ST. NAZIANZ (NBC26) - A nationally recognized historic landmark in Wisconsin is being eaten away by bugs. Now, a local group is trying to raise money to help save it.
Built around 1870 in St. Nazianz, about an hour south of Green Bay, Our Lady of Loretto Chapel has had a few renovations since then. Now, beetles are causing a whole new problem.
“This building isn't heated, and we don't have a dehumidifier in here,” said Jerry Dewane, the president of the St. Nazianz Historical Society. “These little creatures require a certain amount of moisture, and with no heat and very little ventilation, the moisture finally got to the point where the bugs are happy and we're not.”
Powderpost beetles feed on wood, and are extremely small. They’re about 1/16 to ¼ inches; that’s smaller than half of an M&M.
The beetle problem is something that Dewane has been monitoring for the past couple of years, but it’s to the point, he says he’ll have to strip the entire interior, except for the altar. The pews will also be saved, and possibly treated.
“I actually pulled some flooring and replaced the pieces,” he said. “But it's not the solution. I have to get down to the core. So the floor will have to come out, everything will have to come out.”
The structure was built around 1870 and in June of 1982, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. That’s why Dewane says they want to keep it standing strong.
Dewane is hoping to start construction within the next few weeks. However, it does come with a decent price tag. The Society of the Divine Savior based out of Milwaukee has started a Facebook fundraiser to foot the bill. They’re hoping to raise $16,000; they’re currently over $3,000.
If you’re interested in learning more about the chapel or would like to help out, click here.
