Church Windows & Terrace
The Cobblestone Universalist Church, built in 1834, stands as the oldest cobblestone church in North America. At 182 years old, the sashes and sills are one of the distinguishing features of the building that have remained in place for the entire life of the structure. Over time, Mother Nature has inflicted her wrath upon the beautiful building and the need for complete restoration of the church's 27 windows has become a top priority.
As part of the proposed work, all windows will be reglazed, damaged glass replaced with period glass (when possible), and reinstalled utilizing original wood and avoiding replacement when possible. Finally, damaged window sills will be replaced with period-appropriate wood.
To complete this project and other important preservation projects, the museum is seeking $30,000 from donors. Anyone interested in donating is encouraged to contact the museum to inquire about the project, donate by cash/check via mail, or use the above link to donate with a credit card via PayPal.
Please contact the Cobblestone Museum at 585.589.9013 or director@cobblestonemuseum.org for more information about the ongoing restoration work on the Cobblestone Church.
As the museum's most iconic structure, the Cobblestone Society is committed to retaining the original characteristics of the building. The museum's epicenter serves as a venue for educational programming, religious services, weddings, and museum exhibitions. Thousands of visitors walk through this historic site each year and houses the organization's visitor center and gift shop.
Designated in 1993, the 1834 Universalist Church is one of three buildings included in the Cobblestone Historic District, Orleans County's ONLY National Historic Landmark; recognized by the federal government as a historic site important to documenting the cultural development of the United States.
Ward House & Outhouse
In 2013 the Cobblestone Museum sought the assistance of a preservation architect to complete a thorough analysis of the Ward House. The Society used a grant awarded that year to pay for the evaluation of the current state of the building. The following projects from that report were pinpointed as important areas warranting attention within the next two years:
- Removal of the front steps constructed of Medina Sandstone; the steps are not period-appropriate (19th century) and were a later addition. The steps are causing water damage to the basement wall.
- Replacement of the front steps with a period-appropriate setup, including a simple wood staircase and railing.
- Installation of French drains along the perimeter of the building to mitigate moisture damage.
- Restore two basement windows on south wall and replace deteriorated sashes due to moisture damage.
- Repointing stonework around the entire building, specifically replacing loose stones at ground level caused by moisture and lack of drainage.
- Replace deteriorating wood post supporting the west porch.
The Cobblestone Society is seeking grant funding to aid in the completion of the project, but is also seeking community support for the preservation of this historic structure built in 1836. Once owned by New York Tribune editor Horace Greeley in the 1860s, the home is a valuable piece in the process of interpreting 19th century cobblestone history and culture.
The Society has also targeted one outbuilding in need of repairs to the roof. This building, constructed c. 1832, is the oldest building at the complex. The structure served as the outhouse for the Farmers’ Bank of Orleans located at the intersection of Rts. 104 and 279 in Gaines. Volunteer labor are already earmarked for restoring the cedar clapboard siding; the Society is seeking contributions to complete restoration work to the trim around the roofline. Once completed, the roof will be replaced with volunteer materials and labor.
Individual Donors:
Ms. Erin Anheier - Holley, NY
Mrs. Shirley Bright - Neeper, Medina, NY
Mr. Robert Bruning - Albion, NY
Ms. Joan Casterline - Rochester, NY
Ms. Elsie Davy - Albion, NY
Mr. Duane Ecker, Pineville, OR
Ms. Sheri Egeli - Medina, NY
Mrs. Linda Fuller - Rochester, NY
Mr. James Harold - Arlington, VA
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kent - Albion, NY
Dr. John C. Klahn, San Antonio, TX
Ms. Connie Mosher, Albion, NY
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rheinwald - Rochester, NY
Ms. Jocelyn Rowley - Kendall, NY
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Radzinski - Albion, NY
Mr. & Mrs. J. Wixson Smith - N. Chili, NY
Jim & Cathy Skvorak - Syracuse, NY
Ms. Georgia Thomas - Medina, NY
Corporate Donors:
Christopher-Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. Albion, NY
Grant Contributions:
Dunn-Martin Fund, Rochester, NY
Elisabeth Dye Curtis Foundation/Orleans County Foundation, Albion, NY