Historic Fort Wayne Coalition clocks 6,000 volunteer hours in 2007, accomplishments are many

As 2007 marches to its end, the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition has a list of accomplishments as long as the fort's history.

Well, that's a bit of an overstatement, but the group has much to be proud of -- starting with the fact that their membership has grown from 35 to 176 this year alone.

Founded in 2004 by fewer than ten Fort Wayne enthusiasts, the group focused mainly on the grounds for its first few years of existence. In January of 2007, the coalition decided to actively recruit members and to expand its purview. Working with Ford Motor Co., General Dynamics and the Boy Scouts of America, a lot of ground has been covered in just one year.

Accomplishments include:

• The Fort Wayne Advisory Committee, which works directly with the Detroit Recreation Department, was established;
• Vegetation was removed from all walls;
• The Guard House, Barracks (pictured) and Gymnasium/Visitor's Center were stabilized;
• The front staircase and back fence of the Commander's House were rebuilt;
• The Blacksmith's Shop was rebuilt;
• Dead elm trees were removed and ash trees were inoculated against borers;
• Fences were painted;
  
• Windows were refurbished and replaced and woodworking tools were refurbished at the Quartermaster's Shop; and
  
• Bulkhead doors were secured and rebuilt on all buildings.

All told, more than 6,000 volunteer hours were donated to the efforts this year.

Big plans are afoot in 2008, beginning on January 5, the year's first volunteer work day. The coalition will be seeking out corporate sponsors for their "Wrap a Roof" program to secure all building roofs.

Because it has power and heat, Building 106 will be restored, although it is not particularly historically significant. The four-lane bowling alley in the Gymnasium will be restored and the Tuskegee Airmen Museum will be painted and receive a new roof.

For more information on how to participate, visit the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition's website to join the organization or find out about up-coming work dates.

Source: Bob Hovansian, Historic Fort Wayne Coalition
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh