September is bringing with it two developments which place Galion’s landmark Gill House even more firmly on the road to a bright future.
The first deals with financial matters, and the other involves a different type of stability.
One of these takes place on September 1, as the last remaining debt on the house is paid, leaving the property completely mortgage free for the first time in almost 13 years. Donations, fundraising revenue, and prudent financial management over that time are now allowing Preserving Galion, Inc., the house’s owner, to take this step.
Complete ownership frees up a portion of ongoing revenue to be spent on the house itself.
The second is an action made possible by the generosity of Galion area donors, including individuals, other organizations, and foundations which have raised $40,000 to date in the “Raise the Roof Campaign.”
The Preserving Galion Board of Directors voted on Tuesday night to accept a contract for roof replacement and repair. Work begins on or about September 8. Be sure to look up as you pass by the Gill House in the days following, as new roofs will be placed on the house’s main structure and porches.
“The mood was truly celebratory on Tuesday as the Board considered these actions,” said Thomas Palmer, Board President. “It has been a long and sometimes winding road, but this wonderful community has supported us from the very beginning. We are incredibly proud to be giving this irreplaceable part of Galion history a new lease on life as a community treasure.”
The Gill House, built in 1903 and designed by nationally noted Detroit architect Louis Kamper, is the last surviving example of his signature style, developed during his training at the leading architectural firm of the time, McKim, Mead, and White in New York City. The house itself was constructed by the skilled contractor John King. Preserving Galion is undertaking a comprehensive restoration of the house’s interior and exterior.
Home to Bloomer and Nellie Gill, the residence occupies a site deeply connected to Galion’s history. Over the years, it welcomed visits from family friends Thomas and Mina Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone. The Gill family also produced an Oscar-winning playwright and a U.S. Postmaster General who introduced the ZIP code system.
