Royal schoolhouse museum installs new handicapped accessible ramp

The Royal Riverton #8 Schoolhouse and Museum recently installed a handicapped-accessible ramp that will provide better access to those visiting the historic society's facility.

The aluminum ramp, provided and installed by Wheelchair Dynamics, cost $28,000. It was funded by donations from area businesses and service groups, including $10,000 from the Royal Lions Club; $5,000 from the Iowa Lakes Electric Charitable Foundation, $2,800 from Wheelchair Dynamics, and remaining funds covered by the Royal Historical Society. Hagedorn Excavating, the City of Royal and Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen assisted with the project, providing labor, equipment and supplies to complete the ramp installation.

"We are pleased to finally provide handicapped accessibility to our museum," said Lynn Cronk, museum board member, in a news release. "The museum will celebrate its 25th anniversary next summer [July 18-20] during Royal's 125th Celebration and Fun Days, and we look forward to showcasing our collection of historic local artifacts to those who visit."

Installation of the ramp was a long-term museum goal, championed by 20-year museum board member and Royal Lions Club member Buddy Yungbluth, who recently died of cancer. Yungbluth, who played a key role encouraging the museum board to provide handicapped accessibility, was buried Oct. 29, the date of the ramp project's completion. Prior to installation of the ramp, museum visitors accessed the schoolhouse and museum by climbing several steps.

Nielsen and city employee Lance Kruse managed the construction process and Hagedorn Excavating assisted in removing the original entrance platform and steps, including a small room in the museum's basement.

The Royal Museum is available for tours with handicapped accessi