December 12, 2012
December Story
The Stone Bank’s story seems to have a lot of December in it.
For starters, the original building was completed in December 1900. Here’s a blog post about the Stone Bank’s beginning.
Fast forward about 111 years, and it’s December 2011. And the nonprofit group working to restore the building decides that to save the building and return it to use the back 20 feet must be dismantled to get at a structural problem. Brr. It’s clear and cold as the stone mason begins the work , stone by stone, to take apart the back of the building.
Stones from the south wall were numbered and stacked starting in December 2011. The hand-hewn stones will be reused when the back section of the building rises again.
Fundraising and planning occupied the Stone Bank’s supporters during most of 2012, but now, at last, the project is moving forward again. In the next few days, our stone mason has another December date with the Stone Bank. He will begin the work to dismantle 20 feet of the Stone Bank’s north wall. This wall was left standing, but it must make way for foundation repairs in 2013.
The stone wall at the left is what we call the north wall. It will be taken apart in the next couple of weeks, as will be the remainder of the raised foundation on the south and west sides.
Yep. December is cold. But it seems to be the hot season for work on the Stone Bank. Get this: Joe, our stone mason, says he doesn’t mind working in the cold. Why? Well, lifting stones is hot work.
So wish the bank and this project “Happy Birthday” with a card and a check. The work to dismantle the north wall will cost about $4,000. Can you help with a donation?
The Stone Bank Project is an all-volunteer effort — every donated dollar goes into restoring this historic building. There are links to PayPal and Razoo at right for online giving. If you’re sending a check, the Stone Bank’s mailing address is 524 Main St., PO Box 272, Bottineau, ND 58318.
The Stone Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — so your gift is not only deeply appreciated — it’s tax deductible!
Watch this space for updates as the dismantling project continues. As always, do like the Stone Bank and “Rock On!”
stonebankblog 