Millstadt forging ahead to save ‘Tin Man’ water tower. Here’s how you can help
Some historic minded people in Millstadt were determined the village should not tear down the old Tin Man style water tower and they were willing to give their energy and money to see it saved.
Against some big odds, they are succeeding and the first step in restoration — painting the outside — is under contract.
Way back in 2013 the village of Millstadt was considering tearing down the old, unused water tower built in 1931. A group of citizens wanted to save it and the village board gave them two months to come up with $200,000 to fund their preservation efforts.
So the Friends of the Old Millstadt Water Tower was formed to try and reach that seemingly impossible goal. Turns out the goal wasn’t impossible but the time limit was ridiculous. The village gave them five more years and have kept extending the deadline.
For nine years, the group has faithfully held car shows, trivia nights, soup suppers, half marathons, bowling events and many more fundraisers. Dedicated volunteers, led by Betty Keller Timmer, have set up in front of stores to take donations and sell Tin Man merchandise.
They have kept the tower alive with grants and donations and finally are ahead of their original goal. Unfortunately, the amount of money needed to restore the tower has grown over the years and they now will need $280,000 to restore the outside of the tower.
They actually have $257,000 and are still raising money. Keller Timmer said they expect the inside sandblasting and painting to cost at least another $50,000 and they also will come up with that.
The group received a $5,000 Preservation Heritage Grant from Landmarks Illinois and the Millstadt Historical Society matched that last year. Despite fears COVID-19 would put a damper on fund raising, individuals gave $59,000 in 2021. The tower also received a Historic Site Award from the St. Clair County Historical Society.
In a real morale booster, the groups has signed a contract with Maguire Iron to paint the outside of the tower. It will be silver with a black village logo trim like the original colors.
For more information you can visit the web site millstadtwatertower.com where you can donate and buy Tin Man merchandise. You also can see more on the project at the Friends of the Old Millstadt Water Tower Facebook page. The Friends is a 501(c)3 charity.
