Hey, Budweiser man, historical society thanks you
By
Jennifer ZeisLisbon — In recent years, such contributors as "Budweiser Man" and "Rolling Rock Guy" have helped the town’s historical society raise more than $20,000 in deposits on recyclable cans and bottles.
When the program started, few envisioned it as a moneymaker.
Felix Prokop, a member of the historical society and the Board of Finance, said only about 25 residents took advantage of the society’s drop-off point when it first was established next to the John Bishop House Museum on Route 169. But as word spread with the help of a little advertising, more people began to drop off their recyclables and the deposit refund grew.
Now Prokop and Richard Herrmann, the town historian, have given regular contributors nicknames derived from the containers they drop off, including "Molson Ale man" and the resident who drops off two horse grain bags stuffed with Rolling Rock bottles once a month.
Proceeds from the recycling are channeled back into the John Bishop House Museum, located across the street from Town Hall. The museum, built in 1810 as a private residence, has retained many of its original characteristics, including a shaft leading from the buttery to the well, so water could be drawn without leaving the house. Money from the recycling program has been used for roof repair, cellar work and wallpapering.
"It’s a piece of history," Prokop said of the museum. "It’s not a dinky farmhouse; it’s representative of how people lived at the turn of the century."
Prokop said recyclable deposits run as high as $50 a week, sometimes more.
"It just catches up to you all of a sudden when you think about it," Prokop said of the program’s profits. He said bringing the cans and bottles to the redemption center is worth the effort.
"I’m sort of attached (to Lisbon)," he said. "This is my hometown, I’ve always dreamed of having a town museum and this is it."
During such events as the town’s Fall Festival, when the John Bishop House is open to tpublic, Prokop can see the results of the society’s efforts. "The kids love it," he said. "You can see their eyes light up."