Bay City: Students help to restore one of city's first homes College course's historic preservation work helps the community

By Brandon Howell The Bay City Times BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) -- Ethan Rosebrugh spent the better part of a recent Monday working outside in warm, humid conditions to restore one of Bay County's first homes. It was far better than sitting in a classroom, he said. "I love it. I'm more of a hands-on learner," said Rosebrugh, 20, of West Branch. "Sitting there with someone talking to us with a book, I can't retain the information as well as being shown how to do it." Rosebrugh is one of 14 Delta College students in Dave Bledsoe's concrete technology course who spent the day working at the historic Trombley Centre House on Bay City's West Side. Students blocked in the house's storm cellar entrance, which had been taking in water and flooding the basement during rain showers. The house's chimney also was repaired and resealed. Ron Bloomfield, director of operations and chief historian at the Bay County Historical Museum, said the community benefits from the work of Bledsoe's students. "The work that (Bledsoe) has done with Delta students in historic preservation really helps the community as a whole because it's not very easy to find good, quality craftsmanship that's not going to cost a lot of money," Bloomfield said. Bledsoe's concrete masonry class isn't traditionally offered during the spring or summer sessions at Delta, he said, but the college opened up another section due to high demand. Together with the Bay County Historical Society, Bledsoe was able to give his students a chance at practical experience by working on the Trombley House. "I would say most of what we do is theory in the classroom," he said. "But where we can get out in the community and do things that apply and fit the outcomes, we do it." Bledsoe's students have participated in Habitat for Humanity projects in the past, and have worked on the Methodist Indian Mission Church in Kawkawlin Township and playscapes in Bay County. The work is great for his students, Bledsoe said. "It works out really well. That's why we try to stay with nonprofits like this, so that we can do something with the community," he said. "The students get involved in the community and will take pride in the work they've done when they come here for River of Time or come here with their families for years to come." The Trombley House is Bay City's oldest standing frame house. It was moved to Veterans Memorial Park in 1981 from its former location at the intersection of 24th and Water streets on the city's East Side. The house's restoration is overseen by the Bay County Historical Society's Trombley House Committee. Bob Ansbaugh serves on the committee and says the help from Bledsoe's students is greatly appreciated. "It's a great opportunity for me," he said. "I'm 72 years old -- if I had to help somebody work on this, I'd be one hurting puppy." Ansbaugh said both parties benefit mutually as Delta students get practical masonry experience while the Historical Society gets quality work at no cost. "In tough economic times, it's nice to be able to get help," Ansbaugh said. "It's a godsend. "They're doing a terrific job." Published: Thu, Jun 9, 2011