A nonprofit has started in Denver, Indiana, creating an old building that was abandoned for years into a historic piece for the community. The idea was launched by Jennifer Koon this summer and quickly turned dreams into reality when it became a nonprofit organization as the Northern Miami Preservation Society.
Formerly an old grocery store, hardware store, newspaper office and Knights of the Maccabees building, Koon has plans of turning the building into a place for history, community, art, music, event hall and a partial partial museum to preserve vital stories from the community from generations.
In November, Koon also plans on traveling to Miami, Florida to featuring the restoration on an episode on Momprenuers on Inside Success TV. As she begins with at this building, the goal is to help the town and the surrounding communities that make up northern Miami County and the surrounding area.
The Northern Miami Preservation Society's first official board meeting was Friday Sept 4th with Jennifer Koon, Lynette Smith & Megan Gipson and officially filed with the Secretary of State as a NonProfit and received certificate Sept. Their goal is to preserve and restore the old Knights & Ladies of the Maccabees Hall, now used at their facilities upstairs, as a partial museum and event space.
With grants, donations and fundraisers raised through the coming years, the history of Denver and rural Miami County has hopes of bringing into the community by remember what was there so many years ago. Koon said, so far, all of the surrounding communities have shown an immense support for the project, which has been inspiring. A big start, considering the idea for the project was just launched over the summer of 2026.
“This started so fast and I'm thankful to how fast others have latched on and helped me grow this project," Koons said.
Koon gave a special thanks to the current owner of the building, Michelle Meyers, who saw their dream and were able to make dreams come true with their vision.
“I'm beyond excited to learn more and take in as much history as I can get! We've connected with the Peru Museum, submitted the building to the national Historic Registry & other organizations are on the list. If anyone has tips, stories, comments, question, please feel free to reach out to us," Koons said.
“Denver Days is a big part of this towns culture and this year I hosted my first bicycle fundraiser for Veteran & American Mental Health Awareness. Split proceeds to the DAV Kokomo & Nickel Plate Trail, which runs through both Fulton and Miami counties," Koon said.
The first official fundraising event for the Northern Miami Preservation Society will be held at 70 N Payton St in Denver from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on October 17. Food trucks will be on site, along with live music by Patrick Werner, Jay Pritchard, Dakota Parker, Yard Sale and a 50/50 raffle. In case of rain we will also have a big giant tent on reserve to cover. Cash donations are a $5 minimum cash donation for entry.
For those interested in helping with the project with funding or volunteer work, their link to their fundraiser is provided at https://giveahand.com/fundr.../downtown-denver-kotm-building.
Ferguson Lumber earns dual 2026 industry honors
Rep. Baird asks state, federal officials to explore harvest fuel relief for farmers
Indiana Weekly Gas Price Update shows prices falling
Parke, Putnam and Vermillion counties now eligible for FEMA assistance
Several fundraisers are planned to benefit the Montezuma family and fight back against Alzheimer's
Postal Service recommends 2026 holiday mailing and shipping dates
Attorney General Todd Rokita calls on Hoosiers to claim compensation for inflated generic drug prices
Pennsylvania Attorney General's Cold Case Section, Erie investigators announce arrest of Brazil, IN man in 2002 rape, murder
Impaired driver taken to hospital then jail after crash
Gov. Braun announces plan for new, larger campground at McCormick’s Creek State Park
Governor Braun proclaims Indiana Rail Safety Week September 21-27
State unemployment rate remains below national average
Indiana weekly gas price update
Riverton Parke looks to continue momentum
Parke County Community Foundation awards funds for Ritz renovations
USDA announces 2026 and 2027 enrollment for key price and revenue safety net programs, first base acre increase in two decades
