Sixty-nine baskets were donated by local businesses and residents for a basket raffle fundraiser for the Greenzweig one-room schoolhouse in Towamensing Township.

Built in 1892 the school was used until 1959. The Kuehner family purchased the land it sits on and donated it to the township in 2014. Renovations have been underway by the historical commission.

“The schoolhouse is progressing as we finish the exterior and start inside,”said Don Bonnet, chair of the commission.

A new exterior door is also in the works.

Katie Yost, sister of township secretary Patty Kuehner, will be doing the inside painting of the schoolhouse. Yost used to paint for her father-in-law and is planning to do the interior once it’s a little warmer as the building has no heat.

Residents have been donating their time and craftsmanship to renovate the school. Exterior windows and siding was completed.

Raffle baskets included baking supplies, restaurant gift cards, a Tractor Supply bucket full of goodies, blankets, paintings, plants and more. A 50/50 raffle was also held to raise funds.

Sweet treats made by Patti Kuehner, her mother Mary Schmoyer and sister Katie Yost were available, including brownies, chocolate chip cookies cookies, lemon bars and pumpkin bread.

Historical commission member Sandy Branch explained that in addition to raising funds to paint the inside, new outside signs for the front and side of the school are being worked on.

Bonnet is designing the sign that they are hoping to make out of wrought iron and wood, similar to the types of signs that would have been on turn-of-the century apothecaries.

Crafters and artisans filled the fire hall as there was accidentally a double booking. It actually helped both the vendors and schoolhouse, as more people came for one event or the other.

It’s uncertain what the schoolhouse will be used for once renovations are complete, but some ideas are in the works. An open house will be coming up over the next few months, with details to follow.