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Delhi Historical Society seeks $100,000 to restore 1930s Winterstatter Greenhouse
Summary
The Delhi Historical Society asked trustees for local support and outlined a $100,000 fundraising goal to restore the Winterstatter Greenhouse, citing a $50,000 Ohio Facilities Construction Commission commitment and $17,000 in private pledges.
The Delhi Historical Society on Wednesday asked Delhi Township trustees and residents to help raise roughly $100,000 to restore the 1930s Winterstatter Greenhouse and turn it into an educational exhibit and event venue.
The greenhouse restoration “will become an educational venue where fourth-grade students, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and day camp attendees can learn about growing flowers,” Alan of the Delhi Historical Society told trustees, adding that the site will also host adult classes and become a museum exhibit about Delhi’s floriculture heritage.
Society leaders said the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission has budgeted $50,000 toward the project and that private donors have committed about $17,000; the group said it must raise the remainder to access the OFCC funds. “We have determined that we have to raise a hundred thousand dollars to make this happen,” Alan said.
The society described the greenhouse as likely built in the late 1930s and as “the last remaining all wood, all glass greenhouse operating in the township.” Fundraising goals include structural work such as replacing rotten wood, repairing broken panes and putty, and repainting. Alan said greenhouse restorers have provided quotes and that excess funds, if any, would go to a dedicated maintenance endowment.
Trustees pressed the society for a timeline and fundraising deadline. Alan said the group wants the greenhouse completed by March 1, 2026, to coincide with a number of local anniversaries and events, and that the OFCC money “has to be spent by June of ’26.” He invited the township and residents to give online through the society’s website and noted the society is a 501(c)(3).
The society also said it has secured recurring private support: “We’ve already got personal commitments from private donors totaling $17,000,” Alan said, and added that the group will post progress updates to the township when available. The society plans a May flower sale and said donors can preview the greenhouse on site.
Trustees did not take a formal vote on township funding at the meeting. The society said it would return monthly with brief updates on fundraising progress.
