MU gives $5,000 for downtown historical restoration

Manchester University’s roots in North Manchester go deep – all the way back to 1889.

To honor that 127-year connection, the University has donated $5,000 to the North Manchester Historical Society for the façade restoration project at the Center for History.

“The center is a great asset for the town, and we want to help the historical society in its ambitious project to restore the downtown building,” said MU President Dave McFadden, who hand-delivered the check to society President Mary Chrastil.

The historical society is raising money to restore the former Oppenheim Department Store building at 122 E. Main St. to its 1925 appearance.

“The façade restoration is the largest we have undertaken since we bought the building in 1999,” Chrastil said. “We are confident we can reach our $215,000 goal, but as a private not-for-profit with no regular government support, we cannot be successful without out-of-the-ordinary support.  Manchester University’s backing is crucial in helping us complete the project.”

The society serves the community with its museum, educational programs, research and artifact collecting.
The North Manchester Center for History tells the story of the history of the Eel River Valley.  In the past year, about a third of its exhibits have been updated.

The Center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its collection includes more than 28,000 documents, photographs and three-dimensional artifacts. This includes a section on Manchester University history.

For more information about the center or how to donate to the project, call 260-982-0672.

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Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, is one of six colleges across the nation grounded in the values and traditions of the Church of the Brethren. The University offers more than 60 areas of academic study to 1,500 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics, Master of Athletic Training and a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy.  Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.

July 2016