Fenton Community Fund

Well-designed exhibits showcasing Linden’s history can be viewed by all, thanks to new stair lifts that provide access to the historical Linden Mills Museum. Housed in an 1871 grist mill, the Museum is located on the top floors with two wooden staircases leading to the historical displays.

Entry to the Museum has been a long-standing issue for Museum Curator Barbara Kincaid. Her goal was to provide access to everyone in the community. A feasibility study was conducted, and the recommendation was made to install stair lifts rather than an elevator. Three motorized chairs were installed in the museum recently – one at the entry stairs and two on the stairways to the top level.

Local contributions supported the project, including a $4,000 grant from the Fenton Community Fund. Additional funding came from the City of Linden W.F. Close Memorial Funds, Kiwanis International of Linden, and memorial funds donated in memory of Carolyn J. Kaufman, a longtime Linden resident who passed away in 2011.

“The stair lifts enable both seniors and people with disabilities to gain access to the Museum,” said Kincaid. “Now everyone can enjoy the many exhibits and artifacts which are on display here.”

The Museum is located downtown at 201 N. Main Street in Linden and shares space with the Linden City Council Chambers and the Genesee County Linden Library.

“The fingerprints of William F. “Red” Close can be found all over this project,” said Dennis Leyder, chair of the Fenton Community Fund Advisory Committee. “Red Close was a philanthropist who gave to his community through volunteerism and charitable giving. The majority of the funds for this project came from endowments established by Mr. Close at his death. We are so grateful for his generosity.”