As you know our Rotary Park on the Greenbelt has had a bit of a setback since we can't use the Lugenbeel Monument. It was in such poor condition that it can't be restored. So, we're working on "Plan C" which is to change our history lesson from the monuments to Government Island. We've done some research, still more to do, but Gov't Island turns up a lot in Boise history, even though its not an official place on any map. We know that the Army grew hay there for Pinkney Lugenbeel's horses in 1893. And we know that Tom Davis had a cattle ranch on the island. My research, after perusing maps at the Idaho Historical Society library, leads me to conclude that our site is actually ON what was called "Government Island"! If you look closely at the map, you can see the Trestle Bridge. I think that's the island. Its no longer there, of course, since the river was straightened years ago. We're also waiting to hear from Rockitecture about the possibility of placing a big hunk of sandstone at our site in lieu of the monument. In any case, we'll have to change our presentation a bit since we're not talking about monuments anymore. We will be working with the City to review our cost estimate. It will be less that before since we're no longer dealing with monument restoration which was expensive. We still need to sell more bricks! Here's the good news: a benefactor has stepped up to offer a challenge. He will contribute $50 for each brick sold between now and the end of October! If we can sell another 100 bricks, we'll have earned his $5,000 and we'll make $6,000 on the bricks. That will put us over the top! After our Sip2Give event on October 20th at Telaya Winery, I am confident we can wrap up our fundraising by the end of October! Sell those bricks! |