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A beautiful year
Wanamaker's calendar full of local landmarks
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Local artist Monty Wanamaker has published a 2014 Landmark Calendar. They are currently available.“I have had several people express that I should create a 2014 Landmark Calendar, which I am very proud of,” said Wanamaker.Given its current fate, that being demolition, Wanamaker included the Blue Building’s auditorium and gymnasium.Built in 1869 for Louisiana owner James Pickett, the grand residence has known a number of owners before it was purchased in 1915 by the McMinnville Board of Education and converted after a $28,000 expansion and renovation into a 12-grade school.In 1977, the city transformed the building into the Franklin P. Blue Municipal Building with the first floor devoted to McMinnville City Hall and the basement serving as McMinnville Police Department.After abandonment by the city in 2008, the building has sat in disrepair as officials debated and wrangled over its future. In October 2013, officials voted to tear down the gymnasium which began by removing the stage curtains, seats and other items on Oct. 21.Landmarks included in the calendar:• Blue Building Auditorium – The auditorium was built in 1915 during the early expansion of the residence into a school.