NORFOLK – A cobbled arch that has stood the test of time above Hale Cemetery in Norfolk since the 1920s could be history in the spring if funds are not raised to restore it.
“It’s in really bad shape and it’s really cracked. It’s gotten really bad over the last two years. We’re still trying to get contractors, but we’re having trouble finding anyone willing to tackle it,” said Cathy Fayette, secretary of the Hale Cemetery Association.
She said the association is seeking funding to restore the arch. The estimated cost ranges from $40,000 to $72,612.
“We don’t have that kind of money to do that. The $40,000 is only for dismantling the arch and rebuilding it, then putting the paving on the outside part instead of making it solid. The $72,000 is for a full restoration,” Ms. Fayette said.
She said that if the money for the works is not collected, the arch will be dismantled in the spring.
She said she applied for a grant through the Rock Charitable Fund, which is overseen by the Northern New York Community Foundation. It was created in the name of retired Lt. Col. Marjorie Jean Rock, whose career as an Army nurse took her through World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. It focuses on the upkeep and preservation of churches and cemeteries in St. Lawrence County, the preservation and upkeep of places of legitimate historic significance in the county, and benefits or assists military veterans Americans who reside in St. Lawrence County.
Additionally, Ms. Fayette said she would also apply for a grant through the Daughters of the American Revolution. Two Revolutionary War veterans are buried in Hale Cemetery, among more than 80 veterans who call the cemetery their final resting place.
The association has also sent letters to cemetery owners and next of kin, as well as state and local politicians and area businesses soliciting donations for a full restoration of the arch.
She said the cemetery has an important history. It was used for the local militia’s annual September training.
“In a way it’s kind of unique because Colonel Ira Hale used the front end for their annual militia training from the 1820s through the 1840s. He was a colonel in the New State militia York by General Andrew Jackson, which I think makes it even more unique,” Ms. Fayette said.
If they are able to fully restore the arch, she said she would like to try to have the cemetery listed as a state historic site if eligible.
“But I can’t do that until I know how much money we can raise,” she said. “I know it’s a lot of money and we’re in a poor area. A lot of people don’t have the money we need. When you think about it, I’m sure there are other things that are probably more important. But if we knock down the ark, it’s gone. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. I hate to see it go when there’s a really unique story in there.
Donations may be mailed to Tom Woodward, PO Box 62, Norwood, NY 13668. If the Hale Cemetery Association is unable to obtain sufficient funds to cover the cost of restoring or repairing arch, funds will be used for ongoing maintenance. from the cemetery or returned to the donor, if specified.
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