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It Was Fund While It Lasted

Tribune photo by George Newman

People gathered near the front porch of the Bing Rooming House Nov. 8, for the opening of the first annual art festival to benefit the restoration of the segregation era home. Fred Johnson’s Market donated breakfast for about 50 early arrivals at the event.

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GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: November 26, 2008

PLANT CITY - There was more fun than funds found at the first art festival to benefit the restoration and renovation of the historical Bing Rooming House.

Acquiring money with the help of grants, contributions and fundraising benefits is a slow process, organizers said. But like the little train that could, the effort continues to chug along. Completion of the segregation-era home is expected by summer.

The structure will house a museum with period furniture and artifacts, an office for the Plant City Improvement League, a community meeting place and an attached residential cottage for James Washington, a direct descendant of the Bing family who owned and operated the rooming house.

The fundraiser was Nov. 8 at Samuel W. Cooper Park.

The community event - that included a salute to veterans and an art exhibit and sale in cooperation with the East Hillsborough Art Guild - raised about $300 for the project.

"This was our first annual art festival to benefit the restoration held at the park," said Irene Farmer, a member of the guild. "We knew going in it would be a difficult draw on the first try. But we expect each year to get better and better," she said. "Eventually, we are looking for great things. Sam Cooper Park is a wonderful place for the event."

Vendors and artists exhibiting along the 0.3-mile sidewalk on the south side of the lake may have had their doubts.

"I didn't make any money for myself," said Vicki Hawthorne, who displayed her art at the five-hour fundraiser. "But I did have a lot of fun meeting a lot of interesting and gracious people. I think the annual art festival will work in time. We need to get the word out and get more people into the park."

Devin Hamilton, 15, a Plant City High School sophomore with a collection of paintings he created over the years, said he sold a few pieces and received praise from many who attended.

Art guild member Debra Bryant donated several pieces of her work to display at the Bing House museum or sell.

"The art festival will grow and take on a life of its own," said Margaret Cyrise, one of the event coordinators. "Add to that the salute to veterans, the music of local school bands, the support of the Bing boardinghouse by the entire community, and it all adds up to success," she said.

"I believe this was the first scheduled event held at Samuel W. Cooper Park since its dedication," Cyrise said. "It is a beautiful venue. We had beautiful weather, and there was a sense of friendship and community that was evident throughout the day."

The day's events began in the front of the Bing House, 205 S. Allen St., with breakfast for 50, donated and catered by Fred Johnson's Market. Military veterans, artists, Improvement League members, residents and passers-by enjoyed the eggs, bacon, ham, biscuits and gravy.

Liesta Sykes, a member of the Bing Rooming House board of governors, said the building has undergone about $340,000 worth of restorations during the past three years. That money came from federal, state and county grants, as well as local contributions.

Members of the 2007-08 board are Mayor Rick Lott; Sykes; Farmer; Felix Haynes, president of the Plant City campus of Hillsborough Community College; and lawyer Joseph Williams.

A history of the Bing House and the mission of the board can be found on the Plant City Improvement League Web site, www.improvementleague .com.

The house is a National Historical Site anchoring the Laura Street Restoration District, the Web site states. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, primarily for its role as a domestic hotel during the period of segregation.

"As a museum, the building will emphasize the Plant City community's triumph over segregation," said Improvement League spokesman William Thomas Jr.

"It will be dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of African-American culture and lifestyle during this period. The museum will also strive to accurately interpret, present and preserve Plant City's African-American history from an African-American perspective," he said.

"Displays of artifacts, storyboards and written documents will help both American and international visitors better understand the experiences of African-Americans during the segregation era," Thomas said. "This museum will provide cultural connectivity enhancing and complementing Plant City's historic downtown."

Thomas said he is no longer surprised by the time required for restoration.

"We have learned that historic preservation projects take a long time to complete," Thomas said. "I thought we could get it done a lot sooner. But the reality of it tells you it can't be rushed. It's not just a matter of doing the work. We need to be sure all the work is authentic to the 1920s."

Yet to be done are the final phases of electrical and air conditioning work. Installation of wallboard, trim and wood floors remains, plus painting.

Sykes said the museum will include original furniture and artifacts that have been stored in the house. Other period items have been purchased to decorate and authenticate the house.

Thomas said a video and audio history is being compiled for use in the museum.

"The Bing Museum will be a community museum," Thomas said. "The Plant City Photo Archives is helping us collect and maintain a photographic history of the segregation era. That will include the history of Marshall High School, the Midway Academy and other aspects of the Lincoln Park area.

"The project isn't finished yet, but we are getting close," Thomas said. "We would like the Bing Rooming House and Museum to be a centerpiece for the community."

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451.

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