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HOWLAND -- Since being moved in August 2022 from state Route 46 to South Street, the Brown Mackey House, also known as the "Yellow House," has been undergoing renovations as members of the Howland Historical Society plan for a possible open house in late May.
In addition, two local Boy Scouts will be completing their Eagle Scout project at the location.
Mary Jane Vennitti, president of the Howland Historical Society, said work is being done inside the house, which has four rooms on the first floor and three on the second floor.
The house was constructed in 1836.
Vennitti said there are plans to have a display room that showcases the 2022 move along Route 46 to its new location across from Howland Middle School. She said drone video of the move will be shown.
Because of the diverging diamond project underway at the intersection of state Routes 46 and 82, the house needed to be moved. The highway project is being done by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
If the house was not able to be moved, it would have been demolished.
Vennitti said many photos were taken during the move, and renovations that have been ongoing for the past 18 months have been well documented.
As part of its new location, Vennitti said the living room and dining room will showcase memorabilia and photos of the house.
"We want to make the main rooms family-themed," she said.
Vennitti said Warner Taiclet, who was the founder of the Howland Historical Society, died in March 2022 before the house was moved.
"He would be so proud and excited about what has been done. He was excited about the move of the house," she said, noting plans to honor Taiclet will be installed at the house, including a walkway and sign.
The front lawn of the property has been seeded with new grass, and there is also a rain garden.
"Two service clubs at the school plan to help us," she said. "They held fundraisers and gave us a $700 donation for trees and plants for the property. We will also put up plaques."
SCOUT PROJECTS
Twin brothers John and Joshua Reble, 15, and sophomores at Howland High School and members of Scout Troops 122 / 28, are completing Eagle Scout projects at the Yellow House's new site.
Joshua is planning a large 4-foot by 5-foot sign that will be displayed in the yard with the name of the Brown Mackey House on it.
"We saw where the historical society was moving the Yellow House. We asked if there was anything we could do to help. I suggested a sign," Joshua said.
The sign will be installed with landscaping around it and he will work on his project this spring and summer with a goal of completion by July or August.
Joshua said what he found unique is that the house is registered with the state as Howland's oldest house.
John is planning a walkway and a placard sign in honor of Taiclet. The walkway will be near Joshua's sign.
He said the 86-foot-long walkway will travel northeast on the property and make a circle where benches will be placed.
John said people will be able to purchase bricks in honor or in memory of someone. The walkway will be called "Warner's Walk."
The bricks can honor someone who has served in the military with an emblem on them.
The twins turn 16 on June 2 and want to get the project done in the summer so they can learn to drive.
"I'm proud to be able to honor Warner Taiclet in this way for all that he has done for the historical society and for restoring the Yellow House," John said.
The brothers said any money left over from their projects will be donated to the society.
Have an interesting news story? Email Bob Coupland at bcoupland@tribtoday.com.