Mantua – Roughly 15 years ago, the Mantua Center School was purchased by Mantua Township from the Crestwood School District when the District consolidated elementary students on one larger campus. Prompted by the possibility of the building’s alternative use as a gathering space, as well as historical significance and sentimental for the structure, township trustees, with residents’ approval, purchased the structure. Since that time, countless individuals and organizations have stepped forward to help update and renovate the building, and that work continues.
One of the event’s organizers Carole Pollard, explained why people are so willing to donate for this event, “This graceful, elegant building reminds us of the ideals our nation was founded on. It’s graceful and elegant; it lifts your spirits,” she marveled.
Ellie Monroe, who recently relocated out of state to be near family, has made several quilts for the auction. She shared, “Mantua will always be the home of my heart.” She continued, “Saving the school and getting it into use as a community center was an important goal for me while I lived there, and l still hope to see it realized.” She shared that her father’s oldest sister, Grace (Foster), was one of the first graduates; he and his siblings were all educated there. She shared that all six of her siblings attended elementary school there; a third generation has also attended, making a strong personal connection.
“It is one of the most distinctive buildings in the township,” Monroe added. “and an integral part of the Center’s historic district,” As for her mission to create a community center inside, she simply stated, “The community has paid for it — twice — and should be able to use it.”
To that end, the Mantua Restoration Society, Inc., in conjunction with a Task Force aimed at developing a community center in the building, are presenting their 3rd Annual Sweet-heART Auction this Saturday, February 9th from noon until 4 pm. In addition to art in a wide variety of media and a collection of cookies by local bakers, this year’s event will also feature a dessert auction. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of specialty desserts — just in time for Valentine’s Day. While some specialty items may be Instagram-worthy, several local treasures may not make it that long. Items with dedicated local following include the late Leone Krohn’s legendary lemon meringue pie, baked according to her treasured recipe by Ken Parker, as well as Nora Brant’s legendary apple dumplings. There will be chocolate, cheesecakes, and several entries in the ‘pies by guys’ category, so you won’t want to miss it.
As in previous years, the art items cover a vast array of categories. Everything from original watercolors to NASA and Harley Davidson posters, small sculpture to a hand turned cherry wood salad set.
Work by local photographers Dave Dreimiller and Jim Trombo will also be available, as well as over a dozen mini art quilts by local artists, along with a wide variety of knit and crochet work. This year’s event will also feature a raffle for a hand-pieced, ‘queen-size wedding ring’ patterned quilt, as well.
Once again, Rick Painley will serve as auctioneer for both the art and the desserts. Skip Schweitzer and Cal Craig will provide entertainment from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. The duo will play an eclectic mix of music that highlights bluegrass, ragtime, blues and folk music on their banjo and guitar.
So come out on Saturday and see what your friends and neighbors have created or contributed. You’ll have fun, find fabulous treasures for your home and your palate, while helping support a local treasure, the Mantua Center School, where the event will take place. (11741 Mantua Center Road in Mantua Township).
For more information, contact Carole Pollard at (330) 274-0118.
