Founding members of the Bates Hall Preservation Society are, from left, Margee Brennan, Yvonne Whitman Andersen, Betty Stromberg and Lesa Soderlund Behling. The group is planning fundraisers to preserve and revamp Bates Township Hall.

BATES TOWNSHIP — A grassroots group in Bates Township is working to preserve and revamp the historic Bates Township Hall.

Formed in late 2020, the Bates Hall Preservation Society was created with the intent to not only preserve the historic 113-year-old building but to revitalize it. The group hopes to make structural and aesthetic improvements to the physical structure and, more importantly, bring it back to its original function: a meeting and gathering place for the community.

The hall was built in 1907 under the direction of Bates Township Supervisor Victor Benson. Prior to this, board meetings were held in the homes of board members and elections were held in schools. The township safe, which was extremely heavy, had to be moved each time a new treasurer was elected. Local workmen Andrew Erickson and Eric Berg were the carpenters on the project and Albert Johnson, a stone mason, built the sturdy stone foundation.

The rough-cut lumber came from Pete Carlson’s sawmill. Total cost for the building was $2,296. Two barrel wood stoves provided heat, privies were located behind the building and water was carried in. The township safe, which no longer required a man and horse to bring it to the meetings, was moved to its new permanent home.

The first township meeting at the newly built hall was held on March 27, 1908. In 1918, when women were granted the right to vote, many Bates Township women cast their first vote ever at the Bates Hall.

Over the years, improvements were made to the hall. In 1922, electricity and water were installed and in 1955 indoor plumbing and restrooms finally arrived. Through its life, the hall has been the venue for hundreds of community events ranging from weddings to funerals, graduation and retirement parties, rummage sales, auctions, and parties of all types. Throughout the years, the Bates community has been strong supporters of the hall, rallying with fundraising efforts to purchase chairs, dishes, and cutlery for the various community events.

While the hall has been the site of many noteworthy events during its 113-year history, it is now, not surprisingly, in need of some repair and updating. The BHPS’s mission is to not only preserve and improve the hall but to share the Bates Township heritage with present and future generations.

Thus far the group has secured donations for a beautiful new wood floor, interior paint, and a township offices redesign. Future plans include work on the foundation, a new front porch and an improved outside deck and patio area.

“We really hope to make the hall a more welcoming venue for a variety of community events that we can all enjoy,” said Margee Brennan, president of the BHPS. “Along with preserving our history we hope to revitalize a sense of what it means to be a community and work together.”

On Saturday, the BHPS will hold its inaugural event at the hall, a coffee social from 8 to 10 a.m. and the entire community is encouraged to attend. Coffee and baked goods from Seven Embers will be served and information on the planned renovations and upcoming social events and fundraisers will be discussed.

On July 9-10 there will be a garage sale extravaganza fundraiser and donated items are welcome. For information or to have items picked up please contact BHPS.

BHPS is very interested in new members and the public is encouraged to join the effort. To learn more about the BHPS or upcoming events, go to their Facebook page or phone 906-284-0988.