Historical society enjoys community support at craft sale

• 

As an organization committed to the preservation of history surrounding the Phoenix community, the Schroeppel Historical Society offers a variety of opportunities for people to learn more and get involved in support of their mission.
Speakers are a regular event at meetings and special events serve to open the doors of their historic building home, in hopes of long-lasting interest about what’s unique to the area.
Most recently the historical society presented their annual ‘Local Artists, Craft and Bake Sale’ on Saturday, Dec. 3 beginning at 9 a.m. In addition to a peek at the exquisite woodwork and design of the old Episcopal church, inside its warm walls were a host of vendors offering their variety of special talents as products available for sale, as well as a number of donated items from throughout the community as part of a silent auction.
In total, many local businesses, organizations and individuals in Phoenix have contributed to the success of both the fall antique auction and arts and crafts sale with various kinds of support, member Susan Lynch points out.
Businesses  in the community which supported the event with contributions to the silent auction were Fulton Savings Bank, Michelle’s Baskets and Bows, Nice ‘N’ Easy Grocery Shoppe, Goodman’s Christmas Tree Farm, Phoenix Flower Farm, Larkin’s Restaurant, State Street Café, Cam’s New York Pizzeria, Lock I Liquor Store, and Blushing Rose Boutique. Additionally, Wrightway Hardware and the Phoenix Public Library distributed mini posters, along with Guys and Dolls Salon and Larkin’s which displayed posters in their windows. Graphics Warehouse has donated signs, and also revised signs, at reduced rates.
Individuals who contributed in the effort included Charles Tappan, who distributed mini posters at Broztek’s Auction Barn and posted information on Craig’s List,  as well as Mike Lattimore, who displayed posters for the events on the PhoenixTalks website. Lynch says that the historical society is also, “very appreciative of the excellent coverage in the Phoenix Refister and the banner announcements on “The Medicine Place” marquee”.
Contributing as artist and craft vendors, some of which also donated items for the silent auction, included Donna Cooper, and Anna Perun, Debbie Renfrew, Gen Savage, Joan Petie, Karen Blumer, Lauri Woodworth, Pat Tucker, Ingeborg Hughes, Tammy Lynch, Pricilla Walts, and Robin Albani.
 In an effort to dress things up for the holiday event, Saundra Garafalo and Ingeborg Hughes donated decorations for the building and several members worked at bringing it to its festive best. Hughes also greeted visitors as they came in, tempting them as they sauntered right past the first table which was happily festooned with sweet treats, joyous for the taking.
Beyond the unique offerings like mosaic -enveloped guitar frames, hand painted wine glasses, or the Christmas tree decorated with nostalgic Phoenix postcards in the auction, of special delight at the Local Artist, Craft and Bake Sale were characters of the times.
Several adults came by in full costume regalia, mingling alongside students from the JCB High School Drama Club who appeared in period costume, both adding to the ambiance of the holiday-themed event.
Those at the historical society hope that as days move forward, the thorough enjoyment of those who came through the doors to visit will not fade away on the winter winds.
Costs make it difficult to keep the doors open except on special occasions, with the Schroeppel Historical Society needing any and all financial and volunteer support to advance opportunities like these.
Events like the Local Artists, Craft and Bake Sale are just one in the range of ways the Schroeppel Historical Society preserves a look back to simpler times of yesteryear, celebrating some of the best Phoenix has had and continues to offer. 
Although the building closes down in the heart of winter’s season, there is a sign up sheet in the State Street Cafe for anyone who would like to be contacted about the historical society when they start activities again in the spring.