Society begins work on Hinchey Homestead

The Gates Historical Society closed on the Hinchey Homestead, 634 Hinchey Road on January 4. Since then they have set up an interim office in the house to act as a base for the planned conversion of the Hinchey Homestead to a community museum. The Society has established the following committees to work on the conversion: Buildings and Grounds, with Russ Eddy, Mike Volpe, George Maier and Bill Harrington; Displays and Exhibits, with Mary Jean Carlson; Gardens, with Rhoda Ride and Mitzie Lewandowski; Gift Shop, with Mary Jean Carlson, Mary Klock, Mitzie Lewandowski and Vera Young; Inventory and Office, with Jean Kohlhoff, Sue Landers, and Mickey Schlosser. Resource Center, with Jean Kohlhoff, Joan Bawden and Mickey Schlosser. The first committee to be activated will be the Inventory and Office committee and the Buildings and Grounds committee.

Volunteers from the community willing to help with any Hinchey Homestead committee are urged to contact any of the listed board members. Donations to help the Society with the Hinchey Homestead conversion are appreciated, whether they are contributions or used items in good condition. The Society's immediate needs are for a working answering machine, a computer printer (ink jet preferred) with cables, and a copier. Skilled volunteers willing to share their expertise with heating, electricity, drainage, insulation and roofing are also needed.

To help, contact Susan Swanton, president, at 247-0142 or Regis Mooney, vice president, at 328-3136. The Society hopes to open the Hinchey Homestead to the public in December 2002, though earlier tours to show 'before' conditions may be possible.