Quarterly Dinner with the Museum

By Kirsten Mouton

The Grand River Historical Society & Museum held its quarterly dinner recently at the Elks Lodge. Officers and board members were sworn in by Margaret Vance. President Danny Batson introduced the new curator, Dustin Rennells, who gave a brief welcome. Following a scrumptious meal, the speaker for the evening, Tomie Walker of Main Street Chillicothe, presented the “Changing Faces of Main Street.” Our local Main Street program began under the Chillicothe Development Corporation in 2001 with the goal of maintaining our historic character while increasing economic vitality. Mrs. Walker showed several old pictures of buildings followed by what they look like now. She discussed their history and use, with much data taken from the Livingston County Library’s Downtown Historic Tour (downtownhistorictour.weebly.com). Mrs. Walker finished the evening by talking about the need to maintain our buildings in order to attract and keep new residents and businesses. Main Street offers façade renovation and upper-story development grants, as well as beautification projects, outreach, and special events. The next Museum quarterly dinner will be held in March.

If you would like to join our Main Street team of volunteers, please reach out by emailing [email protected] or calling our office at 660-646-4071.

Main Street Chillicothe is a non-profit organization committed to the historical preservation and economic development of our downtown district. We support arts, culture, entertainment, and business in downtown Chillicothe! Our work is supported by essential community partnerships and generous donations. If you value our vibrant and beautiful downtown, join us.

As a Missouri Main Street Accredited program, Main Street Chillicothe is a recognized, leading program among the state network of more than 48 districts and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

Special thanks to our partners, supporters, and the volunteers who make it all happen. This place matters and so do you.