First work day with Scott Storke and John VanDeMar on the lift and Matt Ebeling, Ethan Ebeling, Chris Meyer, Debbie Jahn, Linda Anderson and Terry MacGregor on the ground (left to right). Photo by Doreen Haller
It takes a village and time to enact a change and that is what has been happening at the North Bloomfield Chapel at 1924 State Route 65 since Labor Day weekend. The building was deeded to the Association in 1897 and had been used many times as the community center and dance hall. More recently, it has been used for Memorial Day brunch after the parade, Halloween parties, and Harvest Dinners and more.
The clapboards on the building are original and needed tender loving care. Unfortunately, while scraping, it was discovered that many of the clapboards needed replacing. Learning to remove a clapboard while leaving the one above it in position and undamaged is quite a delicate operation. Replacing clapboards with new ones is an art. Making sure the boards are level, cut to the exact measurement and then nailed level with the rest of the clapboards on the building without splitting the board takes time and patience. More clapboards were replaced than originally anticipated.
At the start, the building was covered in tarps to protect it from the rain until the rest of the new clapboards were on and the building primed. After being primed (and yet another rain delay), the building now has its first coat of paint. There will be continuing restoration of the building next year and donations to help offset expenses are appreciated. If you would like to send a donation to help offset the cost of repairs, please make a check payable to “North Bloomfield Community Association” and send it to:
North Bloomfield Community Association
c/o Doreen Haller
1891 State Route 65
Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
A very big thank you goes out to everyone who stepped up to assist in many ways. Scott Storke for the use of his lift to get to the peak of the Chapel. Scott and John Van De Mar spent many days on the lift repairing, scraping, priming and painting the peak of the Chapel building. Well done as no one volunteered to be on an extension ladder at that height. Their time and dedication to this project is greatly appreciated.
