March/April, 2019 Froe Chips, Bobby Turman, RCHS Board Member
The goal of historical preservation is to…well, preserve. This can come in all forms: digital copying of pictures, battling the advance of vegetation into a cemetery, or perhaps repairing the stitching on a hoop skirt. Sometimes, preservation has a more practical, mundane side. Sometimes it is as simple as a new coat of paint.
Which brings us to Cannonsburgh Village. Recently, the Williamson Chapel found itself in need of a little fixing up in the form of an aluminum encapsulation of its steeple. Time and the elements had taken their toll on one of the crown jewels of Mayor Westbrook’s legacy and City Officials were wise in their decision to address the weathered brow of the former Tipperary School.
Encapsulation has already been completed; ensuring further degradation of the structure has been arrested so that future generations may enjoy the quiet majesty of this iconic structure.
The winter months are quiet times for Cannonsburgh. Often this is the time when the loving care that the old souls of these structures crave is given: washing the Blue Willow china, dusting the artifacts, and cleaning the windows of the display cases in the C. N. Haynes Museum.
During this year’s off season, four buildings will be given a small facelift. Just a little dab of color for their cheeks. The Westbrook General Store, Doctor’s Office, Williamson Chapel, and Miss Ada Roland’s Telephone Office will receive fresh coats of white paint in preparation of the coming spring’s event. Be sure to come by the Pioneer Days Festival at the end of April heralding the start of the year’s endeavors.