Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Vintage Vernon?

A: Vintage Vernon Foundation was created in June 2008 as a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide educational and economic assistance to the citizens of Vernon and Wilbarger County to preserve, promote, and revitalize our historic buildings and places. We work with businesses, local government, civic organizations, historic preservationists, and individuals to enrich community pride and celebrate the unique heritage of Wilbarger County.

Q: Why was Vintage Vernon created?

A: The Foundation was created by people who love Vernon and Wilbarger County. We hope to educate residents about our unique and irreplaceable historic structures. As a first area of focus, we aim to preserve, protect and enhance the downtown area with its historic assets, while raising the value of downtown properties and its businesses.

Q: What is the connection between Vintage Vernon Foundation and the Ghost Tour?

A: Vintage Vernon Foundation created the Vintage Vernon Ghost Tour in 2009 as an event to raise money to support downtown revitalization projects. As part of our efforts to expand the event, we added the Folk Festival and a number of additional activities in 2010.

Q: What do you use the money for?

A: One of Vintage Vernon's first revitalization projects is a Façade Grant Program to provide financial assistance to downtown property owners to:

         1. Renovate building façades in downtown Vernon.

         2. Rehabilitate the original fabric or design of existing properties.

         3. Preserve the unique character of downtown Vernon.

Q: How many paid staff members do you have?

A: None. Vintage Vernon Foundation is a 100% volunteer run and directed organization. No board members are compensated or are eligible to receive any grant money.

Q: Can Vintage Vernon Foundation board members who own downtown property benefit from money raised by the Foundation for downtown revitalization projects?

A: No. Vintage Vernon board members have signed legal documents prohibiting them from benefiting from any money raised by Vintage Vernon Foundation. We have adopted this strict standard to make certain that there is no misunderstanding about the motivations of Vintage Vernon board members.

Q: How is Vintage Vernon involved with Vernon's new Main Street Program?

A: Vintage Vernon strongly supports the Vernon Main Street Program and has committed funding to support this program's downtown revitalization and preservation efforts. Proceeds from the Vintage Vernon Ghost Tour & Folk Festival also contribute to the Vernon Main Street Program.

Q: What is Vintage Vernon's Facade Grant Program?

A: The Facade Grant Program is Vintage Vernon's first downtown revitalization project. Its goal is to renovate and rehabilitate building facades to improve the image of downtown and make it a more attractive place to visit.

Q: Is Vintage Vernon Foundation a 501(c)(3) organization?

A: Yes. The Foundation was created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has applied to the IRS for official certification. That certification is still pending.