Музей Сара Муни в Лемооре планирует капитальный ремонт исторической каретной конюшни

When Sarah and Aaron Mooney built their home at 542 West D Street in Lemoore, they also built a carriage house on the property. It was used by Aaron Mooney for his business as the first funeral director in Lemoore. It housed the hearse as well as a place to store sample caskets and funeral memorabilia. The horses that were used to pull the hearse were kept nearby in a corral on the property. Both the residence and carriage house are over 130 years old. Like all structures constructed in town in the late 1890s, it was common to build structures directly on the ground. The carriage house was built with Sierra Redwood, so the upper portion of the structure has weathered well. The Redwood was durable, as well as insect and rot resistant. But, the sill plates have deteriorated over time. This is due to ground moisture and dry rot. Through the years, the ground has dropped so it is lower than the alley behind it. The Museum has announced several capital improvements that are planned for the structure. It has been a long-awaited undertaking that will increase the longevity of the museum so it may continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. At one time the Carriage House was home to the Chamber of Commerce. At that time a floor was constructed. To preserve the Carriage House structure, it will be required for the structure to be raised to install proper footings, and to install a concrete slab. The sill pates will need to be replaced, as well as upgrading the electrical and plumbing to current standards. The museum is sustained by donations from the community. The Museum had planned to do a fundraising project for the Carriage House back in 2020. They were going to do fundraising dinners with a theme of “Eating Around the World.” However, the pandemic arrived and that project was put on hold as other upgrades to the residence were made. As the museum approaches its 50th anniversary this year, they have launched a "Help Save the Carriage House" campaign. They need to raise $50,000 to complete all the work. To date, they have raised $28, 000, just over half the amount needed. Museum Board President Mike Betcher shared, “We are pleased and grateful to be able to tackle this project after years of planning and fundraising. We wouldn't be able to do it without the tremendous support from our partners and the community. What better way to celebrate our 50-year anniversary than to ensure the museum will be able to serve the community for another 50 years.” To raise the remainder of the funds they are doing fundraising activities. You may also donate online or by mailing a check to Sarah Mooney Memorial Museum, P.O. Box 413, Lemoore, CA 93245. On Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, the Museum will be hosting their annual Legends of Lemoore Cemetery Walk at the Lemoore Cemetery. This is a living history presentation of local historical citizens. The notable citizens this year will be Sarah Mooney, John Kurtz, Herb Atkinson, Berry Gilcrease, Norm Garcia and Morris Howells. This year, two notables will be portrayed by family members. Newly-elected Kings County Supervisor Garret Gilcrease will portray Berry Gilcrease. Sarah Mooney will be portrayed by her great-great-great granddaughter Savanah Hansen. Herb Atkinson and Morris Howells will be portrayed respectively by Kings Players actors Betcher and Hugh Neeley. John Kurtz will be portrayed by citizen Nick Francu of the Lemoore Christian Association. Museum Board Member Alex Walker will portray Norm Garcia. Kings Players board member and veteran director Cyndie Maxell will be directing all the participants who will be dressed in period attire. Tickets are $25. They are available online, at Ramblin’ Rose in Lemoore, or from a museum board member. Presentation times are 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. On Saturday Oct. 17, 2026 to celebrate their 50-year anniversary, the Museum will host the Sarah Mooney Museum Mixer from 6-8 pm. Drink and appetizers will be served. Live music will be provided by local musician Tim Mattos. The museum asks you to consider donating to help them reach their goal to renovate the Carriage House, and to continue providing a glimpse into the history of the community of Lemoore. You can keep track of the progress of the "Save the Carriage House Fund Raising" by the large thermometer in front of the museum. Mark your calendar for Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026 when the Museum will host its annual Christmas at the Museum Open House from 2-5 p.m. You may visit the museum every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. For more information visit https://sarahamooneymuseum.org/