By JAMIE PILARCZYK

They began with chisels in their hands, cleaning mortar off of the historic Tampa Bay Hotel’s decorative fireplace tiles. Forty-eight years later, they are still focused on the mortar but the chisels remain primarily in their title.

A 315-member, all female group, the Chiselers have raised more than $3 million, completely for the restoration of the hotel which is known presently as Plant Hall at the University of Tampa. The hall is leased to the university by the City of Tampa.

“If it weren’t for the Chiselers, that building might not be standing,” said Chiseler Phyllis Kimbel.

The most current project, continuing into its second year, is a $1-million re-pointing or, rather, refinishing of the cracked and crumbling mortar between the bricks. Along with the restoration of the windows in the hotel, the Chiselers are keeping the historic landmark alive.

“If you’re a history buff, how could you not want to be a part of it,” said Chiselers publicity chairwoman Betty Carroll, who has been a member for two years.

Carroll got her masters degree in business administration from the University of Tampa years ago. As a student, she witnessed the wear and tear of years of use of the main lobby.

“It was just tattered,” said Carroll.

Since the Chiselers have helped with renovations, including recarpeting the floors during the 2006 holiday break, a new life has been breathed into the hall.

With $1 million in the club’s coiffeurs, one would think asking for funds was never a difficult task. However, two-time past president Kimbel said fundraising had to be done discretely when the club was still in its infancy in the early 1960’s.

“When the club was first formed, it wasn’t good manners to ask people for money,” said Kimbel, who has been a member since 1991. “(The first Chiselers) would have a money tree in the corner of a room and have a tea party. You didn’t mention (the tree). You were just supposed to know it was there and that you were supposed to place your dollar or $5 bills on it.”

Since then, the Chiselers have become adept at writing grants and making friends with deep pockets. Carroll said the reason for their success is simple.

“Pushy women,” Carroll said with a smile. “Most of the women have made a career of fundraising. They can ask for $5,000 without batting an eye.”

Their connections, their charm and their goal keep the Chiselers running strong.

“Everyone sees old Tampa Bay Hotel and realizes it is a jewel,” said Kimbel. “There isn’t anything like it in the country.”

But the social activities and the fundraisers take a lot of manpower – or womanpower – to get the results they do. The annual Chiselers’ Market, a flea market of vast proportions, nets between $100,000 and $200,000 a year. The fashion show, with roots dating back to the early 1970s when the Chiselers worked with the president of Maas Brothers department store, has similar success.

“This is the first organization that I’ve belonged to that much is expected of you,” said Carroll. “I think that’s important. If you’re not demanding, then you think (the goal) is not important.”

To document the work of the Chiselers, the group published, in 2005, “A Jewel Reclaimed: The 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel,” in honor of the 75th anniversary of the University of Tampa. Kimbel is the book’s author. The Chiselers published the book for their own members, but due to response from the public have reprinted 2,000 more copies, available now in locations throughout town.

“We wanted a piece of history of what the Chiselers have done,” said Carroll, adding that “A Jewel Reclaimed” has won a Meritorious Achievement Award in the field of education/media from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

The book sells for $30 and can be purchased at locations such as the H.B. Plant Museum gift shop, Villa Rosa Linens, the Garden Party, Inkwood Books and Estella’s.