State’s recission of grant funds changes group’s fundraising plans
With a focus on the preservation of Weiser’s historical buildings, landmarks, and written history since 1983, the Weiser Architectural Preservation Committee only became a 501c3 nonprofit organization last summer.
Not only does the move make donations to the organization tax deductible for donors, it has opened the door for WAPC’s first year to participate in the 24th annual Idaho Nonprofit Center’s online Idaho Gives campaign, running April 28 through May 1.
From its beginning the Committee has kept current restoration and history-related projects on the table, adding the most recent to the list this past winter, a Museum in the Streets sign project. The project’s announcement came on the heels of the Committee learning they were being awarded a $25,000 grant through the Idaho America250 initiative, first launched by Idaho Governor Brad Little in July, 2024.
Receiving a letter from the state revoking the grant award last week, the Committee is hoping to recoup some of the loss from the setback through Idaho Gives. On a national level, the National Endowment for the Humanities was abruptly hit by a cancellation in funding last week, as well. Established 52 years ago, NEH funds make up 75 percent of the Idaho Humanities Council budget.
“Unfortunately, the money got yanked out from under us,” WAPC’s Dave Bean told the Signal American. “We originally were working on coming up with the 10 percent matching funds, but we’re still working on the project and doing the research, and it’s in coordination with the Snake River Heritage Center.”
The Museum in the Streets signs are envisioned to be located throughout Weiser’s downtown area and adjacent residential blocks, each giving a brief summary of the building’s significance, and some information about the historically related individuals.
“Our history tells our story, and many important locations attest to that history,” Bean said. “Signage, brochures, and a walking tour format will bring MITS to life. With the grant rescinded, part of our Idaho Gives appeal will identify this need and we will also explore individual sign sponsorships and other donation alternatives.”
Included under each Idaho Gives participant’s title is a page describing who they are and what they do. WAPC has been working out the projects that will be featured, along with the MITS plan.
Another ongoing project is the Eaton rural train depot, which is now located at the Weiser River Trail trailhead at the east end of Main Street in Weiser.
“The whistle stop depot is nearing completion of its restoration,” Bean said. “Paint scraping and prepping it for a new paint job is a project in the upcoming, April 26 Serve Day.”
Bean said the group will follow up in May, giving the little building a coat of historically accurate paint.
“The literal ‘cherry on top’ will be a reconstruction of its rooftop sign with the Eaton name, and travel mileages to each end of the rail line, as was the style of the time,” he said.
A third item to be mentioned on the Idaho Gives page is the basic, ongoing costs of operating and maintaining historic buildings. The WAPC owns both Weiser’s historic Train Depot and the Pythian Castle. Sitting next door to the Castle on Idaho Street, it is common to see passersby out of the Signal American’s front window either slowing down or stopping to take photos of the historic curiosity.
In relation to maintenance and operations projects, Bean said the LOR Foundation recently awarded WAPC funds to repair the Depot’s irrigation system.
The Preservation Committee played a major role in not only saving the Train Depot after Union Pacific Railroad deeded it over to the City of Weiser in the late 1980s, but has turned it into an anchor of the community’s downtown. It has served as part of the justification and leverage for the city’s receipt of several community block grants over time, and has become a venue for parties, weddings, and other social and community events.
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