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There are 45 chances left for people, businesses, or organizations that want to become part of Orchard City history by placing a commemorative tile on the town’s Centennial Wall.

The Centennial Wall project was part of the town’s Centennial observance last year. The wall, constructed as part of the Centennial Garden landscaping at town hall, is designed to hold over 140 engraved ceramic tiles, six inches by six inches square.

The original deadline for participating by purchasing a tile was Dec. 31, but it has been extended.

The tiles may commemorate individuals, events, businesses, institutions, or just about anything that someone wants to make a part of history. The tiles may memorialize individuals who have passed away, but they need not do so. Plenty of creative uses for the tiles have been found, as a short trip to the wall will show.

There are currently 71 tiles grouted to the two wings of the wall. Additional tiles have been sold for $30 each, but they have not been installed because of cold weather. As of last Wednesday there were 45 spaces left to completely fill out the two wings of the Centennial Wall. Town officials have said that money raised by the project will be used to help pay for the Centennial Wall project.

A renewed effort to complete the Centennial Wall project has been undertaken by the Centennial Committee, and by members Betty Davis and Judy Davies. Davies has gotten a commitment from DMEA for a $1,000 donation to complete work on the wall.

In addition to selling the remaining 45 spaces on the wings, the committee and town trustees are planning to place some graphic elements on the center section, along with 12-inch by 12-inch commemorative tiles naming the mayor and town board members, the centennial committee members, and a thanks to DMEA for its $1,000 donation.

In addition to the graphic elements that may include a sandhill crane in flight and the large 12-inch tiles, there will be large, raised marquis lettering installed on the south-facing side of the wall. Motorists going northbound on 2100 Road should be able to see the words, “Orchard City Established 1912” on the wall. (Final wording is to be determined.) 

The $1,000 donation from DMEA won’t be enough to finish the project. Two bids have come in to complete work besides the additional six-inch tiles; one bid is for $1,600 and another for $1,400. Additional money needed for completing the project may come from other available town funds.

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