After languishing empty, roof leaking, and sorely neglected on Main Street in Anamoose for 15 years, the 1909 historic brick and marble bank now has a new roof structure and rubber roof.
The bank was purchased in 2010 by a group of individuals who were planning the 2011 Anamoose All School Reunion. They quip now that all they really wanted to do was to paint the trim on the windows and doors, as they did with several other Main Street buildings; but, they had to buy the old bank in order to get that done.
This project started out being called “Save the Bank Association.” But, as they began to develop focus, they realized they may purchase other Anamoose historic buildings in the future to renovate them, so the association ultimately incorporated under 
the name of MainStreams, Inc.
MainStreams, Inc. raised funds to replace the roof through fundraisers such as annual Christmas Home Tours, Holiday Dessert & Beverage Bars, Holiday Fancy Candy & Baked Goods Sales; annual Pinochle Tournaments and Friday Suppers; and Market in the Park concessions, as well as through receipt of several grants.
They will be adding a Heritage Day full-day event this coming summer. Those with connections to Anamoose and its surrounding community who have historic items, stories, pictures, or other interesting items they may be willing to share are encouraged to call Alyce Heer at 465-3476.
MainStreams, Inc. is moving into Phase ll of the Historic Bank renovation, which is to install electrical, heating, and air conditioning next.
Plans for the Historic Bank once renovated, include attracting and leasing space to 2-3 small businesses in an ongoing effort to promote economic development in Anamoose.
Submitted by Bonnie Helm, President MainStreams, LLC
Great job MainStreams! Because of your focus on maintaining our community history and building towards the future, Anamoose will not have to face another empty space/lot on our main street.