It all started with a new driveway, courtesy of a grant from the Hansen Foundation. Then, when they say hos the new driveways improved the look and access to the visitor center, a family donated 2 gas pumps from the 1920-1930 era for the project. Then, because they were pleased with the progress of the renovation, another family donated funds to help restore one of the vintage gas pumps. Another family who grew up in Lebanon, helped to restore the 2nd vintage gas pump. A transformation has occurred because folks got involved.
The visitor center is open daily and staffed totally by volunteers. They answer questions, water flowers, help clean the place clean, keep the tourism brochures, Visitor’s Guides and maps restocked. Others supply courtesy mints and single serve coffees.
During the peak summer months, the number of visitors who signed the guestbook increased from 175 in 2017 to 408 in 2018. The local Market has reordered more souvenirs than usual. A comment box in the Visitor Center, open daily and operated totally by volunteers, has been filled with positive reflections from travelers as far away as Pennsylvania.
There seems to be daily activity on this corner, both of local citizens and travelers. In a town of 185 people, that is very important for promoting community pride and volunteerism toward other projects and events. Many of the locals just like to drive through and hear the driveway bell that was installed for old times’ sake. So far, they all understand that no one is going to come to wash their windshields or sell them 17.8 cent/gallon gasoline, as the pump reads. But they smile anyway…as the back tires go over the air hose to the bell. The new driveways make this possible.
donations and spread the word about the project. Students helped sort, count, and roll of the money that was placed in jars located all over town. The students got to select the equipment and games that they wanted on their playground. Several older students even helped build the structure on the final days.
