MOUNT VERNON — Preservation is the key to protecting the past so that future generations can be proud of and enjoy their local, state, and national history.
The Mount Vernon Questers have undertaken this goal for over half a century.
Historic preservation embraces cultural heritage, including the rich stories of the people who came before us.
It includes artifacts/antiques that have been used over time and the physical buildings that were the fabric of every community as they grew into the towns and cities they are today.
Jessie Elizabeth (Bess) Bardens founded the international organization in 1944 in Fort Washington, PA. Questers, Mount Vernon Chapter #159, is part of the international organization.
The local group meets monthly. It has been involved in local Mount Vernon preservation and restoration projects for over 50 years.
P&R grants
Lynn Thuma established the Mount Vernon Chapter in 1962. At one point, there was an Adult Chapter and a Youth Chapter. Catherine Hogan, Mount Vernon Sr High, created the Youth Chapter.
Preservation and restoration (P&R) are twin tenants of The Questers organization. The organization provides grants for P&R projects every other year. Local Quester Chapters select the projects.
Grants help preserve historical buildings, sites, and artifacts for the benefit of the local and global communities. Since 1986, The International Questers Organization has given $1,475,000 to grant recipients.
P&R grants enabled the Mount Vernon chapter to complete several community projects. Projects include finding and restoring the original B&O Railroad clock that now hangs in the West End Train Station and creating a Lamb Glass exhibit for the Knox County Historical Society Museum.
The group has also completed several projects for the Dan Emmett house.
The chapter is working on an antique medical instruments exhibit for the museum. It was instrumental in raising funds to purchase and place a historical marker for Dr. Jane Payne on West Gambier Street.
Mount Vernon Questers actively involved
Quester members participate in historical re-enactments, cemetery tours, and historic home tours. They also helped restore the Lustron House and marched as Suffragettes in a local parade.
They are active members of the Knox County Historical Society Museum Board and volunteer docents for the museum.
Questers members strongly desire to see that the best of American heritage is preserved for future generations. Mount Vernon is known as the Colonial City, has beautiful historic districts, and has a rich history of people who have lived here and contributed not only to the local community but to the state, national, and international communities.
As Questers, the local chapter always looks for ways to protect the town’s history.
Questers echo “This Old House” host Bob Villa’s statement in the December 2013 issue of Preservation Magazine:
“I think people need to look beyond their houses and focus on their community – understanding what they have down the street, whether it’s a 1920s movie palace or a church that no longer has a congregation.
“I think it would be great if people spent more time and energy understanding their immediate communities and figuring out how to preserve the more important buildings that are in danger.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the organization or how to start a local chapter can contact mountvernonquesters@gmail.com.
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