Community
Ann Hackl and The Great Community Effort to Save Castle in the Clouds
By: Mackenzie M. Padula, 5/12/2020
In 2001, Tom Curren, Executive Director of Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) presented at their April Board meeting a Purchase and Sale Agreement to buy the Castle in the Clouds and its surrounding 5,300 acres for $5,900,000. After a long discussion about the lack of a fundraising Feasibility Study, the board approved the motion, adding, “Ann, of course, you’ll lead the fundraising!”
Ann Hackl had never fundraised a dime in her life, but an active member of the Lakes Region Community and a 30-year veteran of real estate sales she was suddenly thrust into the world of nonprofit development. As she reached out to individuals and businesses in the community, she realized there are many similarities between real estate sales and fundraising – you meet a relative stranger, establish rapport, focus on their priorities and interests, explain how your project relates to these interests, answer questions, and then ask for their help, usually a specific amount.
<< Castle Preservation Society Founders (left to right): Donald O. McLeod, Bob Stewart, Ann Hackl, and James Stoddard.
LRCT and J. Paul Sticht were scheduled to close on the sale of Castle in the Clouds on December 15, 2001. $3.2 million was due at closing, with $2,000,000 due in December 2002 and the final payment of $700,000 due December 2003. LRCT was fundraising until the very last moment. Fortunately the closing was delayed (a survey issue) until January by which time sufficient funding was secured! To make matters even more tense, LRCT was told there was a back-up offer for more money (J.Paul sticht, long a supporter of the LRCT, had given LRCT a price substantially below the property’s appraised value). After the final payment was made, the LRCT assumed the management of the Castle of the Clouds, Sticht having retained management responsibility during LRCT’s three-year fundraising period.
Ann found support from over 2,000 individuals who donated to the purchase of the Castle, some donating upwards of $100,000. She built relationships throughout the community, essentially going door to door, sitting in living rooms and pleading the case of preserving this extraordinary property for many generations of the public to enjoy. As a member of Bald Peak Colony Club she got to know many members and their families. Bald Peak and the Castle have been linked from the beginning, both having been built by Tom Plant. Bald Peak members played a pivotal role in the purchase of the Castle, both because of the historic connection between the properties and the fact that they did not want to see their view of the mountain destroyed by a developer.
At the time Ann and her fundraising colleagues never considered failure as an option. It is only now, years later, that Ann allows herself to image what might have happened and ask herself “how did we have the nerve to do that”? To this day she is still grateful and in awe of the people of all walks of life who stepped up to the challenge of preserving for posterity this remarkable community asset that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places with the notation that it is “of National Significance”.
Ann’s story and involvement with the Castle will be continued in next months’ installment of Chronicles of the Castle: Community.
Do you remember this transitional time when Ann and LRCT were fundraising to save the Castle?
Previous Posts
Everyone knows that shoes can make an outfit, and that quality shoes can offer comfort and support – these are not mutually exclusive though. Tom Plant made his millions working in shoe sales and manufacturing between the late 1800s and early 1900s. It’s rumored that when he was a door to door shoe salesman in his early 20s, he’d ask housewives what they wanted in their shoes. After acquiring seed money to start Thomas G. Plant Manufacturing, Tom implemented these customer desires and created a shoe that was high quality, long lasting, fashionable, supportive and priced mid-range. Branded as Dorothy Dodd and Queen’s Quality, Tom’s shoes sold between $2-3.00 (about $75 today). The key to making them last a lifetime would be to repair them as necessary.
While many would argue that things were built to last and individuals lived a life “less throwaway” in the late 19th century – there are still ways that we can upgrade the quality of our shoe purchases, and make our shoes last a bit longer. Daub’s Cobbler Shop in Laconia is the premier shoe repair location not just for New Hampshire, but within the entire New England region. They work to repair shoes, increase the shoes’ value and add comfort and quality to shoes.
Do you have a favorite pair of shoes and do you think they’d last you a lifetime?
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Father and son duo, Jim and Nate Daubenspeck of Daub’s Cobbler Shop will be speaking at our gallery reception on Sunday June 7th, and will be giving a live demonstration later in our 2020 season.
Castle in the Cloud’s will be hosting a reception in celebration of our new gallery exhibit “The Shoes the Built the Castle” on Sunday June 7, 2020 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm in The Carriage House. This event is free to attend for members and $10 per person if not a member.
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED DUE TO THE CASTLE’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19, THIS EVENT IS NOW: SUNDAY JULY 12 AT 5:30 PM.
By: Mackenzie M. Padula, 3/17/2020
This winter and spring seasons have brought tremendous change to the Castle Preservation Society staff. In addition to adjusting to working from home and practicing social distancing, the Castle has welcomed several new staff members and is saying a heartfelt goodbye to a long-time employee.
Lynne Walsh is our new Volunteer Coordinator – drawing from her experience as a volunteer docent with the Castle last year, and a volunteer with Lakes Region Conservation Trust, she is ready to work arm in arm with the volunteers to make sure events are staffed, guests are welcomed and our mission is supported.
Debbi Finkelstein is our new Director of Visitor Experience – under her purview is the museum experience, gift shop management, ticket sales and public programming. Coming from a background in theater, education and development – she is excited to explore her passion for history and enhance our visitor experience.
Jill Cromwell has been with Castle Preservation Society for 11 ½ years – she’s worked diligently to raise funds, coordinate sponsors, foster relationships throughout the community, and plan some of our annual fundraising events including, but not limited to: Chili & Beer Tasting, our Summer Gala, and the Christmas at the Castle Preview Party. In her retirement, Jill is excited to take this time to continue to enjoy exploring the region, traveling abroad, and spending time with her family. We are very sad to see her go, but wish her the best in her adventures!
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If you are interested in joining Castle in the Clouds as either a staff member or volunteer, we encourage you to apply on our website! We look forward to seeing you this summer!
By: Mackenzie M. Padula, 4/21/2020