Historical Society recieves $25k Champlin Grant

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The Champlin Foundations, so reads a line on the highly acclaimed non-profit’s website, “Quietly and steadfastly helps those who do good do more – to the benefit of all.”

One such group that continues to fall into that category is the Johnston Historical Society, a 501(c)3 status agency that some sources say ranks among the top groups of its kind in Rhode Island and continues to present award-winning caliber programs as well as preserving the pristine properties at 101 Putnam Pike.

The Champlin Foundations, which has invested in Rhode Island since 1932 and awarded $550-million to fund capital non-profit projects to tax exempt organizations for the purchase of equipment and for construction, renovation or purchase of real estate, has awarded the JHS a highly-important $25,000 grant that will help repair the falling chimney and woodworking in the attic of the Elijah Angell House, built circa 1825.

“I wasn’t around back then when the Angell House was built,” Lou McGowan, the JHS’ popular president said, “but I firmly believe the brick and mortar on the chimney is the original work.”

However, the seemingly ageless Angell House, which has been a landmark in Johnston since its construction, has needed various repairs through the years and McGowan wanted it known that “The Champlin Foundations has always answered our call.”

Because the JHS falls into the The Champlin Foundations’ criteria or category for preservation of historic buildings, McGowan said: “we’ve been able to build the Museum Barn, its most recent addition, handicapped ramps, etc. The Champlin Foundations has been very, very has been a huge supporter; the people there have been wonderful to us.”

With the Elijah Angell House red brick chimney showing signs of its age including a hole near the top, the JHS applied for a grant back in November and The Champlin Foundations Grant of $25,000 is expected to cover all costs for repairs that McGowan said he hopes will begin this spring.

The red brick portion of the chimney will be taken down to the attic inside the Angell House’s and construction will be performed by Richard Irons Restoration Masons of Limerick, Maine. McGowan did not say how long he expects before the project is completed.

While the 160-year-old Maine based company prides itself in high quality craftsmanship, the same holds true for the Saunderstown-based company owned and operated by Warren Lanphear who actually designed and built the JHS Museum Barn and its many additions.

McGowan also announced Tuesday that Lanphear, who has been highly active in a number of JHS events and projects, will actually restore the wooden part of the attic inside the Elijah Angell House.

JHS members, and those who enjoy local history, just may learn more about the project if they attend next Wednesday evening’s first meeting of 2018 that will be highlighted by a special presentation presented by McGowan and will center around “something interesting.”

The JHS president told the Sun Rise Tuesday he’ll talk about the nonprofit’s acquisitions and include a special slide show. The meeting will begin at 7 o’clock inside the expand Museum Barn and is open to any and all Johnstonians.

Even the JHS’ Feb. 28 meeting will afford people an opportunity to learn about Providences’ lost architectural heritage. David Brussat, former member of the Providence Journal Editorial Board, will talk about and sign his book entitled Lost Providence. Admission is also free.

The same holds true for weekly tours of the Museum Barn that are held Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday from 2-5 p.m. People who’d like more information about he JHS or would like to become a member should call 231-3380.

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