A financial boost towards the completion of the new irrigation/agriculture building at the Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park was received at the Henderson Tourism October meeting. Diena Schmidt presented the Henderson Heritage & Tourism committee with a generous check for $36,000 from the Gordon and Diena Schmidt estate.
It was given in memory of her father, John J. Thieszen, who was instrumental in the development of irrigation in the area and also in memory of her late husband, Gordon Schmidt, a successful local business leader in irrigation, agriculture, and manufacturing. A commemorative plaque honoring the Thieszen & Schmidt family will be on display when the building is completed.Â
Work on the new building is progressing with completion expected by next spring. The building will house the deep well irrigation display that is currently in the machine shed, along with other agriculture related displays and artifacts.
This donation, along with moneys from the John J. Thieszen descendants and the grant received from the York County Visitor’s Bureau, will ensure the completion of the building.Â
