Pictured is the historic Millstadt water tower as it stands now. The tower is one of only seven in the “tin man” style remaining in the state. (James “Tal” Moss photo)

More than 30 years ago, Betty Keller Timmer would be driving home from work in the winter, worried about her safety, when she would see a beacon in the night that gave her hope. 

She worked in Belleville but lived in Millstadt. When her father was alive, he would drive her around in the snow because he reasoned it would be easier for him to give her a ride than pull her out of a ditch. 

But he died when Keller Timmer was 23, so she was on her own. She did not like driving in the snow and feared it, until she saw this structure in the darkness. 

This was no lighthouse, though it served the same purpose. It was the historic Millstadt water tower. 

“There was many a night I’d be coming from Belleville, hanging on the steering wheel for dear life,” Keller Timmer recalled. “And just past the intersection of Frank Scott Parkway and (Route) 158, you get your first glimpse of the tower. And I’d say ‘I’m going to make it. One more night I’m going to make it home.’”

In large part because of those memories, Keller Timmer started the Friends of the Old Millstadt Water Tower organization when the village was planning to tear the water tower down in 2013. 

At first, the village gave the group two months to raise $200,000 to renovate the water tower. 

The group eventually negotiated that the village would give them five years to save the tower. That came after the organization got Landmarks Illinois, a nonprofit organization, to put the tower on its 2014 list of most endangered historic places in the state. 

Now, the Friends of the Old Millstadt Water Tower has until January 2021 to raise the money to save the tower.

It has been going well so far; the group has raised $83,000 since 2016. 

“It’s been a challenge,” said Keller Timmer, who is president of the nonprofit striving to save the tower. “Here recently it seems like there are more people who are willing to come forward with money. In the last month we have gotten two donations totaling $3,500.”

The organization still has $117,000 to go before it reaches its goal. All proceeds go toward restoration of the water tower. 

The restoration will include sandblasting to remove six layers of lead based paint, followed by a new paint job for the 100,000 gallon structure. 

To date, the group has raised  a third of its money through donations, while the other two-thirds have come from fundraisers.

Those fundraisers have included four trivia nights, three car shows, bowling events, profit sharing nights with local restaurants, merchandise sales, online campaigns and more. 

“We’re beating this one to death,” Keller Timmer said of all the fundraising methods. 

The group will host a summer bowl-a-thon at Bel-Air Bowl in Belleville this Saturday night. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m. and bowling begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $20 per person, including shoe rental.

On Sept. 28, the group will have its fourth annual classic car show at Mertz Ford in Millstadt. More fundraisers are on the way but have not yet been announced. 

All this work is going to save a water tower that was built in 1931, but Keller Timmer said it is worth it. 

“I think everyone has got their own reason for wanting to see it saved,” she said. “It is the most visible landmark Millstadt has got. It makes us somewhat unique. You can see it as far south as Waterloo. You can see it past Eckert’s. It definitely is a landmark that stands out.”

The water tower is also one of only seven “tin man” style water towers left in the state. 

Given it’s history and rare status, Keller Timmer said that provides ample reason for people to donate to the cause.

“I think everybody’s in agreement that because it is so unique and it is part of our identity it’s worth saving,” she said.

To donate to the group, go to millstadtwatertower.org. Readers can also visit www.gofundme.com/2tjfu78 to donate or sign up to donate via Amazon Smile. 

Checks made out to Friends of the Old Millstadt Water Tower can also be mailed to P.O. Box 335, Millstadt, IL 62260. 

To learn about  more ways to help, visit the group’s website, follow them on Facebook or call 618-476-7326.