ELIZABETHTOWN — When it rains, it pours — and for the Harmony Hall Plantation Village, it’s pouring … inside. At Thursday night’s board meeting, members learned that three metal roofs — those on the general store, the Tatum store, and the chapel — need repairing.

Vice-President Harry LaRock said that he had received a bid for $2,500 for all three roofs, which included covering the roofs with a sealant and trimming back trees that were hanging over the roofs.

To complicate matters, LaRock also informed the board that the N.C Preservation Society had conducted an inspection of the premises and advised them to eliminate all but Harmony Hall and the Shaw kitchen due to the costs of restoration and maintenance. He said, however, that the school is a draw, and he thought it worth preserving.

“In 1990, its being moved and restored was an Eagle Scout project of Ben Tetter of Troop 602,” said Board Membre Sunday Allen. “There was a subsequent Girl Scout project to add an outhouse. Troops 600 and 602 have been active in Bladen County, and it would be a shame to have those Scout projects, which have been loved and pointed out, to fall apart. We need some people who love the Colly District Schoolhouse to step up and help raise it back up.”

The group agreed that the roofs should be repaired, and LaRock informed them that he would keep them abreast of the restorers’ reports as he received them.

In other business, the board:

— Heard from Treasurer Eric Melvin, who reported that the group has $10,614.90 and that the fund is growing and donations are increasing. Board members seemed encouraged by the report, and LaRock informed them that he is looking into setting up a reserve fund.

— Were encouraged by LaRock to research policies and procedures, because 17 need updating for their by-laws.

— Enlisted Melvin and Butch Adams to look into usable access roads on the property and the possibility of a River Walking Trail.

— Began the process of digitizing historic photos and documents, which will be done by committee members.

— Agreed to solicit nominations from paying members for the president and treasurer positions, which will be voted on in October.

— Appointed Adams chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee.

— Decided to look into the upfront costs of doing a cookbook in order to raise money.

The next meeting of the Harmony Hall Plantation Village, Inc. will be Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Elizabethtown Town Council chambers.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

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By Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com