Renewed enthusiasm marks CHPT meeting

Columbus Historical Preservation Trust (CHPT) held its annual membership meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in the Buddy Rau Room of the Stafford Opera House. CHPT leadership welcomed more than 40 enthusiastic attendees to the meeting, indicating a reinvigorated spirit of commitment of community engagement with the organization.

During the meeting, Charlotte Tilotta received heartfelt recognition for her remarkable 25 years of service to the organization. Her longstanding commitment and support have been instrumental in shaping CHPT over the years. Additionally, Grace McCullough was recognized for her 3-year term of service, as she contributed significantly to CHPT’s accomplishments during her tenure.

President’s Report

Julie Prause, President of CHPT, delivered the President’s Report for the year, highlighting accomplishments and projects undertaken. Seasons of Colorado County, a collaborative photo book project that aims to capture the beauty and uniqueness of Colorado Country and its residents, was announced with details provided on how the community can participate. Prause also discussed the crucial Save Our Opera House capital campaign, which will ensure the preservation and maintenance of the 1886 Stafford Opera House, referred to as the crown jewel of Columbus.

Prause addressed the challenges that lie ahead for the organization and encouraged meeting attendees to contribute their time and talents wholeheartedly to CHPT’s efforts. She outlined the organization’s restructuring efforts, particularly following the departure of Charlotte Tilotta, and the need to push past old comfort zones to continue making an impact in the community.

A Year of Community Events

CHPT held many fun and engaging community events over the past year, starting with the inaugural “Santa’s Summer Vacation” at Hound Song Brewery in July. In collaboration with the Nesbitt Memorial Library and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, CHPT hosted “Author Fest-Literary Columbus,” in August, which provided a platform for local authors to showcase and sell their work directly to the community.

Fall was busy for CHPT with the return of the CHPT Lecture Series in September. Debra Dickerson from Rice University returned for another fascinating discussion about Broadway mega musicals. The annual History Forum in October featured a four-person panel highlighting and answering questions about architecturally significant homes and buildings in Columbus. Additionally, Melissa “Missy” Parker received the Laura Ann Rau Preservation Award for her outstanding restoration of the Wahlvogel House, a historic home on Preston St.

CHPT embraced the spirit of the holiday season with its second annual “Have Yourself a Tasty Little Hol iday” online auction in November. The auction featured highly sought after culinary delights made by well-known bakers in town. CHPT also sponsored a float in the Chamber of Commerce’s Lighted Christmas Parade where Santa Claus waved to the crowd while sitting atop on his sleigh. It was a crowd favorite!

Spring ushered in a new season and CHPT held its second online auction, “Hop into Spring with CHPT” where supporters were able to bid on springthemed items including patio furniture, plants, one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experiences, and items to spruce up the home and garden. Funds raised from both online auctions funded emergency repairs to the Stafford Opera House.

May was a busy month for CHPT. In conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, CHPT provided bus tours to historic homes in town during the annual Magnolia Days Festival. Funds raised from bus ticket sales directly funded the Magnola Belle Scholarship Fund. Also, during the festival, eight Magnolia Belles were presented to the public and highlighted for their community service hours. Scholarships were awarded to Carina Alonso and Jordan Templeton, recognizing them for their outstanding service to CHPT and the community. Final ly, CHPT celebrated the recent completion of the Santa Claus Museum renovation. Two new collections have been to the museum from Kay Potter and Jean Redus as well as a newly painted mural on the outside of the building, courtesy of Doreen Vail.

New Board Members Welcomed

CHPT is excited to announce Keith McRee and Kayle Killifer were elected to the Board of Directors during the meeting. Keith is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and is married to Columbus native Carrie Braun McRee and they have two children, Madison and Carson. Kayla is an OBGYN physician assistant at Columbus Medical Clinic. She moved to Columbus in 2021 with her fiancé, Graham Henkhaus. Both Keith and Kayla bring important skill sets to the organization that will improve programming and opportunities for community reach.

Moving Forward with a Continued Commitment to the Community With the 2023-2024 season approaching, Columbus Historical Preservation Trust remains committed to preserving the rich history of Columbus. Members of the community are invited to join CHPT in their efforts by becoming members of the organization. More information regarding membership, volunteer opportunities, events, and fundraising efforts can be found on their website, www.columbushpt.org.