A general meeting of all the cast and support personnel

Saturday, February 4

Christian Academy at 3 Elm Street, Dolgeville
(Dolge’s first home)

1:00 PM

Open to anyone who has an interest in history or fun.
 We need helpers and thinkers.

We have discussed various ways that the exempt organizations could take over the building to use it as Dolgeville-Manheim Center for History, Art and Culture.  As such, the exempt organizations could use it to present programs for the public.

The owners have had an offer from a salvage company to take it off their hands.  Needless to say that it was a salvage company who took ownership of the Alfred Dolge School.

I believe I can speak for every citizen in Dolgeville that we DO NOT WANT THIS AGAIN !!!

We are trying to organize the exempt organizations to take action.  If we, as a community, can prevent this from happening, we need to take action immediately.  They are waiting for our bid.

They had requested an offer of $40,000 - $50,000.  This offer was made to exempt organizations only.  If the purchaser is an individual, it will be for over $130,000.  We had discussed a rent to buy contract, but they are against holding any obligation for the property.

We are in contact with the Dolgeville Manheim Historical Society and the Coalition of the Arts.  We have had some preliminary talks of the fund raisers to off set the costs that we can all participate in and we believe that it would work, but we need to act fast.

Many people are asking about the condition of the Baptist/Universalist Church.  The sanctuary is, as if service was held that morning.  The first floor back room had renovations begun, as did, the bell tower.  The owners had begun installing insulation and new wiring.  The outside has a coat of primer, not a white coat of paint.

The problems continue to be the repairs on the wiring and insulation.  A few of the slates need to be reattached, where there was one leak that is noticeable in the sanctuary.  The kitchen was in good shape, but needed a good scrubbing.  The downstairs meeting area was really bad.  The house between the church and the historical society would need way too much work to keep, so we are thinking of making a parking lot after removing that building.
 

We have been presented a really unique opportunity - one worthwhile pursuing with some passion since it is clearly in the best interests of the future of Dolgeville to do so. And having a tax exempt organization acquire this property makes a lot of sense, e.g., the DM Historical Society.

There is local precedence for this plan - the Fairfield Historical Society recently acquired Trinity Church in Middleville, and the Kuyahoor Valley Historical Society acquired the Norway Baptist Church just a few years ago.

We could plan for it to become the Dolgeville-Manheim Center for History, Art and Culture. One might consider, for example, moving the DM museum into this building thereby allowing expansion of the number of exhibits shown; creating a home for high quality art(both historical and contemporary); and providing facilities for hosting appropriate community events, e.g., lectures, organizational meetings, coffee klatches, etc. See, for example, the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie.

Clearly, many details must be considered as we evaluate all options, but we have that rare chance to be forward-thinking, innovative, and even visionary for the future of Dolgeville when it really counts.

We are sure those willing to sell the building would be most pleased if we promised to include in our final plans an appropriate acknowledgement of the history and heritage of the Church.

Let us work together to go forward into a new adventure, then to repeat our mistakes of the past.
 
If you have an opinion, please come and voice it on December 10 at 11:00 Saturday morning at the Dolgeville Fire Station in conjunction with the Winterfest being held as fun program offered by the Violet Festival Committee.

All the past members of the East Canada Valley Vision Committee are requested to attend to give their opinion of the project.

Joan Lein, President
East Canada Valley Vision LLC
ecvvg.org

Melanie Staring, owner of The Sewing Room, 23 Cramer Lane, Dolgeville,  is preparing to have craft classes that will feature the Victorian hats.  She is also looking into parasols and fans.
 
We thought this would be a great project for those cold winter nights when we need our spirits lifted.
The class size will depend on you.
 
If you have ideas or suggestions, or if you think you would be interested, I am sure she would love to hear from you. The class size will depend on you and the feed back she gets.

melaniestaring.creations@gmail.com
 
She also has fabrics if you choose to sew your outfit.

Your Help is Needed!

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Hello Everyone, 

We are preparing to cast the Alfred Dolge Production and we have had success asking the decendents to play the part of their ancestors.
 
We are all part of the production by virtue of living here, and we are all invited to dress in period costumes of the Victorian era, including the Little House on the Prarie look for the residents, or the Herkimer Home look for the new comers.
 
We are now looking for additional characters.   We need both residents, and the new comers, for both speaking and non-speaking parts.   Let me know what your background is, or how you expect to be costumed and the parts will be assigned.
 
Priority will be given to people with ancestry and people who live here.
 
In January, we will be begin the practice for the vinegettes, so we know who we will be working with.
 
If you know someone you would like to invite to be a part, please share the information.
 
Thank you,
Sally