Dear editor,
Vision Historic Preservation Foundation would like to thank everyone who came out to the Jazz & Derby Party at The 1895 this past Saturday, as well as the Patrons of the Arts Brannon Industrial Group, Whinstone/Riot Group, Perry & Perry Builders, Atmos Energy, Classic Bank and the Matinee Musical Club who generously donated to the organization in support of the arts enrichment event.
It was an unusually hot day, but many ladies and gents still showed up in their best Derby attire and donning some spectacular hats. It was fun to see the community participating in the spirit of the event — many of whom walked away with prizes donated by local businesses. We appreciate everyone’s support as 100% of the ticket sales and on-site donations are going toward the restoration of The 1895.
One of the purposes of this event was to cultivate one of our ‘Mission Pillars’ of inspiring an appreciation for the arts. Fitting of National Music Week we showcased a variety of country, blues and jazz music genres. Local country musician Charlie Weyler kicked off event, JD Pendley brought to Rockdale his Blues guitar talent, and Sparky Thomason’s Quartet and Christian Wiggs of Austin treated attendees to a rare evening of Jazz.
Sparky’s trumpet call rallied VIP ticketholders to the former Fire Hall inside The 1895 where a full house was treated to a catered dinner and acoustic performance by Brooke Graham. We are proud to have Brooke on our board, helping us bring attention to the restoration project which is contributing to revitalization of downtown Rockdale and making The 1895 a beacon of which our community can be proud.
Brooke flew out to Nashville the next morning to record more tracks for her upcoming album. Someday those who attended will be able to say they saw Brooke just before she hit it big in The 1895 when it was still a shell of its former glory.
That brings me to the two biggest goals of the day: First, sharing with the community architectural plans and renderings of our ‘Vision’ for the future of The 1895 as an Arts & Entertainment Center with a restaurant, outdoor gathering space, art gallery and multipurpose performance space — because, after all, the upstairs was originally an Opera House! We hope the community will appreciate our transparency, share their opinions and be inspired to generously contribute to the restoration project. We aim to begin the first phase of construction late this year.
That brings me to our other major goal: Fundraising. The Foundation is seeking donors of every level and is in the process of applying for several grants. Every grant has matching funds requirements we hope the community will help us achieve. One prestigious grant from the Texas Historical Commission, for which we have been invited to submit a proposal this July, requires a $30,000 match.
We have much work to do to achieve the fundraising goals of the estimated six million-dollar restoration project which we expect to take approximately three years to complete. We hope your readers will chip in as this building, which has served our community in every capacity imaginable for the past 127 years, deserves to shine as the Victorian beauty she was originally designed.
Learn more about the history of The 1895, our restoration plans and contribute to fundraising efforts on our website www.VisionRockdale. org. We are depending on you, as it is individuals, organizations and businesses — not government — who have always been the driving force in bettering our community.
Many thanks again to everyone,
Curah Beard
Executive Director
Vision Historic Preservation Foundation
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