The Niles Historical Society has been working the past several years to raise funds for the construction of a research and lecture center to be built adjacent to the Ward Thomas House and Museum.
Donors can purchase memorial plaques, donate to the building fund directly and through bequeaths, purchase books detailing the history of Niles and the surrounding area or purchase a membership to the historical society.
In addition to these ways of donating, the historical society also is selling 16- by 15-inch microfiber cloths for $5 each. The cloths can be used to wash windows, mirrors, computer screens, television screens, eyeglasses, pictures and anything else that can benefit from streak-free cleaning.
According to members of the society, simply ''wet it, wring it and wipe the surface.'' They also remove grease, fingerprints, soap scum and general dust and dirt.
The cloths are used at the Ward Thomas House, said museum curator Audrey John.
''We have the cleanest windows in town,'' John wrote in a recent press release.
All proceeds from the sale of the cloths go into the New Research/Lecture Center Building Fund.
With more than 5,000 items on display in the museum and donations of items arriving regularly, the Ward Thomas House and Museum is overflowing, according to the historical society.
The new facility will house items in the proper environment to aid in the preservation of older documents and antiques, as well as creating space for programs for youth and adults in the community. The facility also will contain additional storage space and a research area.
The cloths are being sold by members of the society. Those interested also can call 330-544-2143 and leave a number for a callback or order by mail by sending $5 plus $1 postage and handling for each cloth to Niles Historical Society, P. O. Box 368, Niles, OH 44446.
The Niles Historical Society hosts an open house at the museum from 2 to 5 p.m. the first Sunday of each month.
Membership meetings are held at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of each month with an executive committee meeting one hour prior to the membership meeting.
Membership costs are $15 for individuals and $25 for families. Corporate memberships also are available.
For more information, visit the Niles Historical Society website at nileshistoricalsociety.org.