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Although Historic Ladoga has come a very long way with the restoration of Old Normal, there are still many unfinished projects to be tackled and hovering expenses to be funded. Unfortunately, the roof repair that was made during Phase 1 of our restoration has not produced the results that both the architect and the Phase 1 contractor anticipated. Historic Ladoga is in the process of hiring a contractor to make a temporary repair, but we realize that a new metal roof is inevitable. As more and more events are held at Old Normal, we realize the need for additional parking with better signage, barriers, and surfaces. Ultimately, we would like the parking to be either brick pavers or stamped concrete to look like brick pavers so as not to interfere with the historical integrity of the overall landscape. Both propositions are quite costly. Historic Ladoga is very grateful to a handful of community farmers and businessmen who, under the direction of Morris Mills, excavated, graded, and hauled and leveled truckloads of donated gravel to provide the additional parking we enjoy today. Many of the windows at Old Normal are the original frames and sashes and some are even the original glass. Although this is very exciting for the DNR and preservation purists, the reality is that a good deal of heat or air conditioning is lost each month resulting in high maintenance costs. Historic Ladoga would like to add interior wood storm windows to help with conserving energy. Interior storms would not interfere with the integrity of the exterior or interior facades. Many groups and individuals have expressed their desire to donate trees, shrubs and flowers for use in landscaping the Normal grounds. This prompted the Board to address the need for a long-term landscape plan. Mark Davidson of Davidson Greenhouse donated a landscape plan for our use. Historic Ladoga now has a detailed list of the desired plants and is soliciting donations for these items. We also hope to introduce lampposts and security lights as part of the plan as funds permit. Anyone interested in contributing toward specific items or purchasing specific items in honor or memory of someone is encouraged to contact us at 765-942-2009 for additional information.
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