By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press
Members of the Copperas Cove Historical Society are working hard to raise the funds necessary to restore the Allin House to its former glory.
To raise money, the group held a massive rummage sale outside the Allin House on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. There they sold donated items of all kinds from furniture and appliances to toys, books, and more. They had a little bit of something for everyone.
Kelly Rios, Treasurer for the Historical Society, helped organize the rummage sale. She was happy that they were able to receive so many donations for the event.
“Who doesn’t have a bunch of stuff in their garage that they want to get rid of,” said Rios. She said that the fundraiser was extremely popular with several people showing up before they had even finished setting everything up. She said that there has been a lot of positive responses to their work with the Allin House.
“We’ve had a lot of people increase their donations because they’re happy that we’re fixing this place up,” said Rios while gesturing behind her at the Allin House.
She said that the money raised at Saturday’s rummage sale will go towards getting maintenance on the building started. They plan to start by getting the locks fixed and the broken windows and doors repaired. The Historical Society is also working on getting grants which will help with the more costly repairs.
John Gallen, Historical Society President and 501c3 State Agent, said that the original Historical Society had restored and taken care of the Allin House until the group “went into hibernation”. Gallen said that during that time the house was “immaculate” and was used for “all kinds of events”. He said that he isn’t sure exactly what happened since then, but the house wasn’t being used and fell into disrepair. The current Historical Society started talking with the city about taking over the house and, after about two years of negotiations, they signed a 10-year lease agreement around the end of January/beginning of February.
“Once we get it renovated, we can rent it out as a venue,” said Gallen. “We’re going to keep the historical aspect and make it accommodating and homey.”
Gallen said that they must keep the Allin House looking historically accurate on the outside, but they can update the inside if they want. They do plan on decorating it with period pictures, period dishes for the kitchen, and more.
Gallen said that it is important for the Historical Society to preserve and promote our community’s history.
“Kids need to understand where they come from and where their community comes from,” said Gallen. He worries about history being erased and forgotten.
Currently the Historical Society’s two main goals are their work on the Stagecoach Stop at Ogletree Gap and their work on restoring the Allin House.
“It’s one of the oldest Copperas Cove houses that’s still standing,” said Renate Haney about the Allin House. “It would make a great revenue once it’s restored. I think it’s fantastic.”
Those who want to donate to or support the Historical Society can do so at any of their future events or meetings. The group meets every 2nd Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Lil Tex. They are looking for new members.
If you’d like to donate to the Historical Society, you can send a check or money order in the mail to P.O. Box 1323. Or you can mail covehistoricalsociety@gmail.com for more information.
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