“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”

-          Abraham Maslow

As summer is beginning to wind down, I have begun to notice changes that are starting to take place around us. The leaves are beginning to become a dull green and the last of the flowers are in bloom for this late summer season. The green and colorful canopy of our world outside takes its last turn as we begin to realize that change is upon us. Soon the hot summer days will turn cooler, the leaves will begin to fall, and the daylight will escape from us as the sun retires earlier every day. Let us remember that change is good! Without the change of the days and months that go by we would all be living in a scene from Ground Hog Day (the movie), I don’t know about you, but I am ready for some cooler weather and some Pumpkin Spice everything!

Speaking of change, we began the long-awaited roof project on the Wright House this week and I want to say THANK YOU for your support. I was so excited for this to finally come to fruition that I took a walk down State Street to see it for myself! When I got closer to the house I stopped and I stared. The sun beamed down on the house as I watch the roofers slide the tile off the roof and into the skyjack container, dust flew into the air like a billow of smoke, it was as if the roof was finally letting out a sigh of relief, or maybe even taking its first deep breath in over 100 years…..

Some difficult decisions had to be made on the type of roof that was going to be installed. After several months of discussion and much historical research we found that the clay tile roof that was on the house was not original to the home. That roof stood the test of time for well over 100 years, but it was time for some change. The roof had many holes and much damage to the tiles that was not visibly seen from the ground view. Even though the roof didn’t appear in terrible shape there was a lot of damage to certain rooms in the interior of the house.  The cost to repair and replace the roof with replica’s was astronomical and not cost effective.  We met with multiple companies and looked at different options and we (the Steering Committee) chose a slate like tile that will last for many years to come. We submitted our recommendation to the Gratiot County Historical Board, and they approved. The new roof is going to look fabulous when it is complete! I know change is difficult but remember change is good. This new roof will safeguard the treasures that are held within.  

Over the years since Ammi Wright’s death the house has changed hands. When Anna Case Wright (Ammi’s wife) sold the home, it became Smith Memorial Hospital and at that time the home grew on its west side, it also grew with new life.  Did you know that over 7000 babies were born there? To celebrate we hosted a Smith Memorial Hospital Babies Reunion last month and it was a fantastic turnout. Many “babies”, now adults, came back to Alma to celebrate together. It was a great reunion! 

Then the home changed again, to Northwood Institute. My mother-in-law was one of the first students to attend!  So many changes have taken place over the years. So many wonderful memories have been made by many and we are excited to bring the home back to life again through change.

We have more exciting and upcoming events that will be taking place in this next season. On October 17th we are hosting a Wright Bower Euchre Tournament as our next big fundraiser. Let me tell you, I am all in for this event! I remember my younger days of sitting around the table throwing down cards. I love a good Euchre game, and you all know I’m a bit competitive. We hope you sign up and join us for food, fun, drinks and some table talk!

We are also going to host some great musical talent (our very own Steering Committee member, Chuck Fortino) at the Rockin Blues Concert at the Gem Theatre in St. Louis on December 5th. Be sure to get tickets to see Chuck and his band rockin the stage!  Also be sure to visit our website for updates on events and places we will be at in our community, hosting fundraising events and other activities.  We can’t do this without you and your support!  We all have been working hard over the summer with this restoration and we still have much more to do! We hope you continue to join us in our efforts to restore the Wright House, this will be a great space for our community to enjoy for many years to come.

Until Next Month…….                  

-          Rochelle