Work on the 19th-century main office building started last fall. “Repairs to the damaged wood has been done and about 75% of the old layers of paint has been removed,” said Paul Larson, grounds and building caretaker.

The exterior of the large structure is set to receive a fresh coat of paint next month. “The contractor will start again on the project May 1, with plans to be completed within a few weeks pending the weather,” Larson said.

IXL Historical Museum President Marilyn Popp said it was something they had talked about for years. “The grant funding has allowed us to finally move forward,” she added.

The cost of the project is expected to be about $67,000.

The logo for the America250MI History Grant Program.

Vice President Barb Peters said a large portion was labor costs. “It’s a very large building, which requires lifts, as well as ornate trim work at the peaks,” Peters said.

Some additional costs increased the original estimate, including testing the lead paint, Larson said.

Board members selected a cream, linen color for the base of the with trimwork done in a sage green.

“We hope that two colors make the details in the trim stand out,” Popp said.

The IXL building features 44 unique windows that are 8- to 9-feet in height. “I did restoration work on about 30 of the old windows because we couldn’t afford to have them replaced,” Larson said.

The last time the exterior had been painted was 1979 by Ernie Zambon.

More than 50 history projects across Michigan split the $1 million from the America250MI History Grant Program in its first round. The program was created with funds appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the Michigan state legislature.

The program recently awarded an additional $1 million in its second round grant awards to 45 recipients. The history organization has presented a total of $2 million to date.

“We really appreciate this opportunity,” Popp said.

The IXL Historical Museum recently received two additional grants: $3,000 from the Hannahville Indian Community and $2,000 from the Dagenais Foundation.

“These will be used to address electrical issues,” Peters said, adding a portion of the upgrades was started about three years ago.

An electrician has been secured, and will focus on replacing electrical in the attic.

“This is something that has to be done — we don’t want a fire,” he said.

“The historic building deserves preservation,” Popp added.

The museum board will host a grand opening and celebration on the Fourth of July. They plan to have a special logging equipment display, axe throwing, car show and quilt show. More details will be announced as the event date approaches.

The main museum structure was built in 1881-82 by C.J.L. Meyer of Fond du Lac, Wis., as the office building for the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Co.

“An interesting fact about the building — during the time it was built there was only a shingle mill lumber mill running in Hermansville, so all the materials came from Fond du Lac,” said Larson, adding they are unsure if the current flooring is an overlay of the IXL flooring or the original hardwood.

Meyer’s son-in-law, Dr. George W. Earle, acquired almost all the stocks and bonds of the company, taking over operations in 1900.

When his son, George H. Earle, died in 1978, it was stated in his will that the structure be torn down five years after his death. His daughter, Anne Louise Lungerhausen, didn’t let that happen and helped to make it the historical site it is today. The museum was organized in 1982.

The museum was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

“Every ounce of the history of the IXL, along with the town of Hermansville, is here in the museum,” Popp said.

Larson said about 25 years ago, he was encouraged by the late Geno Arduin, the original curator of the museum, to learn more about the development of Hermansville. “I’m continually finding out something new; it’s fascinating how much history is right here in the museum,” he added.

The IXL Historical Museum Board is grateful to America250MI for the help to support their mission of preserving Hermansville history.

Those wishing to make a donation can contact a museum member or email ixlmuseum1882@gmail.com. They also seek assistance from volunteers to help with grant applications.

The multi-complex museum, at W5551 River St., will open Memorial Day weekend with regular hours from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays until Labor Day.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.