NILES Historical Society seeks funds to repair barn and greenhouse

The two buildings are more than 75 years old.
By JAYME RAMSON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
NILES -- Built in the early 1900s, the greenhouse and the barn at the Ward-Thomas Estate have become little more than storage facilities and safety hazards.
Niles Historical Society is trying to change that.
The society has established a capital improvement fund to raise more than $42,000, the estimated cost to repair them.
The barn needs a new slate roof, said Audrey John. The cupolas need repairing, new spouting is needed and the barn should be painted -- at an estimated cost of $12,000.
"We've been letting them go for some time now," John said. "We haven't had the funds to take care of these buildings for regular maintenance."
The main section of the greenhouse, built in 1925, needs to be replaced because of rust and deterioration in the framing, brought on by water damage. That job is pegged at $30,000.
"Basically, because water and pipes have rusted throughout the years, there is not too much that you can do except to repair the whole thing," John said. "The whole structure is badly in need of repair."
Use for buildings
John said both buildings are used sparingly, but she hopes that changes once the repairs are done.
"We want to open the barn up and show it to the schoolchildren. We've repaired the floor and put sheets of plywood down."
Ward-Thomas Estate tours do not include the inside of the barn or greenhouse because of their condition.
Money from Historical Society dues, bus tour donations, Heritage Day activities and the sale of books and items in the gift shop go into the society's general fund and, despite two grants, there isn't enough for the repairs.
With a contribution of $1,000 or more, the donor's name will be placed on a plaque at the estate. Donors can dictate where they want their money to go -- greenhouse or barn repairs.
John hopes the result is two functional buildings that local schoolchildren can learn from.
"Our greatest desire is to repair these buildings so that future generations can enjoy the benefits of seeing inside a barn and growing plants in the greenhouse," she said.
Contributions can be sent to Niles Historical Society, P.O. Box 268, Niles 44446. The office can be reached between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at (330) 544-2143 or (330) 652-5927.