COLUMN: Mansion benefits from surprise markdown

The generosity of the local community and businesses raised the roof on the Conrad Mansion this summer.

Last January, the mansion’s roof had been damaged by ice following extremes of thawing and freezing weather. Water was discovered dripping down from the ceiling. The billiard room’s original plaster ceiling and walls were affected and large rugs had to be dried out along with the wood floor.

The situation was made more dire because the mansion was celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Features editor Lynnette Hintze covered the story in an article  published Jan. 29 in the Daily Inter Lake, noting that the potential for mold was also a concern.

The museum’s annual Death by Chocolate show typically provides the money for the museum’s routine maintenance. While the city owns the museum, the nonprofit operates completely on proceeds from tours, the gift shop, special events, membership dues and donations.

This year, however, the popular show’s funds would need to be diverted to the roof and related repairs. More than 200 people attended the 14th annual Death by Chocolate in April, generating more than $13,000.

The cost of the roof repairs was estimated at about $15,000. In August, the repairs were completed.

When the final invoice was delivered to the museum’s executive director Gennifer Sauter, the bottom line was less than $1,900.

“This remarkable reduction demonstrates the generosity of the construction companies who donated their labor and those business who donated materials,” Sauter said.

In her letter to the Inter Lake, Sauter thanked the businesses responsible for what she calls this significant ... and unexpected ... charitable act: Kent Meyer Construction, Advance Roofing Inc., RNS Supplies, Cenex Harvest States, Midway Rental and Western Building Center.

“Without the support of generous individuals in our community who love the mansion and attend its event this repair would have cut a significant chunk out of the mansion’s meager operating budget,” Sauter said.

The remaining money will be used for ongoing maintenance and restoration of the 120-year old Kalispell icon.

Flathead Electric’s Round up for Safety Program has most recently reached out to the Rollins Volunteer Fire Department.

The department received a generous grant that will allow it to replace an outdated analog radio system with a digital system and install a radio repeater system at the fire hall.

The new unit enables continuous radio contact throughout the community, including the many curves and bends in U.S. 93, making the fire department’s work on accidents and during other emergencies considerably easier.

Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 758-4440 or by email at community@dailyinterlake.com.