ONEONTA — After a 62-year wait, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society has finally found a permanent home in a vacant three-story building on Main Street in Oneonta.

Formerly Galinn's jewelry store, the circa-1865 building at 183 Main St., will house more than 5,000 items representing local history.

"We've looked at several different places, but this one was really the ideal place for us," said Sally Mullen, society president. "After 62 years, we are delighted to finally have a home."

These items are now being stored at Hartwick College, the Rowe House on Maple Street and in member's homes, and previously items were stored at the Wilber Mansion on Ford Avenue.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society, established in 1916 and chartered by the state in 1939, purchased the property for $100,000, Mullen said. The society collected money from grants, public and private donations and society membership fees, she said.

On Thursday morning, the deed to the building was transferred to the society by Galinn's former owner, Carl Puylara.

James Lettis, society trustee and former mayor of Oneonta, said the complete "revitalization" of the building will require much fund raising, as it will probably cost about $300,000 to $400,000 to complete.

"We're on the right track now," he said of the purchase. "I'm really excited about it. It's been a dream come true for Oneonta."

Mullen and Mark Simonson, city historian and publicity chairman for the society, said the first floor of the building will house paintings, drawings, photographs, dolls, turn-of-the century women's clothing and Civil War and Revolutionary War memorabilia.

The second floor will offer space for a "reference and research" library and climate-controlled archival storage, they said.

Mullen said the society is not yet sure what they will do with the third floor, a ballroom area.

"As we get money, we will work our way up and do things gradually," Mullen said. "We've got a lot of work to do."

The building itself has much history, society members said.

When built in 1865, it held a hardware store and the first local branch of Wilber National Bank. The building has had many uses since, including serving as a soda shop, a dress shop and possibly a sewing factory, Mullen said.

Crepe paper from a Knights of Columbus dance held 75 years ago can still be seen draped from an archway in the ballroom.

On Tuesday, a structural engineer will inspect the building, Mullen said. Later, she said, an architect will survey and map out floor plans.

Members of the society said an opening date has not been established at this time.

To raise money for the renovation of the building, the society has formed a restoration fund.

An antique show and sale to benefit the restoration fund will be held at the Elks Club at 84 Chestnut St. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The cost of admission is $2.50.