PETERSBURG — A local group got two things for Christmas this year — a new cedar shake roof on each of two key historical buildings and a lesson in patience.
Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township member Bob Holden welcomed the news that Township Committee approved an agreement Dec. 19 with the county open space trust for funds to replace the roof of the Gandy House ($29,500) and Tuckahoe Train Station ($35,500).
Engineer Paul Dietrich said the township must match 40 percent, with the county providing $48,000 in grant funds and $17,00 to cover the cost of signage at each site.
Holden said it was a long time coming, noting they met with Dietrich in June and were hoping to have the job done by winter.
“You can hope all you want but you have to go with the flow,” he said. “When dealing with governmental agencies you have to be patient.”
“We were concerned some time ago about the roof and approached the township,” Holden said. “They were keen on getting an open space grant to help with payment.”
The grants will help the township, which owns the two buildings, preserve the historic structures and continue to keep the facilities open to the public.
“We are very happy,” Holden said. “The train station is losing shingles and the Gandy House is starting to leak.”
Holden, who serves as an unofficial facilities manager for the group, said there have been issues with both buildings.
He said a moisture issue at the Gandy House led to mushrooms growing beneath a window that was replaced.
“Now we have another one upstairs that may need attention,” he said, noting the township is very responsive when issues arise.
Holden said they had to remediate mold on a plaster and lathe wall and are hoping the new roof will prevent the problem from recurring.
He said other than the roof, the train station is in good shape. The HPSUT would like to see the township budget for additional perimeter lights around it, he added, noting it gets pretty dark during the annual Santa Express trips.
“A new roof on that will make it look so much better and function better,” he said.
Dietrich said the goal is to get the projects out to bid in January, noting they hope to have both projects done simultaneously.
The HPSUT serves as custodian of both property, as well as The Friendship School at 859 S. Shore Road in Palermo.
Built in 1894, the train station was restored at the beginning of the 21st century. The station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 22, 1984.
The Cape May Seashore Lines offers excursion trips from Tuckahoe to Richland and the HPSUT hosts its Transportation Heritage Festival there every September.
Holden said the Gandy House was restored in late 1980s. It serves as a site for the groups Apple and Strawberry festivals.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff