Decatur Historical Commission receives grant for renovations
DECATUR — The Decatur Historical Preservation Committee received some much-needed help May 5 in the form of a grant from the Benton County Historical Commission.
Late in 2017, city grant writer Cassie Elliott applied for a $10,000 grant from the Benton County Historical Commission to make some needed repairs to the Decatur Depot, shed and log cabin located in downtown Decatur.
The 107-year-old depot, which was last renovated in 1995 by Lloyd Peterson, has some minor cosmetic issues to its windows, door and foundation wall. The shed, which houses the old fire truck, tractor and baggage cart, has lost several singles on its roof.
In addition to the depot, the old log cabin, which is structurally sound, needs a new roof and shingles. Several holes in the roof allowed water to seep into the cabin. Fortunately, none of the artifacts inside were damaged.
The Decatur Historical Committee was started by Mayor Bob Tharp in March 2015 as a way to get residents of the Decatur area involved with the preservation of the town’s rich history. In that time, the group has hosted several forums designed to collect historical information and artifacts that tell the story of the small community along the Highway 59 corridor.
Mike Eckels, who chairs the committee, was pleased with the grant and the role it will play in preserving three of Decatur’s most cherished landmarks.
“The depot and log cabin are an important part of Decatur history,” Eckels said. “With this grant, we will be able to preserve both structures and the shed for visitors and future generations of Decatur residents to enjoy.”
The Benton County Historical Preservation Commission was established by county ordinance on Nov. 30, 2005, as a way to aid Benton Country communities in their efforts to preserve historical sites and artifacts.
“I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Benton County Historical Commission for this grant which will allow us to continue to preserve the buildings and artifacts that tell the story of Decatur,” Eckels said.