Long-time Galvan, Aaron Kewish, was chosen as “Friend of the Chamber” by the Galva Chamber of Commerce for his work in restoring so many of the city’s aging buildings. The award was presented to him on Saturday, Jan. 20 at the ceremony held at Midland Country Club.
A master craftsman, his first restoration was the old waterworks building on West Center Avenue he purchased from the city at the beginning of 2019. Spending many man-hours of hard work, he sandblasted and reinforced the 130-year-old structure inside and out, restoring it to its original look.
Inside, a large array of Galva-related items such as gas pumps, vintage cars, advertising signs and his collection of McDonald’s items fill the renovated rooms. A testament to the size of the project, King Orry, a 20-foot fiberglass Manx Viking poses outside the building, holding his shield that features the Isle of Man symbol and the name of Kewish’s main business, Kewish Concrete. Paying tribute to Kewish’s great grandfather, Robert Kewish, who came to Galva from the Isle of Man, it greets visitors to the area and gives train passengers a treat as Amtrack passes by.
His second venture was to restore the former City Services gas station located on the curve of West Division Street. Years ago, it was converted to a private residence and Kewish did a complete restoration of the building, returning it to its original 1923 look.
Careful attention to detail brought back the vintage style, complete with a glass windowed garage door, vintage gas pump and original brick siding. Plans to open it as an Airbnb will take place this spring.
His most recent undertaking was the purchase of the former Grace Methodist Church on South East Second Street. Built in 1867, Kewish views the building as a historic jewel and one of his best purchases. He has not yet determined what he will do with the building but has several ideas on the table.
Nominated by Rick Nordstrom and John Hathaway, they likened Kewish to George Swank, a Galvan long remembered for his preservation of the town’s history.
“We know that whatever Aaron does, it will be done right”, said Nordstrom.
Parents Tom and Sherry Kewish, girlfriend Amy Newton and sister Autumn are his biggest cheerleaders.
“They have encouraged every venture and pitched in whenever possible”, says Kewish.
Kewish admits that all of his projects involve a tremendous amount of hard work.
“I love the challenge”, he said. “Saving history is my passion, and I want to help Galva be remembered.”
Before the presentation to award winners, Treasurer Adam Jaquet welcomed guests and recounted the many projects undertaken by the GCOC in 2023. Among them were business spotlights, Dinner in the Park, the Fourth of July parade, Old Fashion Christmas festivities and ribbon cuttings for JMAC and the Galva Garage.
Officers re-elected for 2024, were Carson Halsall, President, Jake Anderson, Vice President, Jaquet, Treasurer, and Stacy Hanks, Secretary. Mike Yepsen serves as member-at-large. Jaquet thanked the officers and volunteers who helped make the Chamber efforts successful.
