From vision to reality

A local landmark will forever serve as a testament to one woman's vision for historical preservation in Hartley.

Connie Olhausen saw an opportunity when the late Betty Eeten's house hit the sale block in 2011. Loaded with antique furniture, original fixtures and other items of historic significance, Olhausen believed the property could serve as a museum for a community that lacked a home for its heritage.

"It was in good structural condition, and the interior was never renovated or damaged," she said. "It's an example of the historical houses that used to be. It's attractive inside and out."

Olhausen has coordinated a majority of renovations and improvements at the residence, now known as the Patch-Eeten House, for the past 12 years. She recently handed the reigns over to Pat McCarty, who will now serve as curator and caretaker of the property.

Olhausen recalled the process it took to acquire the property following Eeten's death. First was an auction for the home's furnishings, and then came the sale of the house itself. Though time was of the essence, a group led by Olhausen was able to solicit enough donations to buy some of the furniture and the property.

"When the house came up, it sold for a little less than the furnishings went for," Olhausen said. "With cooperation and donations, it was doable and done within about a year. Now, we only have to do things as they are needed."

Significant effort was put into the home to restore it back to its original luster – floors were refinished, walls repainted and other repairs were completed. Timepiece fixtures were also acquired and installed.

"There was a lot of effort put into getting it back to its original look," Olhausen recalled. "We get a lot of positive comments."

The Patch-Eeten House was the first project aided by the Hartley Community Foundation, which was established in 2007 to support local organizations and boards that seek to improve Hartley and surrounding area. Olhausen has served on the foundation's board for years and said it played a vital role in making the museum a reality.

"We've just been thankful for everybody in the community for their support," she said. "So many people have contributed not only money, but their time and material over the years."

For her part, McCarty hopes to carry on Olhausen's legacy at the Patch-Eeten House by upholding its significance as a place for Hartley's history. She remembers visiting the home as a child when Eeten lived there and had an aunt that worked with her at the local hospital.

"It was an honor to be approached and asked to take over for Connie," McCarty said. "I want to keep up the preservation of history because it's important to save it, especially at the local level."

Olhausen, 90, said she still plans to help out at the museum when needed. She was proud of what it's become over the past 12 years and was happy to see it stand as a monument to Hartley's heritage.

"I'm always gratified by the comments we get from people who visit," she said.