Old Town Hall lower level remodeled

This is a continuation of The Record's series on the past, present and future of historic buildings in Odessa. Readers' comments, information and letters are always welcome.

The June 10, 1976 issue of The Odessa Record reported that the town council agreed to have a resolution drawn up authorizing remodeling of the mail floor of the old city hall:

“Al Scheibner, Henry Hopp, Ron Stehr and Jarry Schafer, representatives of various groups using the old city hall, met with the council to seek authorization to proceed with remodeling of the mail floor of the old hall.

Scheibner stated that the group has $16,270 available at this time to start the project. First phase of the project would involve restroom, waiting room, lodge room and dining hall remodeling of the area from the front door to the stage. This would include an overhead gas furnace and lowering of the ceilings, but no wiring.

A $28,000 figure was given as the total estimated cost to complete the project wih remodeling of the stage area into a kitchen.

Some volunteer help will be accepted by the project contractor, Henry Hopp, it was reported.

All improvements will be owned by the town with participating groups being given lease arrangements for use of the property. They project will be started when the resolution of authority is completed.”

Major contributors to the remodeling project were the organizations who used the hall, the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Royal Neighbors and the Odessa Grange. The project also received $7,600 from the dissolution of the Tri-County Fair organization. The Chamber of Commerce contributed funds, as did many area businesses and individuals. Proceeds came from card parties and rummage sales, as well as the sale of fixtures and scrap from the original building. Several individuals even provided loans in order to complete the project.

On April 28, 1977, The Record reported that the total cost of the remodeling project, exclusive of carpet, linoleum and clock, is $37,596.33. Total receipts as of 4/11 were $31,364.87, leaving a deficit of $6,231.46. Seven couples united and loaned the remodeling fund $6500, at 6% per annum.

The deficit was cleared and the fund closed out by the end of May, 1978.