Preservation Projects & Community Revitalization Programs
On the original duncanpridesociety.org website designed by Peggy Toy and Dianne Vandell, the PROJECTS section highlighted volunteer-driven campaigns to safeguard Duncan’s architectural heritage and improve everyday civic spaces along U.S. Route 70 and Main Street. Together with Schedule O of our FY2023, FY2024, and FY2025 IRS Form 990-EZ filings, our community work centers on four interlocking program pillars:
1905 Benjamin F. Billingsley House
Donated by Charles Billingsley, grandson of Duncan Mercantile proprietor B.F. Billingsley. Following roof replacement prep by volunteers, the Society invested $55,565 in FY2023 direct restoration expenses to transform the 202 Main Street cottage into a community venue for wedding receptions, family reunions, concerts, and lectures.
Packer Park & Town Parks Maintenance
Recorded under Part III Line 28 (“Preserved various town parks and historic buildings”) and itemized on Schedule O (including direct lines for Packer Park, Projects $1,647, and Supplies & Materials $6,611–$6,898/yr), volunteers maintain park landscaping, shade structures, and streetscape fixtures.
Town of Duncan (TOD) & Local Grants
Working closely with the Town of Duncan (TOD), the Society channels targeted financial grants and materials toward local civic improvements—including $1,139 to TOD in FY2023, $42,995 in community preservation grants in FY2024, and $2,181 in FY2025.
Historic Main Street Documentation
Supported by dedicated Advertising and Promotion ($1,074 in FY2024) and volunteer historical research, we showcase Duncan’s 1860–1925 commercial district—including the 1908 Bank of Duncan, 1914 Simpson Hotel, 1920 Opera House, and 1921 Duncan Theater.
Line-Item Program & Operational Expenditure Ledger (FY2023–FY2025)
| Schedule O Expense Category | FY2023 (Signed 2024-06-27) | FY2024 (Signed 2025-05-15) | FY2025 (Signed 2026-05-19) | Programmatic Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billingsley House | $55,565 | Included in Grants/Supplies | Included in Supplies | Roof replacement, structural framing, exterior gable & porch restoration at 202 Main St. |
| Community & Preservation Grants | — | $42,995 | $2,181 | Direct preservation sub-grants and community facility improvements in Duncan |
| Supplies & Materials | $1,647 (Projects) | $6,611 | $6,898 | Lumber, hardware, paint, park landscaping materials, and restoration consumables |
| Town of Duncan (TOD) & Packer Park | $1,139 (TOD) + $29 (Packer Park) | Coordinated via Grants | Coordinated via Grants | Joint municipal park upkeep, civic beautification, and public amenities |
| Utilities (Historic Site & Parks) | $393 | $2,254 | $2,203 | Electric, water, and site utilities for the Billingsley House and preservation work |
| Advertising, Promotion & Office | $2,827 (Office) + $100 (Refund) | $1,074 (Adv.) + $767 (Office) | $1,334 (Office) | Community outreach, PO Box 210 correspondence, insurance, and CPA tax compliance |