Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Museum wins historic preservation award

Wall repair well underway

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By JON DUVAL
Express Staff Writer

Work has started to rebuild the south wall of the Blaine County Historical Museum in Hailey Photo by David N. Seelig

The Blaine County Historical Museum on Hailey's Main Street is on track to reopen next month, complete with the addition of a newly repaired south wall.

Built in 1882 out of adobe brick, the 125-year-old wall had been weakened by moisture and was sagging to a point where it was deemed unsafe.

The dedication of the museum's board and volunteers to repair and restore the structure was recognized at the state level, as the museum received a prestigious Take Pride in Idaho Award.

The honor is awarded "in recognition of a project that best represents individual or group efforts in preservation, renovation or restoration of historic sites."

Museum board member Bob Macleod is optimistic the facility can open on Memorial Day as scheduled, although this is the date Brashears & Sons, the contractor for the project, has estimated it will complete the new wall.

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"There will most likely be many late nights spent to get the museum open as soon as possible," Macleod said, explaining that all the artifacts that belong against that wall have to be taken out of storage and carefully put back into place.

At this point, the original wall has been removed and a temporary wooden wall erected in its place to support the roof. The plan was for the builders to begin laying cinderblocks on April 26.

Teddie Daley, president of the museum, praised Macleod for his leadership of this project, which will cost approximately $70,000.

"Bob initiated the whole thing," said Daley. "We are all excited and looking forward to being safe and sound again."