The Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum has announced plans to renovate the two restrooms in its main facility, but first, funds must be raised to accomplish this long-needed renovation.
     The Museum is housed in the old Gene Autry school building, built in 1938 as a WPA project under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Through the years, many small renovations have been done to the building, but none on the two bathrooms. They were built to accommodate school children with materials in popular use during the 1930s, many of which are now in severe need of replacement. They are now in need of repair!
     The plan is to replace the plumbing, the sewage removal system, repair and re-finish walls and ceilings, replace  fixtures and furniture and generally update the entire bathroom facilities.
     The goal for the Restroom Reno Fundraising Project is $20,000.  Seed money for the project was contributed by Wilbur Watts, Museum member from Missouri.  Additional funds will be raised through private contributions and, hopefully, grants.
     Once half of the goal is reached, work will begin on the women's toilet, with work on the men's to continue when remaining funds have been raised.
     During the Film & Music Festival, held Sept. 23-27 this year, patrons had an opportunity to drop cash or checks for the project into cowboy boot collection spots at the ticket office. Guests at the Museum during the upcoming months will have that same opportunity.
     The Museum will accept contributions of any amount at any time.  Simply call the office at 580-294-3047 or send a check to the Museum at PO Box 44, Gene Autry, OK 73436.
     Receipts are provided upon request.