Warner's Ranch gets major boost from SOHO's new friends!

The ranch house restoration is an amazing transformation from ruins to a habitable building again. But architectural and contractor work took far more financially than had been planned for by the VID and the hard-found funds took the site only so far. Enter the community to the rescue! The Warner Springs Historical Society (WSHS) first came up with an additional $3,000 to complete the interior walls with coats of whitewash. Another major part of the project was the public restrooms. SOHO board member, architect John Eisenhart donated the architectural plans for the bathrooms, however, other costs were involved and it was the Ranchers Association Fund who stepped up and paid for their construction. SOHO had to spend another $1700 to complete interior and exterior paint finishes. We are still in great need to restore one of the most essential pieces of the house's interpretation and use, the fireplace in the main room; the cost for this is $10,000. Donations are being sought. The WSHS, who will be an onsite working partner with SOHO on the ranch house, also procured the donation of a light stage wagon, which is to be restored, and hopefully put into use. A significant wish list of furnishings and artifacts needed can be found on our website. This National Historic Landmark, site of the first glimpse for so many of The Promised Land deserves all we can do for it. Please help as you can; we are greatly appreciative of donations already received and look forward to opening in the Spring.