Aldermen dash hopes of Drexel museum supporters

Grow with Drexel, a “whistle stop” train depot, residential development, cultural and heritage museums, and an upcoming FOX television special on the Barber Shop were all openly discussed.

In addition to Drexel department heads, attendees included a contingent from a proposed new museum. Supporters set up memorabilia and a model of the museum on the row of tables in front of the aldermen’s podium.

Representatives of the team looking to preserve and honor the history of Drexel asked for help to establish a museum on Main Street.

While the board ultimately denied the group’s request for $35,000 to shore up the building they hope to eventually occupy, aldermen did offer encouragement and advice about the project.

The Drexel Museum, Inc. explained that since they began meeting in January 2024, they have written bylaws, obtained a tax number, and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Secretary Madelyn Murr briefed aldermen on the organization’s goals and progress.

Murr said the group’s mission is to “preserve the history of the industry, businesses, and people of the Drexel community.

“Our purpose is educational, and our building will be used not only for displays, but for demonstrations and/or classes in arts, crafts, and life skills,” she stated. She also said the group will sponsor cultural activities.

Murr told the aldermen that Ray Harmon has donated a building, at 102 S. Main St., for the future museum, but the structure needs between $200,000 and $250,000 for a complete renovation. The Drexel Museum, Inc. asked the town board for money to reconstruct the back wall, which is currently crumbling, to add a garage door, and to replace transom windows in the front of the building.

The site also needs a new roof, but the organization has secured a pledge from a local resident, who has said she will cover the cost of the $55,000 job. The group has raised almost $10,000 through fundraising efforts and donations, Murr said.

Following the presentation, Mayor Dennis Anthony voiced concern that funds for this project are not included in the town’s current budget, and said if the board gives the group money, other organizations may come forward to ask for funds as well.

After a short discussion, board members encouraged The Drexel Museum, Inc., to apply for one of the town's four $2,500 facade grants.

In other business, the council heard an update from Town Manager Bill Carroll about the former Drexel Heritage furniture factory property. Carroll said bidding has been delayed because engineering estimates for the project have come in over budget.

According to Carroll, the town has $5 million in grant funding for work on the site. While Drexel has not yet bid the project out, estimates are running higher than expected.

“I’m working with our Alliance consulting team on some value engineering to see if there are areas where we can save on those costs,” Carroll said.

The aldermen also:

• Approved a resolution to permanently close Reed Street, specifically from the intersection of Reed Street and North Main to the intersection of Reed Street and Dean Street.
• Heard a report from Police Chief Stephen Ritchie about homelessness in Drexel. Ritchie said his department does not see a significant problem, but when they encounter a homeless individual, the person is asked to move on or is escorted out of town.
• Learned that David Day with WJZY FOX Channel 46 was coming into town to film a special on the Barber Shop and its dedication to Appalachian music. FOX is scheduled to broadcast the show on Sept. 25.