STUMP HOTEL RESTORATION LINGERS - Facing Financial Problems

(07/07/2003)
The effort to restore Grantsville's Stump Hotel and adjacent property into a history center met financial obstacles last week.

After three and one-half years, bids were received on the project, with the lowest bid $122,000 over the amount remaining for the restoration.

The Society has $125,000 left for the restoration, which poses a problem with all bidders coming in high. Allegheny Restoration of Morgantown bid $407,750; City Window of Clarksburg bid $358,425 and the low bid, Olentangy Restoration of Marion, Ohio at $247,000.

The Calhoun Historical Society originally received a $208,000 grant through U. S. Congressman Alan Mollohan, whose father was a native of Calhoun County. The money was designated "to establish a permanent home for the historical objects and documents it has collected."

The plan has been to develop a family history center.

The hotel and adjacent lot between Main and Mill Street was donated by Dr. Charles Albert Stump of Daytona, Florida, son of the late Albert and Gladys Weaver Stump of Grantsville. The Society decided to purchase an adjacent building belonging to Dr. Stump, the former State Farm or Quality Shop structure, for $46,500.

Other expenses prior to restoration included $1,400 to Wilson Appraisal Service, $7,860 to re-roof the State Farm/Quality Shop building and $623 to record a deed.

The Vandalia Society has been managing the project for the Society, according to President Bob Bonar. The local Society hired SEM Architectural of Beckley to develop plans for the restoration, including the adjacent building. The firm charged $26,641 for their work, with $125,000 left to complete the project. It was unclear why architectural plans did not consider the limited funds available.

Bonar said the local Society was talking with the architect about what steps to take. He said it would be helpful if more funding could be secured to complete the project.

Meanwhile, the Stump Hotel continues to deteriorate, since some original roofing and siding was removed some time ago.

STUMP HOTEL RIBBON CUTTING - June 6, 2001

Two of the oldest members of the Calhoun Historical Society, Carl Morris and Evelyn Campbell cut the ribbon last night commencing the restoration of the 1880's vintage Stump Hotel. Morris, Calhoun's History Hero for 2000, said the project was in "memory of a great lady" Gladys Weaver Stump, the property being donated by her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Albert Stump.

Evelyn Campbell and Carl Morris cut the ribbon

President Bob Bonar welcomes guests

Society President Bob Bonar told the audience some history of the establishment, and introduced retired Calhoun teacher and historian Don McCartney. McCartney told stories of the boom days along the Little Kanawha and spoke of simple things that brought "pleasure" to people 100 years ago, quoting a Louise McNeil poem. He also sang a celtic-like song for the audience.

Well-known retired teacher and historian Don McCartney talks about "pleasures."

Locals stop for ribbon cutting ceremony

Harry Beall and Stephanie Curry "Finding Home."

Historical society member Harry Beall and singer Stephanie Curry sang a lyrical tune about "Finding Home." Society members and guests were invited to the adjacent building for snacks and drinks to conclude the evening.