Historic Preservation OakView, CL Rice Homstead, Col Timothy Mann Home (Norwood, Walpole, Rockland)
Reply to: info@ovpi.org
Date: 2008-05-08, 11:28AM EDT
It takes courage.
When you look at an old building, sometimes abandoned, left for years, ignored by generations of caretakers, you may see the siding cracking, the roof which started leaking some time ago and the overall disrepair.
When we look at the same building, we see the history that built that structure, we hear the sounds of the voices that laughed through the halls during the holidays, cried through the rooms during grief, and called the old building home or work for years. It takes a considerable amount of courage to hear the voices from the past – to hear the building begging you once again to come alive.
Being part of a historic preservation organization and public charity is, rather than just raising funds, it is raising friends. All of you, our friends, have the courage to take on a project of acquisition, preservation, renovation, and cultivation. You have not only adopted a non-profit…you have adopted a building.
Of course there is solicitation and asking for gifts. We have the courage to ask so we could, with your help, create a presence. We are creating a presence of mind in knowing we can succeed and preserve the buildings in front of is. We are creating a physical presence as we renovate the buildings and throw open their doors saying aloud once again…..THIS BUILDING IS OPEN AND READY TO BE SHARED! It takes that kind of strength and courage to create the presence.
As we work together, we can all visualize the halls again filled with voices of joy. In a corner or two, there are sobs of sadness that are carried in from the streets. We comfort those people: we visualize their life. We share the building and lead them through each room proudly revealing the work we have done. We are visualizing our courage that we had to take the first step in donation…acquisition….renovation. Our work will change our lives. We will gain strength from saving the building. The result will be an Art and Culture Center for each child, each adult, each passing person to enjoy. And we will create this together.
It is practically irresistible when you look at the old buildings the way a preservationist looks at them. You want to help! You have no choice! You begin to see the children playing the front parlor. You begin to see the result of each penny raised and of each stroke of an arm that stripped wallpaper, painted a wall, sanded floors, repaired the 150 year old glazing on the window. All for sharing it with you friends, your children, and their children years to come.
The gift you give is the solution. You are the solution. And you have the courage. Your gift of time, money, or endowment, will move us closer to acquisition, preservation, renovation and sharing with all of the public, including your family, friends and children. Your gift is the solution. Your courage is the gift!
Please help us and donate today. call toll free 1-866-760-2286 or email me for the web site to donate securly online. Corporate donations are accepted. We are an 501(c)(3) publich charity.
- Location: Norwood, Walpole, Rockland
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 672814053
