The Chelsea Area Historical Society wants to restore and convert the historic Bank of Chelsea building in downtown Chelsea, Oklahoma, into a museum.
The society held a community meeting at the Chelsea Civic Center on Thursday to discuss funding options and the building’s importance.
According to a historical society official contacted through Facebook Messenger, a car show during the 86th annual Chelsea Jamboree festival on Oct. 2 will serve as a fundraiser for that effort. The jamboree is Chelsea’s biggest event.
Project Chelsea, a local organization, also will donate 50% of its proceeds from the festival to the historical society.
The society also will apply for grants to help shore up the building.
The Chelsea Municipal Authority purchased the building some time ago so it could be saved and has spent thousands on repairs. The authority plans to eventually turn over the bank building to the historical society.
The Chelsea Historical Society has set up a PayPal donation page where anyone can make a contribution here.
Also, donations can be mailed to:
Chelsea Historical Society
705 Beech
Chelsea, OK 74016
The Bank of Chelsea building reputedly is the first bank established in what was Indian Territory in 1896. The building is one block northwest of Route 66.
(Excerpted image from Google Street View of Bank of Chelsea building in Chelsea, Oklahoma)
What a cool looking old building!
Which I was closer to attend the car show.