Please join the Greenbrier Historical Society (GHS) for a “mortgage burning party” from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at the North House Museum, 301 West Washington Street, Lewisburg. The last payment on the mortgage which covered the renovation and new construction at GHS was made in December, 2014.
This was a nearly 15 year effort and received a great deal of support from members and donors. The proceeds from Stellar Evening, the GHS Holiday party in early December, were always dedicated to this effort as well as any other available funds each year.
The support of members and donors is what made this possible. Of the many who contributed, a few deserve special mention: Harry McFarland who had the vision; Mrs. Jeanne Hamilton; John Garnett; John Arbuckle of Farmer’s Home Fire Insurance; Janie Kirk who came up with the idea of the “536 Club” when we still owed $53,600; all those who made and fulfilled pledges to reduce the debt; and people who attended Stellar Evening over the years.
We also appreciate First National Bank in Ronceverte who carried the debt and was so good to work with through the years.
There will be a reception with light refreshments at the North House from 5-7 p.m. on Jan. 14 and the burning of the mortgage along with a short program will occur at 6 p.m. Please join the GHS Board, staff and members for this celebration. We will also be using the occasion to say a fond goodbye to Elizabeth McMullen, executive director who is relocating to a new job with the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA.
