March 2002
xtensive work has been done
on the Alloways Creek Meetinghouse since last Quarterly Meeting. The posthole
beetle has been vanquished, and we have now undertaken repairs to the damage he
has wrought. Two professionals, specializing in restoration of historic
buildings, have been employed to make repairs. Earl Urion, who has done work
for us before, is at work repairing the stairs and other areas where damage was
done. Allen Sloan, who pointed the brickwork on the north wall, is presently
working to repair the interior of the north wall. The crumbling plaster has
been removed, the underlying brickwork is being cleaned and reset, and the
wooden lintels over the windows, which have rotted, are being replaced with
stainless steel lintels which will fit well, not shrink, not corrode, and will
not be visible. The estimation for the work to be done by Allen Sloan is
$2,500. It is work we can ill afford not to do. When the weather turns warmer
in the spring, we are planning to paint the exterior woodwork of the
meetinghouse.
Throughout the winter, work was done by volunteers to
remove the ivy growing up the side of the meetinghouse and to saw and haul away
limbs that have fallen in our yard from our trees. Work was also done sawing
and hauling limbs from the Harmersville Cemetery.
Two planned workdays on the Old Cemetery by students
from the Friends School in Mullica Hill failed to materialize due to illness of
Friends School teachers. We are looking forward to the spring weather once
again to take up this project.
Salem Quarterly Meeting is again the recipient of a
generous donation. This time Robert and Phyllis Shimp have donated $1,000
toward the maintenance of the Harmersville Cemetery. A letter of appreciation
has been sent to the Shimps.
As the season of warmer weather and grass-growing
approaches we look forward to working on other projects and maintaining our
vigilance over our priceless meetinghouse and grounds.
For the Trustees,
George A. Crispin, Clerk
SUMMER 2002