Guest opinion

By Steve Nestor, Former Board Member and Co-Founder of Central Square

Last month, 30 years ago, a member of the consolidated new school board of Minnewaska Area asked a few of us, who had voiced concern about the vacant Central High School here in Glenwood, to meet with him.

I and three others and our wives met with him on an evening in April, 1994. He proceeded to tell us that the board was preparing to let bids for the demolition of the entire complex. The high school, the auditorium and the middle school.

The structure had stood empty, for the most part, for the past three years. In fact shortly before this meeting a group of us had found out that the school’s trophies and memorabilia were still scattered about there. We had requested entry to the building and inventoried the many historic articles and items and then removed them to storage in a secure location. I guess that really got us concerned about the “lack of stewardship” and thus, when we now heard it was all to be torn down, realized that an effort was necessary to see how the overall public felt about it.

We discussed it amongst those at this meeting and decided to go public and ask for others thoughts and opinions. We also told the board member that we would attempt to raise $50,000 and also prepare a business proposal and plan by August and present it to the joint board. Then a decision could be made to proceed one way or the other. A board was put together and nonprofit status was applied for. I, Mike Shea and three others comprised the board. John Stone handled the publicity and later we wrote a grant proposal to the McKnight Foundation and were awarded $225,000.00, which all went into the auditorium. McKnight officials said “it was the most unique project that they had ever come upon and thus supported.” Wylie Zuber and Jerri, began looking at possibilities of the building and Jeannie Pederson provided contacts with several area groups and families. I was responsible for the business plan and overlooking any proposed construction and remodeling with the Zubers. Lee Paulson was very active in event and theatrical productions. Other board members in the early years, were Udean Sargent, Kathy Brown, Carol Kaus, Joyce Blair and Rocky DeBoer was a invaluable technician and behind-the-scenes asset. There were many others, too many to mention and to sincerely thank.   

In the mean time a meeting was put together with myself and a couple of the joint members. I asked them how they were going to explain to those that graduated, taught and supported that facility for over 70 years, that not only was it closed, a new school was built out of town, it was left empty for 3 years and now it was to be torn down and they did not have enough money to do so ! No they said they had enough money to do so. I said “no you do not”. They had $197,000.00 they said. I said yes I knew, but they were at least another $400,000.00 short ! And I added, which one of them wanted to go public with that statement and request. Needless to say, they were more interested in hoping our group now would, like they had hoped a “white knight” would have ridden over the hill one day and taken it off their hands.

So we proceeded with our task and the rest is history. Many, many unique and fun fundraising projects were done by the board and volunteers. Many were involved. Unfortunately the high school building was not saved after the Senior Citizens Organization backed out from our offer to them of the entire H.S. side. That although, the county had agreed to move 3 affiliated offices there. (Think how that would have saved all parties a great deal of cash !) Oh, by the way I wrote the specs at no cost for the demolition of the H.S. building for the joint board. The winning bid was $147,000.00. That left $50,000.00,  which was used to place the handicap entrance, some rubber roofing over the auditorium and some for new heating plants. The State Of Minnesota abated the asbestos for $0…When the old H.S. went down, so did the only heating source for the entire complex. The bids for the auditorium for heat and A.C. came in for a little over $200,000.00 to $245.000.00. We, with the assistance of a retired local plumber, a retired electrician and a retired boiler engineer, who’s grandkids went to school there, designed our own system. We installed many sources throughout the remaining building. Other volunteers from the area installed our auditorium design, and we did it for $75,000! Much of that has since been updated and replaced. After all it has been 30 years. 

And now some 30 years later, a $4 million grant has been awarded. Central Square, the name given after some discussion, is well and alive. Yes, some thought they might have gotten it for $1…others, like the mayor at that time, said it would become the “blight on the hill.” Others said it was not handicap accessible, it was full of asbestos and oh, Nestor and Shea were doing it to make money, and on and on. Well I can tell you today, those negative comments and “behind-the-back statements” did not deter us, nor the many volunteer board members and the hundreds of community volunteers that stepped forward. Young and old, there were hundreds ! Folks were more than happy to give of their time and expertise.

However the “back stabbing” by some did take its toll on my dear friend Mike. For that I am truly upset and will probably never get over it. No money ever left the Central  Square coffers. Board members and many never received nor expected any money. In fact their efforts and expertise were invaluable. 

Today the organization could use some of that community volunteerism. Yes, they have many that are participating, but there is certainly room for more.

One more fact needs to be stated. Central Square has not cost the taxpayers of Glenwood nor Pope County one “red cent!” Yes, a building that served the area for over 70 years, but was a tax liability, has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars for 30 years to both. Oh yes, when asked what we were going to do with the Athletic Field, I said “just wait and see.” The reply was “you can’t build down there.”  I replied, “Why not ?” and was told “it was nothing but a swamp”. I said “where did you get that information ?” After all, it was my Great-Great and Great Grandfathers’ farm and property and my Mom used to go down to the creek that ran through the middle of it for the cream cans! Yes, just wait and see!” Apartments that were fully rented before they were built, Glenwood Estates, Post Office and Magnifi Financial! Not to mention the 7 privately owned condominiums in the main building. All on the tax rolls. 

No, it is not the “blight on the hill” and as Bobby McFerrin told me, the once 1,100 seat auditorium, has “the finest acoustics he ever performed in.”  And that’s why he came back the second time!

From an old former board member, I ask young and old area citizens to please patronize, volunteer, support and give of your time and expertise to this wonderful venue and organization. We are very fortunate to have it as part of our community.