2006 came to great us by totally destroying the
Dunneville Dance Hall at the Historical
Park. Late Sunday evening of New Years weekend, the winds came in so strong,
the building could not withstand them. The large false front was pushed out
towards the Saloon, while the rest of the building fell to the north towards
the school house. Only the floor and foundation were left intact.
I had just inspected the grand old structure
that Friday evening and although the winds were blowing and the rain was
starting to come down, all was dry inside and looked good. Our caretaker Bob
called late Sunday evening and gave me the news. I could not believe what I
was hearing but knew it was going to look good, however, it was so late,
dark and very wet and windy, I waited until early Monday morning to inspect
the damage.
I was met at the site by board member Jim
Thompson and his wife Theresa and together with caretaker Bob, we removed
everything that we could possibly get out and put in a dry place. Over the
next several days board member Bill Martinie
took over the task of cleanup, setting cleanup dates, inspecting what
materials may or may not be salvageable and within a two week period, the
site was pretty much cleaned up.
Glen Cole another
SBCHS member was at the site just about everyday for a month or
better pulling nails, stacking lumber and doing general clean up.
Orta Fence Company from San Juan came to
our rescue by donating chain link fence and setting it up around the site
for security. Joe Cain from Morgan Hill, a structural engineer came to our
call for help as well and is working on rebuilding plans for us.
We have set up a donation fund account with the
help of San Benito Bank and work is
already under way with the assistance of Juan
Rodriquez from San Juan for fund raising. The Historical Society is
working very hard to see to it that we can rebuild this historic structure.
With the help of Joe Cain, the engineer, we can rebuild this structure and
make improvements structurally speaking while keeping it as correct as we
can. How ever, the board members can only move so fast with very limited
funds and what available time most of us have. It does get frustrating
sometimes when we have ideas and know what needs to be done, but reality
dictates a different pace weather we like it or not. If we are to continue
with this and other projects, then we need to do it correctly and lead the
path in San Benito County and set a
standard by which all other non profits gage from.
We always need money, extra hands and supplies.
We are moving ahead with the Dance Hall project as well as the completion of
repainting and re roofing of the Sullivan
House, repainting and patching the roof of the School House, running
electricity to the Carpenter and Blacksmith shops and so on. Everything else
must continue as well. We are a non profit and we can offer our form for
contributions for tax purposes. So we ask you, our membership to step
forward and help rebuild a wonderful piece of history which your children’s
children will enjoy years from now. Please see our web site for continue
updates on this project as well as information of other goings on with the
SBCHS. If you have questions or an
interest helping with this or other projects, call me at 831-277-3836.
Peter Sonné – Pres.
SBCHS