Flaming Foliage Festival weekend,” Tarr said. “We hope everyone will stop in and see what we are doing and signup to help with some part of the project. We need carpenters, painters, scrubbers and sweepers, paper sorters and data entry helpers and other talented people as we carry on the project.”
The mixer fundraiser will be held Sept. 20 at the Renovo Son’s of Italy from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Live music will be provided by Bud & The Dynamics. Surprise guest appearances, refreshments and games of chance are planned as well. Tickets will be available at the door and are available from Heritage Park Committee members. For more information contact Alice Tarr at 570-923-0458 or Barbara Mastriania at 570-923-2927.
