Blanco ISD officials and architect Randy Fromberg met with local community members on Wednesday to consult with them on ideas for a front gallery in the renovated historical building.

“We’re wanting to have a front gallery to showcase the history of Blanco ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford. “We want the gallery to be beautiful, and we want it to incorporate elements of the history of Blanco ISD to link it to the present.”

“We’ve asked our architect Randy Fromberg to be involved in its design, because he’s been with the project from the beginning, and he has a professional and emotional connection to this project to see it through with its historic aspects preserved. We have an appreciation for his experience, vision, and creativity.”

Many of the people at the meeting shared stories of attending school at the historic building, several of them beginning school in the 1930s.

“A foundation was laid at that site as early as 1874,” said Dr. Shirley Beck. “Originally, the site was to be a Masonic University, built by the local Masonic Lodge. However, the university never materialized, and the stones that were brought in by the Masons were used to erect the first Blanco High School in 1884.”

Former student Dorothy Dillon brought documents that traced the history of the building, including land transfer records, expense accounts, purchasing records, and other items.

“We’re looking at having displays that will trace the history of the District from its beginnings with the Masons, to the present-day renovation,” said Dr. Ford. “Anyone who feels they have anything to contribute to the gallery’s exhibit area feel free to contact the school at 833-4414.”

Items of interest include documents, photos, artifacts, manuscripts, and the like.

“I’m even thinking maybe we could have something along the lines of an audio/visual component,” said Fromberg. “There’s a lot of oral history we may be able to work in.”

Renovation work at the historical building is scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2013.