October 21, 2019 at 4:23 p.m.
Dunkirk group works to preserve history
Dunkirk group works to preserve history
Dunkirk wants to keep its history close to home.
That’s why a group is coming together to form what will be known as Dunkirk Historical Society.
Those involved stressed that their efforts are intended to complement Jay County Historical Society rather than to compete with it.
Noting the space limitations of the county historical museum, organizers say the goal is to provide a Dunkirk home for Dunkirk memorabilia.
“This is not to take away from them,” stressed Scott Manwaring, one of about a half a dozen folks who have come together for the effort.
“We would like to be open by or before the (Dunkirk High School) alumni banquet in May,” said Nancy Robbins, secretary-treasurer of the fledgling organization.
Other officers include Connie Retter as president and Jeff Hatch as vice president.
“There’s still some unknowns,” said Manwaring.
Tentative plans call for items to be displayed in the former Gaunt Jewelry Store, a building Manwaring owns.
Many of those items have been housed at the offices of The News and Sun, Dunkirk’s weekly newspaper. While The News and Sun continues to be published, its Main Street office has been closed and the building is currently for sale.
That’s why a group is coming together to form what will be known as Dunkirk Historical Society.
Those involved stressed that their efforts are intended to complement Jay County Historical Society rather than to compete with it.
Noting the space limitations of the county historical museum, organizers say the goal is to provide a Dunkirk home for Dunkirk memorabilia.
“This is not to take away from them,” stressed Scott Manwaring, one of about a half a dozen folks who have come together for the effort.
“We would like to be open by or before the (Dunkirk High School) alumni banquet in May,” said Nancy Robbins, secretary-treasurer of the fledgling organization.
Other officers include Connie Retter as president and Jeff Hatch as vice president.
“There’s still some unknowns,” said Manwaring.
Tentative plans call for items to be displayed in the former Gaunt Jewelry Store, a building Manwaring owns.
Many of those items have been housed at the offices of The News and Sun, Dunkirk’s weekly newspaper. While The News and Sun continues to be published, its Main Street office has been closed and the building is currently for sale.
Over time, the weekly paper’s office had become a repository for a wide variety of Dunkirk memorabilia, including composite graduating class pictures, union banners and documents, and sectional championship basketballs.
All of those items will now go to Dunkirk Historical Society’s collection.
The News and Sun has also agreed to allow the organization to have the newspaper’s bound volumes on permanent loan so they can be viewed and reviewed by the public.
But there are still a number of issues to be resolved.
The group plans to incorporate as a 501c(3) not for profit, and it’s operating on a shoestring.
“At some point we need to start generating some income,” said Hatch.
In addition to donations of cash, the group is still looking for more memorabilia.
“I’ve contacted a couple of people,” said Robbins.
“I’ve got tons of pictures,” said Cathy Fuqua.
Robbins added, “We would not turn down glassware … but that really should go to The Glass Museum.”
The group already has a good collection of Dunkirk High School yearbooks.
“I have a copy of the first one and the second one,” said Retter.
Those interested in donating funds should contact Robbins at [email protected] or (765) 748-0993. Those with items to donate should contact Retter at (765) 768-6772.
All of those items will now go to Dunkirk Historical Society’s collection.
The News and Sun has also agreed to allow the organization to have the newspaper’s bound volumes on permanent loan so they can be viewed and reviewed by the public.
But there are still a number of issues to be resolved.
The group plans to incorporate as a 501c(3) not for profit, and it’s operating on a shoestring.
“At some point we need to start generating some income,” said Hatch.
In addition to donations of cash, the group is still looking for more memorabilia.
“I’ve contacted a couple of people,” said Robbins.
“I’ve got tons of pictures,” said Cathy Fuqua.
Robbins added, “We would not turn down glassware … but that really should go to The Glass Museum.”
The group already has a good collection of Dunkirk High School yearbooks.
“I have a copy of the first one and the second one,” said Retter.
Those interested in donating funds should contact Robbins at [email protected] or (765) 748-0993. Those with items to donate should contact Retter at (765) 768-6772.
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