A group of Stettler citizens wants to raise money to renovate the historical Estonian House on the Stettler Town and Country Museum grounds.
The residents have relied on donations from local Estonian residents, but more money is needed to begin renovations next summer. A minimum of $10,000 is needed to begin construction, the group says.
“We’re in desperate need of funds to restore it,” said Evelyn Shursen, a member of the committee trying to fix the house.
The house wasn’t built with a solid foundation and is now deteriorating. Some people worry that visitors might fall through the floor.
Stettler and area was home to about 60 Estonian families who settled in the region in the late 1800s, but that number has dwindled to about 10 families.
Anyone wishing to donate money for the restoration of Estonian House is asked to make cheques payable to the Stettler Town and Country Museum, with “Estonian House” noted on the memo line. Donations of $10 or more are tax-deductible. Donations can be delivered to the museum, or to Deane Kerbes at 403-742-3527 or Ron Hennel at 403-742-3980.
reporter@stettlerindependent.com