If you have been reading the Journal over the past several months, you know that the Locker family has offered to fulfill the wishes of Kay’s late father, Bill Gilpin, by donating his home and grounds across the street from our museum. Although the process has taken several twists and turns along the way, the Lockers have now formally presented us with the deed to Bill’s house. We have gratefully accepted and will be making some repairs and planning for the best use of the space.
It seems to be a straightforward transaction to transfer title to a piece of property, and the paperwork is relatively simple. But as I held the signed deed and prepared to have it recorded at the courthouse, I was aware of the loving gift the Gilpin-Locker family is making with this transfer. The signatures on the deed of Kathryn (Kay), Sarah, Scott, and Sue are a personal statement of one family’s continuing commitment to help fulfill the goals and mission of the Jay County Historical Society. We are hoping to have a small celebration to recognize the donors, but for now the Board of Directors and all the members of the Jay County Historical Society say, “Thank you, Kay, Carl, and the rest of the family.”
