2013-2016 Huge update

I apologize for not updating this site for a very long time.  It's basically because I'm not very computer savvy.  My youngest, helped me to get back on the site.  So here goes....

2013 - Work progressed on the CCC/POW Building and money was raised for the next phase.  If memory serves me right, the refurbishment of the 22 windows was completed.  Storm windows were made for the the windows.  The rotating displays were of the civil war.  We were open only for special occasions.

2014 - World War I was the theme in the south section of the building.  More Civilian Conservation Corps items were collected.  Information for the Prisoners of War during World War II was obtained. Youth to Restore the CCC/POW Building board attended the symposium held at the Calkins Nature Center in Iowa Falls the later part of July.  While there networking began with other conservation agencies in the county.  A new opportunity arose from that meeting with the Barlow Family Foundation of Iowa Falls.

In October, the CCC/POW Project was selected by the Barlow Family Foundation as one of five organizations to participate in the Community Challenge.  For two weeks during October individuals could donate from $25-$100 to their organization.  At the end of the two week period YRCPB had raised $8,757.  Barlow matched that amount giving YRCPB $17,515.  What a blessing that has/is to YRCPB.

Professional electrical upgrades and new electrical panel was completed.  Weatherization of flashing was completed by the construction class of South Hardin High School.  

2015 - YRCPB applied for many grants using the $17,515 as seed money.  July 1st - the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, State Historic Preservation Office, Historic Resource Development Program awarded YRCPB a grant for $24,556 grant to finish the renovations.  Iowa Network Services (Heart of Iowa) blessed us with money as did Lennox of Marshalltown.  Many fundraisers and the community continued their fine support both financially and with items for the building.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning were purchased and installed in the fall.

2015 - Displays included new items from the Davison, Wright, and Lepley families.  All of these displays were of men from the Union and Eldora area.  The main theme in the south section was World War II - Iwo Jima and Okinawa.  New CCC photos were located from the Smithsonian and five years of CCC newsletters were obtained through Iowa State University Library and the Chicago Research Library.

2015 - Open - Every Saturday - Memorial Day-Labor Day 9:00-3:00.  Special occasions and tours.

2015 - An application to Silos and Smokestacks as an emerging tour site.  

2015 - Hired our contractor for renovations.

Summary - 2015 was a phenomenal year with the support of the YRCPB Board and the community in our fundraising efforts.  It was encouraging to have visitors came to the building throughout the summer months.  In July, RAGBRAI visited Eldora.  We are amazed at the amount of out-of-state visitors to the Eldora area.  Campers from Pine Lake State Park, Class Reunions of the 50+ group, participants of the State Hereford Show, and the Llama show also came to the building.  The YRCPB has made much progress.   Huge steps taken - many surprises for 2016.