The
idea to organize Historic Ladoga came as a result of a town meeting
that was held to allow Ladoga residents to speak out about their
wishes as to the future of the Old Normal school and property.
Realizing that there were many residents that opposed the demolition
of the stately brick structure, Rob O'Dell, Conrad Harvey, and
Larry Burnett, decided over a cup of coffee to organize the group
of interested parties. A letter to solicit interested members was
authored by Rob O'Dell and the group was chartered in 1992. The
original board members were: Larry Bumett, Rob O'Dell, Conrad Harvey,
Kelly Bielecki, Rick Bielecki, Eric Gray, Tracy Gray, Eleanor Brewer,
and Brad Monts.
Chartered
memberships were offered the first year for $200 each. The following
is a list of the original charter members of Historic Ladoga:
Ambiance,
Inc. Eric & Tracy Gray; Paul Peffley;
Charlene Baird; Conrad & Judy Harvey;
Robert & Sandy
Powers;
Jake Barbour; William & Jane Hawley; Mr. & Mrs. William Poynter;
Rick & Kelly
Bielecki; Harvey & Marta Jeffries; Debra Priebe;
Sarah Bradley; Jaye & Susie Jeffries; Mark & Barb Roark; Warren & Eleanor
Brewer; Jewell & Nancy Jeffries; James Scott;
Lawrence & Pauline Brown; Joe & Pam Jeffries; Louise Smullen;
Larry & Karen Burnett; Donna Keller; Carl & Shirley Todd; James
Dillon; Morris McGaughey; Joanne VanCleave; Leon & Til Hick; Edwin
Miller; Oliver Warner;
William & Marylyn Gerald; James Myers; Mark & Rhonda Zachary;
Rob & Ann
O'Dell; Geoff & Lucy Zahn.
Later, Historic Ladoga board members decided to give honorary charter
memberships to a group that had previously pursued ownership of Old
Normal for the
purpose of preserving the structure. These memberships went to the
following:
Lawrence & Pauline Brown; Kevin Cravens; Olen Gowen;
Jane Kessler; Nellie Kneist; Chet & Dorothy Vice;
Darlene Mitchell; Joan Prosser; The children of Mr. & Mrs. Don Rhoads
Today,
Historic Ladoga membership boasts over 238 families including approximately
50 memberships held by individuals who reside out-of-state.
Members are invited to attend our annual meetings held each April and
receive quarterly newsletters.
