The Santiam Heritage Foundation has received a $1,500 grant toward restoration of a historic 1908 upright piano at the Brown House Event Center.
The grant, through AgWest Farm Credit’s Rural Community Grant program, brings total funds raised or committed to roughly $18,000, leaving $5,000 to be raised to fully fund the project.
Other monies include a $10,000 Kinsman Foundation grant, $3,000 in matching funds, $1,200 in donations and a pending $2,500 grant through the Marion Cultural Development Corporation.
Once fundraising is complete, a six-month restoration process will begin on the vintage Ludwig piano by NW Piano Services to repair damage and bring the instrument back to vibrant life.
Once completed, the foundation said renters of the Brown House may feel free to play the piano, while the instrument is also expected to be a centerpiece of future concerts at the house.
Donations can be made at brownhouse.org or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 161, Stayton, OR 97383. Checks should be made out to Santiam Heritage Foundation with “piano fund” in the memo line.
