Old Fort group enchiladas ready Oct. 4

FORT MADISON - The community has shown great support for Old Fort Madison Preservation, Inc. (OFMP) with the most recent example being the Save the Fort Enchilada Sale. Approximately 310 dozen of enchiladas have been ordered and will be made by 18 or more OFMP volunteers Saturday, Oct. 4.
Those ordering these enchiladas are reminded to pick up their orders this Saturday, Oct. 4, between noon and 8 p.m., at the Fort Madison Elks Lodge, 719 Ave. H. The Elks has gracious devoted its kitchen and leadership to this fundraiser to help OFMP but does not have refrigerated storage space to accommodate these orders, so they must be picked up that day.
OFMP is a 501(c) nonprofit organization working on a two-phased project to hold on to one of the community’s most essential symbols of local history and valuable tourism asset - the replica of the Fort Madison military garrison in Fort Madison’s Riverview Park.
The first phase is to repair and reconstruct the replica buildings, raise all structures 4 feet above the flood plain; and reconstruct the stockade. Further, OFMP has drawings and plans to  build the Living History Center that will not only house displays and materials related to the fort and the War of 1812, but will also feature revolving displays of Native Americans, President James Madison, Dolly Madison, the local role of Fort Madison in all of the nation’s wars, the Civil Rights movement, women’s suffrage, the railroad industry, politics and more.

OFMP is to lease the fort area in Riverview Park from the city. In fact, OFMP President Bill Napier will present the group’s plan in greater detail to the Fort Madison City Council on Tuesday, Oct 21.
Once the two-phase project is completed, OFMP will oversee operations of the fort and Living History Center.
OFMP is on the cusp of launching a capital campaign to raise $3.5 million to accomplish its goals. The group will be seeking corporate sponsors, private donations and pursing local, state and federal grants to achieve its objectives.
Those wishing to donate to OFMP’s mission can also drop off donations Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Elks Lodge or at OFMP’s headquarters at 705 Ave. G (the former location of Mobile Nursing).