Aiming for a spring opening, Maritime Museum officials ask city for help

Representatives of the Great Lakes Lore, Inc. Maritime Museum appeared at the Rogers City Council meeting Monday to make a formal request for financial assistance in completing Phase I of their renovation of the museum building on Third Street. A letter to council requested $5,300, which would be used to pay off their renovation debt. ?This is our last hope,? said Ed Brklacich, museum director, in his presentation to council.

?I can honestly say to you, ladies and gentlemen,? Brklacich told council, ?I can say for myself and my board, we never moved to Rogers City with our hand out.?

The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum is in the process of moving from Sebewaing to Rogers City. Organizers want to open the doors this spring, so they can begin to generate income.

?WE ARE really anxious to get up here, get it put together, and be ready next spring. We have to open, we really have to open,? said Betty Brklacich, sitting with her husband Ed. The Maritime Museum board purchased the Johnson Building from the Presque Isle District library.

?We didn?t hold our hand out asking people for money,? said Brklacich. ?We came here because we were willing to give everything we have, and we have, because I think this is going to be one of the most productive projects Rogers City has had in years.?

There was no action taken at the meeting as mayor Beach Hall said the request needed to be reviewed through the regular budget process. As of January 1, the Maritime Museum has spent $45,471 to move the attraction from Sebewaing to Rogers City. Phase I of the project will be the completion of the interior of the building. ?We are very close to that,? said Brklacich.

WORK ON the heating system, the most costly part of the renovation project, was moving forward earlier this week. The cost is estimated at $15,553. In the cost breakdown, only the purchase of the building cost more, at $17,500. Phase I of the project has included electrical, plumbing, windows and carpet. In-kind work has saved thousands of dollars, said Brklacich. Part of the frustration felt by museum board members has been because of promised funds and grants that have fallen through. ?Our big hurt was a grant we put into Consumers Power for $20,000,? said Brklacich. ?We were highly encouraged by their representatives in Bay City.

?He says ?I don?t think you?ll get all of it, but we think at least $10,000, possibly $15,000.? Then Enron hit,? said Brklacich. ?It has been a struggle for us.?

THE LORE board, with

the backing of its directors, has taken out a $20,000 loan to help cover the shortfall, left behind because of the failed grant applications. ?But thank goodness for private donations that have come our way,? said Brklacich. ?We can?t turn back and that makes it very difficult. How many times can you go to the well?? Phase II of the renovation would include installation of the air conditioning, which is vital to preserving maritime artifacts, and a new roof. Cost of the new roof is estimated at $8,000 to $10,000. ?You have to understand our frustrations, it?s just been real tough,? said Brklacich. ?We?ve worked.?

?I don?t think there?s a person on this council, or in this room, who doesn?t appreciate the fact that this is moving ahead,? said Hall, ?and we appreciate the fact that there?s been a lot of work done.?