To the editor:

So much praise has been given by news coverage to the people who are refurbishing and revitalizing the old Eldridge Hotel and their use of new items to bring back the elegance of its history. Great! Their work is appreciated.

People used their money and their expertise in a special way to bring back a piece of Lawrence history. It’s been well-covered, as well as interesting.

However, I wish reporters would spend some time covering the Watkins Community Museum four blocks south.

This beautiful building was built between 1885 and 1888 as a bank for J.B. Watkins. This is an original!

There are floors of colorful marble pieces, marble stairs to the first and second floors and the basement, wrought iron, decorative wood panel wainscoting doors and window frames. Original. Brass dressing plates, hey, hole covers and hinges and original bank counters. This includes 14 colors of marble, and trimmed in three different colors. Stained glass window frames in carved wood lead to the second floor. Yellow burled pine is found on the second floor.

All of this is original! It is an incredible, 118-year-old building given to the Douglas County Historical Society in 1970. It now houses terrific exhibits on both floors and a gift shop (Miss Lizzie’s) in J.B.’s old office.

Remember, this is REAL! (Popular TV shows are now “REAL.”) This fine 1888 building is the “real thing!” I think news coverage on an ORIGINAL could be of interest to the citizens of Lawrence. What do you think?

Patty Rundquist,

Lawrence