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Community Corner

Reports: 'Friends' Ready to Take Over Title for Viking Ship

CBS-2 and WBBM News Radio are saying that the Friends of the Viking Ship, located at Good Templar Park, are close to taking over the title from the Chicago Park District.

CBS-2 and WBBM are reporting that the Viking ship housed at is soon to be officially handed over to the Geneva-based group that's been raising funds for its repair and permanent home for several years.

According to the story posted this morning (Sept. 12, 2012) on the CBS Chicago website, Lorain Straw, who heads up Friends of the Viking Ship, is about to take over the ship's title on behalf of Friends of the Vikings Ship Inc.

The Chicago Tribune had reported back in June that the Chicago Park District was hoping to unload its official responsibility to take care of the 1890s-era replica of an ancient Viking ship.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The ship has been housed at Good Templar Park in Geneva for several years. 

The ship was built by Norwegians in 1892 for the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The city of Chicago originally asked for the Gokstad, a Viking ship that sailed in 850, but the ship was in delicate condition, so Norway made the replica.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Viking Ship Exhibit will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 15, according to the Friends of the Viking Ship website.

"Declared one of the 10 most endangered landmarks in Illinois, this important, irreplaceable piece of our nation's and region's history must be preserved," the website says.

Recent Accomplishments of FOVS

  • a website launched (August, 2007)
  • a professional assessment of the Viking completed (November, 2007)
  • a grant of $52,000 awarded by American Express (2007) toward its stabilization (2008)
  • visitor viewing platform erected (September 2008) • regularly scheduled visitor’s days (ongoing)
  • educational posters showing brief history of the Viking installed (April 2010)
  • security enhancements (May 2009 - September 2010)
  • additional shelter enhancements (September 2011 and April 2012)
  • cleaning and archiving of the Viking ‘s deck boards (August 2011 and August 2012)

The Tribune article says a petition to change the deed estimates the repair, relocation and exhibition of the ship at more than $3.1 million.

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