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Dear Volunteers, Donors, and Friends,

 

Words can hardly express how grateful the members of CMHS are for the incredible support you’ve provided this past year. Together, we’ve accomplished so much, and it’s your dedication that makes our work possible. As we reflect on the highlights of 2024 and look forward to an exciting 2025, I’d like to share some of our achievements, celebrate your contributions, and invite you to help us continue preserving Chester’s rich heritage.

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Celebrating This Year’s Achievements

This year has been a time of growth and progress for the Chester Municipal Heritage Society. Some of our major accomplishments include:

• A Stronger Online Presence: Thanks to the efforts of Leigh Robertson, Jayme Miller, and Lisa Hrabowsky, our updated website is now a hub for memberships, donations, and event registrations. This platform has helped us engage with the community and streamline operations.

• Property Milestones: The completion of our new loading deck at the train station and the restoration of the caboose were major undertakings. These projects were made possible by the hard work and dedication of Greg Woods, Elaine Collicutt and Sons, Danny Hennigar, and Wayne Cameron

• Programs and Events: Fran Underwood’s creative events, such as the “Lil’ Lessons” program and the fabric swap, brought joy to many. These programs highlight the power of small, thoughtful gatherings to connect people and celebrate our shared history

• Lordly House and Heritage Sites: Repairs to the doors, railings, and Maple Cottage have restored these iconic properties to their former glory. Additionally, displays at Lordly House will soon showcase themes like local mining, authors, and fishing, providing new insights into the municipality’s rich past

• Fundraising Success: We’re thrilled to report that our 50/50 Match Fund with the Chataway-Haughn Trust is nearly complete. With just a little more support, we can achieve our $50,000 goal and secure matching funds to propel our projects into the future.​

 

Recognizing Our Volunteers

To our volunteers, thank you for your time and talents. Whether helping at the train station, organizing events, or supporting property improvements, you’ve been instrumental in our success. Special thanks go to Danny Hennigar, whose leadership has been critical to so many projects, and to Fran Underwood for her creative programming. Each of you embodies the spirit of community that makes Chester such a wonderful place.

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Grateful for Our Donors

Your generosity fuels everything we do. From securing property improvements to funding community events, your contributions ensure the preservation of Chester’s history for generations to come. This year, your support helped us launch exciting initiatives, such as enhanced security at the train station and preparation for our future train museum.

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Looking Ahead to 2025

The coming year promises to be just as exciting, with new initiatives and events on the horizon:

• Train Museum Opening: Courtesy of Duane Porter, our train museum will open at the Chester Train Station during Canada Day celebrations. This project includes rearranging the Station 20 Shop to create a dedicated space for exhibits.

• Expanded Programs: Our calendar features a spring auction and sale, Heritage Corner tours followed by tea at Lordly House, a Prime Rib Dinner, and picnic baskets themed around Edwina Lordly. These events will bring history to life for our community and visitors alike.

• Enhanced Displays: Lordly House will showcase thematic rooms dedicated to mining, fishing, and local literature. These updates ensure that every visit provides a deeper appreciation for Chester’s heritage​.

 

Your Support Matters

As we reflect on our successes, we’re mindful that this work is only possible with your continued support. Our year-end fundraising campaign is critical to sustaining these efforts. Here’s how you can help:

• Volunteer: We need assistance setting up displays, hosting events, and maintaining our properties. Whether you can give an hour or a day, your help is invaluable.

• Donate: Contributions to the 50/50 Match Fund are especially impactful, as every dollar is matched by the Chataway-Haughn Trust. Your donation supports projects like the train museum, property repairs, and community programming.

• Spread the Word: Share our story with friends and family. Encourage them to attend our events, join as members, or contribute to our campaigns.

To donate, please click here or send a cheque to our office. Every dollar makes a difference, and all contributions are tax-deductible.

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Closing Thoughts

As we prepare to celebrate another successful year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to our journey. Whether you’ve volunteered, donated, or attended an event, your support makes our mission possible. Together, we’re preserving the stories, spaces, and spirit that make Chester truly unique.

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Let’s keep this momentum going into 2025. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and working together to ensure Chester’s history continues to thrive.

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With warm regards and deepest gratitude,
Carol Nauss, Chair
Chester Municipal Heritage Society​