WINTER 2002September 2002
lthough the summer of 2002 will undoubtedly be remembered for the drought which turned the grass brown and crunchy under one’s feet, reducing the need for mowing, it was nevertheless a busy summer at the Meetinghouse at Alloway Creek. Anyone driving past from midsummer on could not help but see a transformation into a sparkling meetinghouse with newly white painted exterior woodwork on the entire building. The workman, Janvier Osborn, a master in his field of speciality, historic buildings, scraped, patched where needed, repaired, and painted the exterior wood surfaces. Additionally, he repaired and re-hung some of the shutters and repaired a window jamb on the east side of the building. His work cost $5,950 as per his bid.
Concomitantly, Earl Urion worked repairing the double front doors on both sides of the Meetinghouse. As well, he repaired the facing bench on the women’s side and the damaged window and repaired the staircase damaged by the posthole beetles. Wood which had to be removed was replaced by modern wood that seemed comparable in appearance. Finally, at great effort on the part of Earl and his helpers, large slab stones were found with which to build authentic-looking doorsteps to the Meetinghouse. These repairs cost $2,914.
Meanwhile, the Meetinghouse was photographed this summer in preparation for Margaret Westfield’s work to get the Alloway Creek Meetinghouse on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Although the grass was brown and did not need as much mowing this year, the First-day School classes at Mullica Hill Meeting continue to care for the Port Elizabeth Cemetery, as did George Crispin for the property at Hancock’s Bridge.
We will all be relieved to know that the Alloway Creek Meetinghouse and property, including the cemetery at Harmersville, and the Old Cemetery along the creek, plus the cemetery at Port Elizabeth—in essence, all Salem Quarter properties and activities—are now insured under Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s umbrella insurance. This was accomplished by Barry Sloane, for which he has the thanks of the Quarter.
A special appreciation is given to Torrey Reade, who resides near the Alloway Creek Meetinghouse, and whose presence provided a continual supervision for the efforts undertaken there over the summer. Her vigilance and organizational oversight of these projects is greatly appreciated.
While much was done this summer, there is still a significant amount of work to be done. The boxwood bush on the corner of the Meetinghouse is to be removed. Saplings and ivy on other parts of our property are to be cut down. We need to find out what to do with the cushions on the balcony. There are suggestions about adding to the Memory Walk in front of the Meetinghouse. Volunteers have come forth from Salem Quarter, the local community of Hancock’s Bridge, and Friends School at Mullica Hill to work on refurbishing the Old Cemetery. We look forward to a busy future for the Trustees and property of Salem Quarterly Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
George A. Crispin, ClerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM
