The first fish fry of the year to raise funds for the Joe Jackson Restoration Project, will take place Saturday at the Whistlestop, across from the post office in Vallonia. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fish sandwiches will be sold for $4 and dinners for $6.50. Dinners include two sides and a drink. Desserts (homemade pies) are extra.

Proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Joe Jackson Hotel.

The hotel was constructed in 1914. The project was financed by Joe Jackson, a local businessman with ties to both Jackson and Washington counties.

At the time, it was considered the most modern hotel in the county.

The hotel is listed on both state and national registers of historic places.

Work to date has included gutting the building, installation of a new roof, framing the interior, including the second floor, and mortar work on the bricks on the exterior of the building.

The next phase of the project involves replacing the windows.

The committee restoring the hotel holds fundraisers on a regular basis, including fish fries that are held on the second Saturday of the month during the warm weather months.

Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information, contact Sally Waldkoetter, 358-5081, committee chairman.