Wine tasting aids cultural center plan

Do-Mor for Dayton got $1,500 closer to its goal of purchasing the historic Odeon Hall & Saloon for a cultural center.

The funds were raised during the organization's Winter Wine Wasting Dec. 4.

Icy weather kept numbers lower than usual for the third annual event, but spirits were warm, according to Do-Mor president Lee Sommers.

"We had such a wonderful time with the people who were there," she said.

Every item in the White Elephant Auction was sold, with Curley Harrell serving as auctioneer.

"It was fun. It was total camaraderie and support as only the wonderful people of Dayton know how to do," Sommers said. "The (wine-tasting planning) committee thanks all those who made this lovely affair possible."

The organization, which has a goal of restoring, preserving, and promoting the historic section of Dayton, has raised $11,000 towards the Odeon Hall project in a year and a half.

Odeon Hall on Pike Street was constructed in 1870 as the Oddfellows Fraternal Hall and later became the Melodeon Hall and Saloon. It's one of Dayton's best-preserved early buildings. Current owners Mia and Max Kuerzi, who operate Mia's Swiss Restaurant in the building, plan to retire next year and sell the building.