Thursday, May 14, 2015

Daniels School Update: May, 2015!!!

Dear Donors and Friends of the Daniels School Restoration Project,
 

Sitting on the porch of the Daniels School, I was waiting for delivery of windows.  I glanced around to see the pastel pink buds of the old rose bush on the corner of the porch.  Then I remembered the wedding we had in a play held in the Spring of l951.  Richard Tabor was the only other 1st grader and he was the groom.  The students threw rose petals at us as we walked down the steps and walkway..
 

I cherish that joyful memory of the past, but the jubilation I feel in the present is beyond compare.  At last work has commenced on the restoration of Daniels School again.
 

Many thanks to Mike Flowers owner, Oak Shadows Construction, who has volunteered his time.  The framing inside is complete, including the "sistering in" whenever possible to preserve the old redwood, and we can look up outside at the new shake roof with pride.
   

Sincerest thanks to Eric Dietrich of the Healdsburg Lumber Company for the generous reduction on lumber costs as well as the windows from Hudson Street Design.

The flagpole, restored to white again stands amongst a patch of  yellow Diogenes Lanterns.  These and the Redwood Orchid are among the many wildflowers we collected, identified and drew.  The teacher displayed the art work above the windows and I was amazed at the fine detail, color and likeness in every petal to those we had collected.  These memories in the school and down by the creek, where the teacher read to us, come back to me as I watch the restoration unfold.
 

Most of all, we wish to thank the Sonoma County Landmarks Commission for their grant funds, as well as the many dedicated and generous donors who have continued to support this project over the years.  We will be applying again to the Landmarks Commission for Phase 2 of the project, but will move forward to continue the project as monies and volunteer time allow.

TOGETHER WITH YOU, WE ARE NOT ONLY SAVING SONOMA COUNTY  HISTORIC LANDMARK #186, WE ARE SAVING A PIECE OF HISTORY AND THE STORIES OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED AND WORKED IN THE TOWN OF VENADO ON MILL CREEK ROAD.


THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

Sincerely,

Bonnie Cussins-Pitkin, President
Gloria Egger, Treasurer