Madison Station Historical Preservation Society holds first meeting of 2011

The Madison Station Historical Preservation Society discussed 2010’s accomplishments and brainstormed ideas for 2011 at its first meeting of 2011.

The group met on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Round House in downtown Madison.

Among the society’s accomplishments in 2010 was the selling of inventory, construction of five bat houses for the children’s garden at the library and a cemetery restoration project.

In October, the society held a work bee to restore seven headstones on Mill Road.

“They’ll be good for another 100 years,” said Ron Johnson, president of the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.

Johnson was proud of the project, but said there is still more work to be done once the weather warms up.

The society continued its community outreach effort through a picnic, Christmas party and participation in the Madison street festival.

In 2010 the society also hosted numerous guest speaks and welcomed 20 new members.

Their future goals include creating a historical plaque process for Madison residents wishing to certify their historic homes.

While details of the process remain unclear, Johnson said the process will probably mirror the national process for registering historic homes.

The society also repaired a window in the Round House although there was discussion over whether the city or the society is responsible for maintenance of the Roundhouse.

“They’ve been responsible for doing the windows, but how many times has that happened” said John Rankin, who serves as the group’s historian.

Other goals of the society include eventually turning the Roundhouse into a museum for self guided tours.

Those interested in the society’s projects are encouraged to join. Membership is not limited to Madison residents.

“We’ve always welcomed everyone,” Rankin said.

The society meets at 7 p.m. in the Round House on the fourth Monday of the month.

Dues are $20 for an individual, and $25 for a family.

For more information visit the society’s website, http://www.historicmadisonstation.com/.