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House of Yoder News (June
99)
by Lonnie Yoder, ltby@shentel.net
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The Yoder House Is Now Under Roof!
The construction of the Yoder House reached a milestone when the cedar shake roof was completed earlier this spring! According to Kenneth Yoder, this was a "major, major, major achievement"! See the two photos above--the photo on the left shows an end view of the house (the eastern exposure taken from the Penn Alps Restaurant parking lot). Note the unique pitch of the roof. The photo on the right is the southern exposure taken from near Old Route 40 (National Pike). Next tasks in the building project include laying stone around the exterior of the house on the first floor, building the stairway and stone fireplace on the interior, and installing the electrical service. Volunteers are still needed to work on the remaining building tasks. Stone laying skills and carpentry skills are especially valued. If you or someone you know would be willing to donate some labor, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Paul H.Yoder, at 301-895-5411.
Interior Decoration and Furnishings
An interior decoration and furnishings committee composed of Kenneth Yoder, Phyllis Weaver, Doris Ours, Lonnie Yoder, and Mark Yoder has been commissioned to ensure as much historical accuracy as possible in the interior of the Yoder House. The committee met on April 16, walked through the house and began developing an interior floor plan and furnishings scheme. Andirons have already been purchased for the stone fireplace. We are also in need of a 5-sided jamb stove (cast iron). Anyone aware of how we might locate and purchase a jamb stove should contact Kenneth Yoder at 301-895-5411. We are also open to either the donation of or help in locating authentic furnishings for the house including such items as kitchen utensils, beds, furniture, authentic lamps (e.g. betty lamps or phoebe lamps), etc. Older Bibles and books are also welcomed.
First Tour of the Yoder House-July 10, 1999!
The House of Yoder Executive Committee is arranging for the first opening of the Yoder House to the public for a tour on July 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. during the 22nd Annual Summer Festival and Quilt Show of Grantsville (July 8-10). Although the construction will not be entirely completed by that date, there will be a number of items on display in the house and several costumed persons and guides available to show the house. Plans are also being made to serve a corn chowder and corn bread based on a colonial-era recipe. Authentic straw hats will also be for sale. So come to Spruce Forest Artisan Village on July 10 and be part of history as the Yoder House will be open to the public for the first time! (over for more news)
Report on the 3rd Annual Meeting on November 14, 1998
43 persons gathered on a beautiful autumn Saturday (November 14, 1998) at Penn Alps in Grantsville, MD for the third annual meeting of House of Yoder, Inc. The program included an inspiring tour of the Yoder House under construction. The tour revealed the painstaking care with which Kenneth Yoder and others are making this house as authentic as possible (construction of a similar house in the 18th century would have taken approximately 5 years!) $3110 in contributions came in during the day and this amount was matched from funds in the $20,000 matching grant. Virgil Yoder gave an informative and inspiring multimedia presentation of the Yoder story dating back to European origins. If you haven't seen this professional presentation, consider inviting Virgil to your area.
Fund-Raising Goal of $4,000
An immediate fund-raising goal is to raise $4000 to finish off the $20,000 matching grant. To date, gifts of $16,141 have been credited towards the $20,000 matching grant. All contributions (including membership dues) will be matched dollar for dollar by this matching grant until we reach the $20,000 amount. If each person on the mailing list were to give at least $25, we would be able to meet the matching grant! Use the enclosed membership/contribution form to send your gift to support the Yoder House. In addition to obtaining or extending memberships, you can support the cause by purchasing doors, windows, and fireplace stones of various sizes in the Yoder House. There is also an opportunity to contribute in memory or honor of a family member such as a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. Remember that all contributions to the Yoder House Project are tax-deductible.
Yoder Heritage Tour to Europe Planned for May-June 2000
Plans are well under way for a Yoder Heritage Tour to Europe in late spring of 2000 (May or June 2000). Lois Ann and J. Lemar Mast of Morgantown, PA, who will serve as tour agents, are currently making plans for this tour. Jan Gleysteen, a veteran tour leader, is planning to serve as one of the tour guides. The tour will be a 22 day package with an emphasis on Yoder history with a tentative title of "On the Trail of Our Ancestors". Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for this tour should send their name, address, and phone number to: Lonnie Yoder, 1066 Smith Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. As further details become available, they will be shared first with those who have indicated interest. Details will also be announced in the next edition of this House of Yoder News (September 1999).
Did You Know?
The 4th Annual Meeting of House of Yoder, Inc. is planned for November 13, 1999. Each annual meeting has seen an increase in attendance and we invite you to put this date on your calender. Membership in House of Yoder is not a requirement to attend the annual meeting, but we welcome a growing membership list.
There are currently 73 active memberships in House of Yoder, Inc. including 12 lifetime memberships, 38 five year memberships, and 23 one year memberships.
Joe Yoder and Emery Yoder of Harrisonburg, Va spent 3 days last November (Nov. 5-7) giving the construction of the Yoder House a real boost! Their timely help is deeply appreciated! Many others have given much time and labor as well.