The Preservation Society held a member meeting this past Thursday, the 15th. There were 18 members of the community present. The purpose was to elect a new president and discuss the progress made on the old bank building. President Sherri Winters resigned in June. Jason Lewis was voted in as the new president, and Paige Moats is the new vice-president. Chrissy Baker remains as secretary and Franky Soto as treasurer.

The Preservation Society was founded some 29 years ago. Many dedicated people have worked to keep this society on track. Thomas Lee and Ann Alston have served diligently for numerous years. George and Donna Hill worked with them to preserve this beautiful old building. Unfortunately, the passing years take a toll even when hearts are willing. Although Mrs. Winters did not serve for long, she brought a breath of fresh air and a renewed desire to get something done. This jumpstart was abetted by the advent of a couple from Austin, Jackie and Chuck Basquette, and my own daughter, Chrissy Baker, and her husband, Bobby. These two power couples, under the direction of Jason Lewis, began some serious cleaning work. The results have been amazing. Jackie has signed a lease to run a consignment store in the old variety store space. More ideas have been floated for the remaining rooms as they are cleared out. Many thanks to Mayor Reeves and Mondo Garcia for helping with the trash situation.

Donors from the area paid for the new windows, so there was no cost to the society. Many thanks to Dr. Burns family, Cox AC, the Barker family, and the McKinnerney family. Mann Glass provided the glass for the project. Jason would like to get the round balls on the roof restored. The current price for that is about $5000 or $250 per ball or pedestal. If you or your family would like to donate money for one of those balls, the society would be delighted. A plaque will be wall mounted with the names of donors. If by chance you have one of the original balls and would like to return them to the bank, that would be even better.

McKinnerney Real Estate has donated new Christmas decorations for the building. New LED lighting (installed by Bobby Baker) has been put in several of the rooms which makes their beauty more visible. More wiring will have to be done to update the building. Franky Soto will oversee the electrical work. There is renewed excitement about our beloved old bank building. Jason has proposed a rolling screen like the one at the school. If you send him an email of your old photos with a history, he can scan them and put them on the screen. This will allow families to keep their photos but share their story for all to see during special events.

Future meetings will be held monthly, volunteers and donations are gladly accepted, and project ideas are welcome. Remember our goal and our motto is “Save our bank building.”

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