Hardin County BPW Club Hears Kenton Armory Restoration Presentation From Ed Rogers

On April 22, Hardin Co. Business & Professional Women’s Club met at Kenton’s Royal Buffet at 5:30 p.m. Two members welcomed speaker Ed Rogers following a delicious dinner.

Hostess Norma Frederick introduced Rogers as he spoke about the history of the Kenton Armory. Rogers, a history buff, had noticed that over the years the Armory was in bad shape; especially the roof.  He reached out to many of the older generation who had ties in either building or participating in events at the Armory. The building has served as a ballroom, a school gym, and military review of soldiers; to name a few. He asked for advice and financial means to remodel it in order to make it useful again. He asked officials of Hardin County to ask the state to turn it over to the county which in turn sold the building to Rogers for $1. He began with a new roof and went on to add new lighting, new windows, repainting, new wiring, new pipes, flooring, a nice kitchenette, decent bathrooms, nice decorations, AC/good furnace,  and changing rooms for wedding parties.

Rogers asked for donations whether monetary or by labor, but it still needed many more things. Little Chicago Night was an event that lasted 12 years in order to make enough money for upgrades at the Armory. Rogers has tried to do things with an historical view. It was the venue for its first wedding in 2001. It has been about 25 years since the Armory was given new life, and it is an ongoing labor of love. Things such as chairs and flooring must be renewed as time goes in order to make a good impression to anyone who might want to rent the space. Rogers stated that someone who would rent on a weekend can expect a $4,000 price tag, but this is cheaper than other places in NW Ohio. He allows alcohol and no limit on time as long as the party is out by 9 a.m. of the following day. He stated that he has 80% rentals from those outside Hardin County with only 20% being from Hardin Co. He tries to stay 2 years ahead to be solvent. He closed for 5 to 6 months during COVID and returned fees to those who had rented while it was closed.

Rogers could not say enough about the support from Hardin Countians. He has a very long list of so many who were his lifeline with advice or volunteer labor or supplies or money. In the beginning, he started as a non-profit with help from Reed Armentrout, who wrote a constitution for the Armory in 1997. He found support from John and Ruby Jester, Frank and Betty Bondi, and Chuck Dix of Home Savings & Loan; to name a few. With Rogers ideas and foresight, the Armory is a valuable asset for Hardin County as it looks to the future.

Rogers was thanked for his information, and a short meeting followed. Secretary Norma Frederick read her March 25 minutes and was approved. Treasurer Connie Dietz had her report filed for audit. The pin fine/donations of $30 were added to the scholarship fund. There was no Sunshine Fund report from Patty Garmon.

Director Sandy Moore of the Helen Mabrey Shoe Fund sent a report. She had received a donation from the Optimist Club, and she stated that there were no shoes purchased during April. She is waiting to hear from the Hardin Co. Community Foundation. The donations have not been as much as in past years, and the costs of shoes are rising.

In new business, a reminder was given that dues of $36 can be paid in May. It was discussed that a possible $500 scholarship could be given. VP Vanessa Brim will be advised to get the applications ready for a return date to her by May 31. She will be leaving the applications at the county libraries, or contact her at vsbrim@gmail.com.

The next meeting will be May 27 at Kenton’s Royal Buffet at 5:30 p.m. Connie Dietz is hostess. Guests are always welcome. Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned, and all were wished safe travels.

Submitted by Norma Frederick