What's Going On. . .
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| Friend Friend Historical Society Preserving the Past, Charting the Future Historical |
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| A Family Friend, Named Friend, Comes Home to Friend for a Visit! Most days, the trip to the post office is uneventful, but on one lucky afternoon, I introduced myself to a stranger, peering into the Gilbert Library door. It turns out, this stranger was no stranger at all, but instead Mr. Dick Friend, a family member of Friend's founding father! Dick sat a spell, and we chatted about what had changed, and what had not, in our small town. We managed a private tour of the library, one of his favorite places to visit as a child, and chatted a bit more, on the steps of the library, where his dog, Miss Kitty, explored. He happened in on a day that the Historical Society Board was meeting, so several of us had the honor of meeting this founding ancestor. Then, as fast as he had appeared, Mr. Friend drove off. A flash of our community's heritage and history was here, and if only for a little while, it was a grand treat to meet Dick and Miss Kitty. The Friend Historical Society wishes you well, Dick. We hope you and Miss Kitty have returned home, safely. |
| "The Event of the Year!" "The Event of the Century!" "As nice as any event I've been to in Omaha!" The Historical Society Impresses 90 attendees! |
| Guests arrive and mingle as they take in the renovations and festivities. Ninety people joined in the fun that night! |
| Photos of the newly exposed brick walls, revealed staircase and book nook, oak cabinetry and display shelves, and the refinished San Carlo sign, which was reclaimed by Rick Sheehan for the Society, and repainted by Greg Holdren. |
| Brad Rohrig (Omaha) & Lyn Williams (Seward) study the differences in the wine glasses. |
| Sean Petrie addresses the group (above) and left, he shows how to decant a Pinot Noir in the Eve vessel. Below Lance Larson and Brian Himmenberg raise auction funds |
| Nearly 125 years after construction, the Historical Society puts a new face on the Warren Building, adds a new tenant, prepares to open an event center that can seat 300, and breathes new life to Downtown! |
| After thousands of dollars in dumpster fees, the lath & plaster is gone & beautiful soft red bricks gleam in the sunlight. The Society has secured a low-interest loan to replace inefficient furnaces & air conditioners, as well as the large plate glass windows and doors. New framing and insulation is going in! They've also secured a tenant to help offset monthly expenses & they hope to be able to rent the San Carlo Room for events and parties. All proceeds go toward loan payments and renovations, and Downtown 2nd Street is beginning to look hip & cool, but still very dignified & historic. Check out our progress below, or email us for a tour! |
Aqua panels & glass windows are
removed and replaced with an
efficient, double level of new glass
windows. Architectural bronze
framing sets off the new look,
making it efficient and beautiful.
The Society has invested $42,600 in
the window project thus far, and still
needs to add awnings & architectural
detail paint work above.
removed and replaced with an
efficient, double level of new glass
windows. Architectural bronze
framing sets off the new look,
making it efficient and beautiful.
The Society has invested $42,600 in
the window project thus far, and still
needs to add awnings & architectural
detail paint work above.
Inside the building, new walls are being constructed, efficiencies such as new
HVAC & insulation are going in on both the old hardware and showroom
locations. The Pour House Tasting Room, the new tenant, has added a
beautiful fireplace, new bathrooms, a massive oak bar, replicated oak
stairway to the south basement, and a patio door facing the west. Later this
summer the Pour House and Society have plans to build a 30x30 deck to the
south, accessible from both Pour House and San Carlo Room. Beyond that,
there will be newly planted perennial gardens and a vineyard. This is all a
great start to new life for the Warren Building, new funding opportunities
for the Warren Opera House, and new adventure for Downtown Friend!
HVAC & insulation are going in on both the old hardware and showroom
locations. The Pour House Tasting Room, the new tenant, has added a
beautiful fireplace, new bathrooms, a massive oak bar, replicated oak
stairway to the south basement, and a patio door facing the west. Later this
summer the Pour House and Society have plans to build a 30x30 deck to the
south, accessible from both Pour House and San Carlo Room. Beyond that,
there will be newly planted perennial gardens and a vineyard. This is all a
great start to new life for the Warren Building, new funding opportunities
for the Warren Opera House, and new adventure for Downtown Friend!
New fire code doors have not arrived yet, so plywood you
see above is a temporary solution to wind, weather and
unwanted visitors! The remaining west building & former
Hardware store will be completed soon!
see above is a temporary solution to wind, weather and
unwanted visitors! The remaining west building & former
Hardware store will be completed soon!