Mount Pulaski historical preservation works viewed by Logan County Tourism Board

 

[October 22, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

The Logan County Tourism Bureau Board was invited to visit the Mount Pulaski Township Historical Society and Museum. For the Tourism Bureau’s October monthly meeting, the board was served a meal and updated on Mount Pulaski historical activities.

Phyllis Beccue of the Historical Society welcomed the Tourism Board. Renee Martin then shared some information about current activities.

Renee Martin, standing, prepares to address the board.

Martin is active with the Mount Pulaski Courthouse Foundation. The historic building in the heart of the town has had the roof repaired and the focus is now on a wall of the building.

For the past several years, the Mount Pulaski community has provided the money for upkeep of the building through the way of fundraisers, as well as providing volunteers to perform the work. In years past one such maintenance project included painting the building exterior. A problem began soon after with moisture collecting inside the building and causing damage to the interior walls. It was discovered that the paint used was not appropriate for use on brick. The paint had sealed the brick so the building couldn’t ‘breath’ as it needed to, and the moisture problem began.

Martin said the MP Courthouse Foundation has been working to raise the funding to remove the paint on one exterior wall. She also said that she was happy to report that for this project, the state was going to be giving the foundation some preservation funding, something for which the foundation members were very excited and thankful.

Martin said that the courthouse has always been the heart of the community with many local events centered at the courthouse.

Martin also gave a brief overview of the newly formed Mount Pulaski Business Association of which she is also a member. And she talked briefly about the newly formed Hill Topper Club, which she said was a successor of the former Mount Pulaski Jaycee’s.

MPTHS&M Society members provided a barbecue supper for the board. Local businesses in Mount Pulaski pitched in items that were included in gift bags to be sent home with the guests at the end of the night. Board members enjoy their meal.

Tourism board members enjoyed spending time in Mount Pulaski and seeing all the local history that is being preserved inside the courthouse. The historical society occupies two levels of two downtown store fronts, and have a remarkable collection of items that tell the story of the community including many items that represent the history of Abraham Lincoln as he practiced law in the community.

Tourism Board members line up to fill their plates.


Phyllis Beccue grabs a hand full of gift bags to place on the table for Tourism Board members to take home.

Tourism board members Emily Davenport and Tracy Welch

Tom McLaughlin checks out one of the displays at the museum, with society member Alan Schaal giving him a narrative on where some of the items came from.

Tourism Director Morgan Gleason prepares to take her seat close to Board President Cindy Fleshman.

Board member Shawn Taylor enjoys his meal.

Board members Kevin Bateman and Marilyn Wheat take advantage of the variety of desserts on hand.

[Nila Smith]