Patching up the past: Stow Historical Society works to restore fire-damaged items

Transporting artifacts. Taking inventory. Drying items out. Wiping off soot.

This is what members of the Stow Historical Society and other volunteers have been doing since the early morning fire at Heritage House on Oct. 15.

Tim Burns, the organization's treasurer, said volunteers started transporting items that could be salvaged from the fire, which caused substantial damage to the historic 1838 structure, to the other buildings they maintain in Silver Springs Park.

"There's a lot of books and photos," Burns said. "We took the photos with smoke and potential water damage and took them out of their frames. We wiped them down with a soft, dry sponge."

Stow Fire Chief Mark Stone said damage to Heritage House was so heavy that investigators might never be able to determine the fire's cause.

Bryan Menke, president of the historical society, said members and other community volunteers have been doing what they can to restore what could be saved from Heritage House, which was originally a stagecoach stop. The organization has also contracted with two professional restoration companies, CRDN, which has an office in Akron, and DKI Services, which has an office in North Canton.

Menke said the Stow Historical Society had a collection of books and records, with many dating to the 1800s.

His wife, Tammie Menke, the organization's vice president, said some historic textiles and garments were salvaged but will need repair work.

"They were old, they were wet, they were in the smoke and they are fragile" she said. To help remove the soot, volunteers used a light screen and a small vacuum, like one that would be used for a vehicle. To help them dry and to prevent mold, they have been aired out as much as possible.

Tammie Menke said the historical society is still trying to determine what can be saved and what has been lost from the Heritage House. She said she has fielded many calls and emails from people asking about items they or their family have donated.

Bryan Menke said the restoration companies assisting them said the historical society has done everything right in trying to restore its artifacts; it's a race against time and the elements when dealing with fire damage.

"A big issue is getting everything dry before the mold and mildew set in," he said, adding that soot is another enemy. "Once the soot gets on the furniture, it will further deteriorate the item."

Burns said this was a reason many items will be handled by professional restorers, who have more sophisticated equipment and more experience. While volunteers can wipe off surface soot and grime, damage in the nooks and crannies needs a professional's hand to restore the item.

Tammie Menke said volunteers regularly turn out to help.

"We have a great team of members that are here almost daily," she said.

Area businesses also have lent a hand, she said. White Swan Cleaners in Tallmadge, for example, has volunteered to assist with textile restoration.

Saving valuables from damage

Brian Rick, president of CRDN North Central Ohio, said when there is a fire or flood, the first priority is to stop the fire and water. Then, contact your insurance carrier and get an expert to evaluate the situation.

"Don't go in thinking you can do everything yourself," he said. "All too often, someone thinks, 'I'm going to wait a couple of days. It will dry out.' And maybe it will. But you can get mold spores and damage."

It also is important to get salvaged items into a place that is secure and dry, said Rick, whose company generally handles the restoration of electronics, textiles and books.

"Do this within less than 24 hours — the sooner, the better," Rick said.

The same tips apply for the structures themselves, he said.

"People will try turning on a dehumidifier, for example," he said, but this can actually do more harm than good.

He also reiterated the importance of calling the insurance carrier. "Not responding quickly can impact your reimbursement from your carrier," Rick said.

Stow Historical Society seeks help to cover restoration costs

Bryan Menke said the historical society set up a GoFundMe account to help offset the unexpected costs related to the fire. As of Friday, the historical society had raised at least $3,615 of its $45,000 goal.

An annual fall benefit has been the group's main pipeline for financial support from the community, Menke said.

"Our one fundraiser is the Harvest Festival," he said.

A small silver lining, he said, was that the fire brought awareness to those in the community who were not familiar with the historical buildings at Silver Springs and the community keepsakes there.

"There are well more than 500 artifacts of all types that we are working to save," Burns said. "This is a significant and long process, and we are working with professional restoration organizations to save as much as we can as soon as we are able."

As well as the GoFundMe page, donations can be sent to the Stow Historical Society at P.O. Box 1425, Stow 44224.

For details, visit stowhistory.org online.

Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Stow Historical Society races to save artifacts from Heritage House