Though supporters of Mint Hill bonds were disappointed with the outcome of the November 6 Election, they do not view the vote as the end of the dream to renovate and repurpose Historic Bain Academy into a cultural and civic center for the community.

On behalf of the HIstoric Bain Committee, I want to extend thanks Mayor Ted Biggers, Town Manager Brian Welch, and all the Mint Hill Commissioners for the effort they put into getting the bond on the ballot. Mr. Welch and his staff went the extra mile in hosting several public meetings so citizens could make an informed decision on the bonds.

We are deeply indebted to the late Tina Ross and her family  for leading the movement to restore and repurpose the historic school, known for its educational excellence for over 129 years. We are also grateful to Robert Bush, president of the Arts & Science Council, for his support.  A special thanks to the members of the Historic Bain Committee — June Hood, Dale Dalton, Dana Finley, Gail Honeycutt, Denise and Connor Fohr, Dave Martinson, Billy Hawkins, Jerry Mullis, Lynnette Pritchard, Marti Wyatt, Tom Duke, Jason and Jessi Healey — for their dedication to the project, an ongoing effort for over five years.

The support of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce and Mint Hill Arts and the willingness of groups such as the Mint Hill Women’s Club to host meetings about the bond made a big difference in the campaign.  We also appreciate the news coverage provided by the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly and The Mint Hill Times, as well as the www,savebain.com website, produced by Create A Video. Thanks to Dr. Steve Bain, Bobby Long (Mint Hill’s first elected mayor), Allyson Ross Cathey, Commissioner Mike Cochrane, former Bain teachers Frances Leete, Barbra Price, and Margaret Thompson for sharing their stories about Historic Bain on the website.

We firmly believe that Mint Hill deserves a restored and repurposed Historic Bain Academy. We applaud everyone who shares that vision — the same vision that John Bain had for Mint Hill when he built Bain Academy in 1889.  Please stay tuned for updates….

Thank you and best wishes,

Carol Timblin

Acting Chair

Historic Bain Restoration Committee