VAN ZANDT, Wash. — The old Van Zandt Community Hall turns 100 next year but it is showing its age.
The community is hoping to keep it around for another century, but it needs help.
The hall is the epitome of small-town America. A place that houses a tiny radio station with community news. A place where people come for plays and potlucks and to honor the past. Free books and movies are available.
There's even an old grand piano locals said was once owned by Bing Crosby.
"According to the donors of this piano, the Rat Pack used it," said volunteer Jeff Margolis.
The Van Zandt Community Hall is a lot of things to a lot of people in this eastern Whatcom County town.
But to everyone, it's a place that brings joy.
"It's something we take a lot of pride in," said volunteer Will Radecki.
"People have a sense of contentment and happiness," Margolis said. "It builds their character. They have a sense of place."
But at nearly a century old the building that was once a school is now a lesson in commitment. The community treasure has lost its luster. It's cracked and crumbling and in need of major renovations.
"You don't understand its importance until it's gone," Radecki said.
Since the old schoolhouse was closed and turned into a community center, not a single cent of government money or labor has been spent on it. All upkeep and repairs have been performed and paid for by this small, self-reliant community of just a few hundred people.
Now, though the million dollars in needed upgrades, expansions and repairs are too much.
Townspeople have raised more than $100,000 on their own and a state grant of $500,000 will help greatly, but they are still short.
Without help their beloved hall faces a very uncertain future.
"When those things are gone your community and your ability to get together really takes a hit," Radecki said. "Where else are you gonna go? I think if it were to go it would be very sad."
Organizers still need to raise about $400,000 to complete the work.