Library Restoration Presentation

In the early hours of July 2, 2017, a firecracker was dropped into the book return chute of Eckhart Public Library. The resulting fire devastated the interior and destroyed the collection. The library was charred black and much of its history coated in gray soot. The restoration and rebuilding of the library took years and included the complete restoration of The Battle of Fair Oaks," a Civil War painting by Robert Grafton. Restoration of features was done whenever possible, including the Library's stained glass windows. Original to the 1910 building, several stained glass windows were burned beyond recognition. Those that survived were lovingly restored, while the unsalvageable sections were meticulously recreated. Chuck Knox led the restoration process. In his presentation, Beauty from Ashes: The Restoration of Eckhart Public Library, he will discuss the work required to restore the Library to its former glory. This program will take place in the Assembly Room on Saturday, July 18th, from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Chuck Knox is the owner of Knox Decorative Painting LLC (KDP). KDP is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has worked on many important projects in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. He is also the owner of Knox Geological LLC, and it is through his geology work that he started working with LiDAR, correlating surface features and sub surface faults and fractures in drift covered areas.