This story is made available courtesy of The Arnold Sentinel
ARNOLD – At the one-year anniversary mark of purchasing the old Archie’s Cafe, the Arnold Area Historical Society (AAHS) is celebrating progress and expressing gratitude for the tremendous support for the project to date.
Local history whispers through every weathered brick on the corner of Highway 92 and Walnut Street in Arnold’s downtown. Through meticulous brick-by-brick restoration, AAHS is ensuring that the 1914 building remains intact for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. As stewards of Arnold’s history, it is fitting that this architectural legacy is reimagined as a future museum and gathering place.
Just as the preservation is happening brick by brick, the funding for the project is happening dollar by dollar. Thanks to generous contributions and grant awards towards the initial $175,000 goal, the historical society is making significant strides in the renovation. This growing support reflects the community’s commitment to preserving Arnold’s rich history for future generations.
Grant applications have been awarded from the Arnold Community Foundation Fund for $50,000, Custer County Foundation for $12,000, Humanities Nebraska for $2,000, Custer County Tourism Visitors Committee for $10,000, and Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation (NSHSF) for $780.
Arnoldites are known for backing community-driven projects and fifty individuals or families have directly donated to the Cornerstone Campaign. Individual donations have been received through Arnold Community Foundation Fund, the local AAHS account, and the Give 4 Custer County donations and match pool.
Supporters include four Legacy Families ($10,000-$24,999), with two donors committing to $1,000 annually for ten years starting in 2023. Additionally, there are four Founding Framers ($5,000-$9,999), twenty Heritage Builders ($1,000-$4,999), and sixty Museum Builders (up to $999), forty of which contributed over $100.
Local businesses including Carroll Street Designs, Mills Hardware, Pinnacle Bank, Reeds Food Center, Westbrook Audio, Arnold’s Winsome Inn & Suites, Croptech Solutions, Agri-Affiliates, Sennett, Duncan, Jenkins & Wickham, and MJK/CPA have also supported the Cornerstone Campaign by contributing donations, banners, or equipment and labor. Many others have given through the calendar sales, beef raffle, and chicken noodle dinner event.
In addition, memorial donations have been made in honor of community members Doris Bowers, Michael Lucas, Maureen (and Darrell) Olofson, Betty McKain, Sue Beshaler, and Bill Witthuhn. However, love and appreciation for the town of Arnold expands way beyond our city limits and surrounding county borders. To date, 29 out-of-town donations have been received, including out-of-state contributions from California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The farthest away donors come from across the oceans in Hong Kong, Australia, and Alaska.
Having met the $175,000 fundraising goal through donations, fundraisers, and grants, the society is now focused on raising an additional $100,000 to continue its mission. Next week, the launch details of their latest fundraising endeavor will be revealed.
The Arnold Area Historical Society is a 501(C)3 corporation and all contributions are considered tax deductible. Donations to the renovation of this community asset can be made online at https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/arnold-community-fund/ or by contacting Renee Bubak at 308-870-3214 or [email protected]. Checks can be made payable to Arnold Area Historical Society and mailed to PO Box 241, Arnold NE 69120.
