Historical society eyes Roundhouse upkeep
Madison Station Historical Preservation Society will access costs for repair and renovation of the Roundhouse. RECORD PHOTOS/GREGG L. PARKER
MADISON – A community group hopes to maintain the look and usefulness of Madison’s most iconic building.
At its recent meeting, Madison Station Historical Preservation Society discussed renovation and repair of the Roundhouse on Front Street. “Since it’s the symbol of Madison, this seems to be a primary and repeatedly discussed issue. The estimate of repairs and renovations is $21,000,” president Debbie Overcash said.
Overcash proposed forming a committee to determine the exact cost and to secure sponsors. Madison City Council has agreed to help.
Other incoming officers are vice president Douglas Smith, treasurer Cindy Sensenberger and secretary Beverly Young.
Forty Madison third-graders enter the society’s essay contest, “Why I Love Madison, Alabama.” Society members awarded winners at a recent city council meeting. Elizabeth Bero spearheaded the contest.
Madison Christmas Magic Homes Tour 2015 earned more than $4,000. Young thanked homeowners and Marsha Willis for chairing the event. Homes for 2016 need to be scheduled by May.
The society is discussing scheduling the tour every other year, due to downtown’s limited number of homes. Other ideas involve a “Then-and-Now Tour” with vintage and contemporary houses or a tour in a new neighborhood.
Young reported that the group’s Christmas party at Main Street Cafe was a success. She thanked Sensenberger for the venue and Lynn Crumley for decorations.
Smith suggested updating the society’s by-laws, unchanged since 2010. Overcash asked Smith to review the by-laws and note needed updates. The current by-laws are available at historicmadisonstation.com.
A public relations opportunity is open to promote Madison Arts Council, Madison Street Festival and the historical society for mutual benefit of all organizations.
In the exploratory stage, residents are studying the possibility of “Food Truck Saturdays.” Society members can participate to promote the organization.
The historical society is considering a beautification project for the city well in downtown. One suggestion involved placing a statue of Madison founder James Clemens.
Madison Station Historical Preservation Society will continue its scholarship fund to award a $500 scholarship to a student at both Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools.
