Story and Photos by Roger Allen
Sixth in a series
“Lions Give $4,000 to Buy
Land For Retirement Units”
This headline, in bold 60-point type, dominated the front page of the October 1, 1970 edition of The Montezuma Republican. The article below it stated, “The Montezuma Lions Club has practically assured the construction of a senior citizens apartment complex in Montezuma with the donation of $4,000 for the acquisition of the construction site.” It was the largest donation in the Lions club’s history.
The Lions’ check was delivered to the Montezuma Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation formed in 1970 to build the apartments. The site is in the south part of Montezuma, bordered on the north by Ogden St. and on the south by Clark St. The city block of property was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hopkins.
The construction was done with a 50-year Farmers Home Administration loan.
Before the Lions club voted to donate the $4,000, about $1,500 had been raised by the corporation from donations and the sale of memberships in the corporation. The corporation had to raise $6,000 for the purchase of the land and to pay for legal fees, building plans and miscellaneous expenses.
All Systems Go 1971
In the January 14, 1971 edition an article in The Republican published a site plan and announced “All Systems Go” on building the apartments. “A check for $55,280 from the Farmers Home Administration to the Montezuma Development Corporation was delivered by County FHA Supervisor John Crumly after the closing of an FHA loan to the local corporation for financing the first senior citizens apartment building.”
Representing the corporation at the loan closing was attorney Roger Sunleaf, who donated his legal services. Also present were Crumly and corporation officers John Morrissey, Kenneth Cox and Don Gray.
The Republican reported, “As soon as the weather permits (successful bidder) Frank Wheeler Construction Co. will begin construction of the first five-apartment building.” Other successful bidders for its completion included: Carpeting – Modern Floor Covering, owned by Keith Walsh; Stoves and refrigerators – Montezuma Implement Store; Other floor covering – Fulton Furniture.
The building plans and blueprints were drawn by Mrs. Myron (Sara) Byers.
Development Corp. officers and board members not named above included Frank Bryan, Mrs. Roger (Donna) Watson and Mrs. Fred (Ruby) Alderman.
Plans in 1971 for “Sunnyview Square” were to build five one-story buildings with each containing five apartments, for persons 62 and older in Montezuma.
Each one-and two-bedroom apartment was to be carpeted and have a stove and refrigerator and rent with utilities furnished.
See the accompanying update article about the complex.
