The Augusta Area Historical Society on May 7 is hosting an afternoon tea and program on children's vintage clothing and toys to raise funds for renovating the building that will someday be the society's museum.
The event, "Buttons, Bows and Bibs," will be held at 2 p.m. at the Augusta Senior Center. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children, payable at the door. For more information, contact society member Terese Blanding at 467-3884 or society President Keror Bouchard at 562-3520.
Blanding prepared displays of vintage children's items loaned from families in the surrounding area including as far away as Conrad and from the Cascade County Historical Society in Great Falls. People are happy to share their treasures, she said...
...'They are raising funds to renovate the former Augusta Civic Society's community building dating back to 1929. Over the years, it was converted to a youth center, then the youth center moved to a shared space in the Augusta Senior Center. The old building needs repair before it can be used as a museum.
The society received a Kenck Foundation grant for a new roof, and members will be putting in new doors and windows and replacing the plumbing and heating systems, among other things. Formally organized in 2003, the society has a mission to preserve, present and protect the history of the Augusta area.
According to Blanding, the proposed museum is a response to people calling community members and saying have objects that they want to donate in remembrance of the area. She said Augusta is typical of western towns where families have saved collectibles about ranching life, local businesses and families. The treasures are part of the town's history, she said.
Creating a museum is a huge project, Blanding said. society first stabilized the building and now is planning its renovation. It is located a block north of the main street through the town.
A substantial amount of money will be needed to complete the project, she said, and members are working on a timeline and estimates. 'They hope for a significant portion to donated labor and materials, she added. "People who have items
From the Choteau Acantha