Save the Green River Schoolhouse
Donation protected
Dear Friends - We established this campaign nearly 3 years ago to raise funds for critical repairs needed to save the iconic Green River Schoolhouse. At that point, the roof was caving in, extensive plumbing & electrical repairs were needed, and the front porch was crumbling. Through your help, we quickly raised our goal of $40,000! The roof has been replaced, the bell tower rebuilt, the porch rebuilt, a new bathroom and other plumbing repairs completed, and some of the electrical work has been done. As it is with old buildings, the repairs don't stop. We had planned to close this campaign, but then discovered schoolhouse bedroom was literally caving in. It needed to be torn down and rebuilt, including a new foundation. That is being completed at this very moment. So, we have decided to keep the campaign open indefinitely, as a place for people to donate as they feel inspired to do so. Thanks to you the Green River Schoolhouse will be around for future generations to enjoy!
THE GREEN RIVER SCHOOLHOUSE
The Green River Schoolhouse is a family and community treasure and we need your help to save it! Built in the late 1800's by John Dow Williams and his three older sons, with the help of the Johnson Lumber Company and the entire community, the schoolhouse began holding classes in 1886. Located on the corner of Green River Road and Cedar River Road, with the Green River flowing directly under the property, the schoolhouse came to be known as the Green River Schoolhouse.
...a little history
Generations of the Williams family were taught in the Green River Schoolhouse as it passed hands from the grandfather John Dow Williams, to his son, John Dow Jr., and finally to its current owner, John Dow (Johnny) Williams III. Johnny has made the beloved Green River Schoolhouse part of the community since he bought it from his parents in 2002, bringing in touring and local musicians to perform on weekends, hosting weddings, classes, recording sessions and other events year 'round.
In the last few years, despite constant upkeep and tender care, the schoolhouse roof and chimney have fallen into serious disrepair. Unless the roof (which is composed of layers of slate shingles topped with asphalt shingles) and the chimney (which had to be taken down) can be restored, the ensuing water damage will make the building unuseable.
Here's where we need you!!
Our community is gathering together to help Johnny (and us) keep the schoolhouse in operation by organizing this fundraising campaign. Johnny is a retired special education teacher and does not have the funds to bankroll the sizeable cost of properly restoring the roof and chimney, as well as the deteriorating front sand/cement porch and other essential features of this historical building. Using local resources for materials and labor, we estimate it will take $40,000 to bring the schoolhouse back to proper working order.
We are turning to our community---to those who have performed and listened to music in that beautiful room over the years, to those who have gathered in the schoolhouse to dance, to celebrate, to be together at a loved one's funeral, to those who have attended Johnny's popular summer Hootenanny music festival and to those who cherish perserving our treasured historical buildings---to help us raise the funds to save the Green River Schoolhouse!
Any amount is most gratefully received and will go directly to cover labor and materials for the restoration.
Johnny Williams will manage the funds and the repair project. He has been the steward of the Green River Schoolhouse since 2002 and generously provided this special venue to members of the community for square dances, yoga classes, musical recording projects, weddings, funerals, live music concerts, and community picnics. Johnny is well-known and respected for his strong sense of community and commitment to the preservation of the land and character of the Jordan Valley. Our goal is to preserve the Green River Schoolhouse for many generations to come.
Thank you for your help!
THE GREEN RIVER SCHOOLHOUSE
The Green River Schoolhouse is a family and community treasure and we need your help to save it! Built in the late 1800's by John Dow Williams and his three older sons, with the help of the Johnson Lumber Company and the entire community, the schoolhouse began holding classes in 1886. Located on the corner of Green River Road and Cedar River Road, with the Green River flowing directly under the property, the schoolhouse came to be known as the Green River Schoolhouse.
...a little history
Generations of the Williams family were taught in the Green River Schoolhouse as it passed hands from the grandfather John Dow Williams, to his son, John Dow Jr., and finally to its current owner, John Dow (Johnny) Williams III. Johnny has made the beloved Green River Schoolhouse part of the community since he bought it from his parents in 2002, bringing in touring and local musicians to perform on weekends, hosting weddings, classes, recording sessions and other events year 'round.
In the last few years, despite constant upkeep and tender care, the schoolhouse roof and chimney have fallen into serious disrepair. Unless the roof (which is composed of layers of slate shingles topped with asphalt shingles) and the chimney (which had to be taken down) can be restored, the ensuing water damage will make the building unuseable.
Here's where we need you!!
Our community is gathering together to help Johnny (and us) keep the schoolhouse in operation by organizing this fundraising campaign. Johnny is a retired special education teacher and does not have the funds to bankroll the sizeable cost of properly restoring the roof and chimney, as well as the deteriorating front sand/cement porch and other essential features of this historical building. Using local resources for materials and labor, we estimate it will take $40,000 to bring the schoolhouse back to proper working order.
We are turning to our community---to those who have performed and listened to music in that beautiful room over the years, to those who have gathered in the schoolhouse to dance, to celebrate, to be together at a loved one's funeral, to those who have attended Johnny's popular summer Hootenanny music festival and to those who cherish perserving our treasured historical buildings---to help us raise the funds to save the Green River Schoolhouse!
Any amount is most gratefully received and will go directly to cover labor and materials for the restoration.
Johnny Williams will manage the funds and the repair project. He has been the steward of the Green River Schoolhouse since 2002 and generously provided this special venue to members of the community for square dances, yoga classes, musical recording projects, weddings, funerals, live music concerts, and community picnics. Johnny is well-known and respected for his strong sense of community and commitment to the preservation of the land and character of the Jordan Valley. Our goal is to preserve the Green River Schoolhouse for many generations to come.
Thank you for your help!
Organizer and beneficiary
Judith Banker
Organizer
Ann Arbor, MI
Johnny Williams
Beneficiary
