The Tribune, By Kathe Tanner
08/28/2007
Work on restoring the historic Guthrie-Bianchini House in Cambria is expected to resume next week after the Hind Foundation of San Luis Obispo agreed to give more than $100,000 to the Cambria Historical Society.
The Victorian-era house at Burton Drive and Center Street dates to the 1880s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Heirs wrangled over the property for decades while community members tried to preserve it.
The society was able to use donations and a loan to buy the property in 2001 after a court-ordered sale.
After going on for years, restoration work to turn the house into a museum, community center and historic garden stopped in October because of dwindling funds.
Then, a society member happened to hear about Greg and Jane Hind’s foundation. Once society President John Ruml sent a two-page letter to the Hind Foundation on Jan. 15, the process went on fast-forward.
Then, a society member happened to hear about Greg and Jane Hind’s foundation. Once society President John Ruml sent a two-page letter to the Hind Foundation on Jan. 15, the process went on fast-forward.
Ruml indicated more than $150,000 was needed to complete work on the house and grounds.
Greg Hind, a San Luis Obispo businessman and philanthropist, toured the site Jan. 23. Saying he wanted the community to continue its strong support of the project, he asked Ruml to request the amount needed to complete work on the house, leaving out the funds for the garden. Ruml submitted a request for $105,160 on Jan. 29, and Hind approved the grant Friday.
“I immediately got good feelings about the project and the people,” Hind said Monday. “There were so many elements that just made it right.”
Hind cited the amount of work done by volunteers, their passion for the project, and the number of contributions made as showing a high level of community support.
Another plus, he said, is that the Guthrie-Bianchini House can be a central point for the town. Long-range plans call for the house, the Greenspace Creekside Reserve across Center Street and other properties to be part of a historic park.
According to the Hind Foundation Web site at www.hindfoundation.org, its purpose is “the preservation of our cultural heritage with emphasis in music and visual arts, plant and wildlife preservation and historical restoration projects,” especially “community-based projects that inspire members to work together and build an enduring legacy for future generations.”
The historical society still needs to raise about $57,000 in money and labor to complete the project, including a brick pathway and replanting of heritage roses. Money is also needed to pay off the mortgage on the house.
The society hopes to have work done before its annual Heritage Day celebration June 27 to 29.