Check out our "Save the Slate!" video appeal on YouTube: Click the video link above!
Status of our "Save the Slate" campaign: As of this writing (Nov 23, 2013) -- we've raised $15,000 toward our goal of $30,000+ for the campaign. This total includes approx $3000 from individual donors, $2500 from Board members, $5000 from a Board-directed emergency fund, and a wonderfully generous $5000 from the Cortland Community Foundation!
PLEASE HELP US REPAIR THE UNIQUE, VERMONT-SLATE ROOFS ATOP OUR HISTORIC OFFICE & SUPERINTENDENT'S HOUSE
The challenge
Designed in the early 1900s by the renowned, (Cortland-based) architect Carl W. Clark* — the Office and Superintendent’s House (shown at left) have offered a suitably elegant welcome to cemetery visitors and passers by alike, for 100 years. Unfortunately, the Vermont slate roofs and underlying copper systems of these two structures (we believe they are both the original) have finally deteriorated to a point where wholesale replacement of the copper system on the Office and spot repairs on the House are mandatory — WHILE RETAINING AND RE-USING THE ORIGINAL SLATE! Without these repairs, these historic, architectural treasures are threatened, not to mention the risk of catastrophic damage to our business files, maps, burial records, office equipment, and other recent/upcoming office improvements (e.g. painting, flooring, etc.)
* Mr. Clark also designed the Cortland Free Library, 1890 House Fernery, Cincinnatus Library, Randall School, among other Cortland landmarks
The solution
Estimates from slate-roofing experts have been secured for these roofing projects. Happily, once these repairs have been accomplished, bidding contractors have indicated that the CRC should be able to achieve another “50-100 years” out of our slate roofs. (Thankfully, we have the best slate there is – Vermont slate – which remains in good shape and will last decades more if we deal appropriately with the metalwork.) The cost for this important project, based on bids from slate-roofing experts, is between $35-37,000.
How you can help!
As you would expect, the CRC and CRC Foundation are aggressively seeking funding for this project from granting sources. But we need the public’s help as well! Gifts of all sizes are encouraged and graciously accepted — with recognition on our memorial plaque for gifts above $250. (Naming opportunities for gifts of $5,000 or more are also available: Contact John Hoeschele, Trustee President, at contact@cortland-rural-cemetery.com to discuss such gifts in confidence.)
Checks can be made out to: Cortland Rural Cemetery Foundation
Please write "Save the Slate!" in the notation line
Mail to:
Cortland Rural Cemetery
PO Box 288
Cortland, NY 13045
<<< Donations can also be processed online using the "Make a Donation" button shown on the left hand side of this screen.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!