Derryll White
Things are happening! The group working to restore the small brick water/electrical building behind City Hall is making some progress. Willie Kappler has donated a whole truck load of heritage Cranbrook bricks to be used in infilling. Plans are being drawn up to start a fundraising drive to cover materials and expert assistance.
Now the group is looking for more history on the building. Do you have stories? Have you ever worked in the building? Do you have photos of the building through time?
We are working on an updated Facebook page so that the public can track the work. Those who use Facebook might consider "Liking" the Facebook page 'Save the Cranbrook City's Waterworks and Electrical Department Building.' This gives updates on the project's progress.
As well, we have started designing an interpretive sign to be placed near the building. We would be happy to interview anyone with memories of the building or working within it. As well, anyone loaning photos to the project will get them back promptly. We just need to scan them at a high resolution so that we can use them both in the restoration and the interpretive work. The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History has offered to do all the scanning for us at no charge.
Anyone with information regarding the water/electrical building can contact Derryll White at 250-489-9150, or drop by the offices of the Columbia Basin Institute at #3 – 926 Baker Street downtown.
We are looking forward to getting on with the work. Regular reports of progress will be given both on Facebook and in the news media.