By Sue Moore
Pegs for the building of the pavilion were being sold by the Vicksburg Historical Society to help defray the expenses in a small way plus give the public a way to have their name inscribed in the historic building. It is the pegs that hold the construction together in the mortis and tenon pavilion.
Purchasers were able to write their names on the peg with indelible ink but then had to give the peg back for it to be hammered into the building according to Kristina Powers Aubry, who headed up this fundraising effort.
Over 600 pegs were sold of various sizes at a cost of $5, $10, $15, or $25, raising approximately $6,000 toward the construction project. The ultimate cost of the pavilion is likely to exceed $250,000 according to Aubry, with $201,000 raised before construction began and another $50,000 needed to bring it to completion.
A pavilion advisory committee has been working on this final part of the drive to build by approaching individuals and organizations to dip into their pockets one more time.
The money is needed to make sure a roof is built for the winter, electrical is installed, and concrete is poured around the perimeter. Also, the landscaping needs to be done to make the building ready for opening in the spring, Aubry reiterated.