After years of planning, stops and starts, fundraising and waits, the dome on top of Middleburgh High School is once again a shiny gold.
On Thursday morning, after a few days of waiting for some clear weather, Don Sheehan of Dusty Don’s Autobody put the finishing touches on the dome, a process that began more than 11 years ago.
Members of the MCS Class of 1950, in a way to remember some classmates who had died, hoped to raise money to restore the dome with gold leaf, just like when the school was built in the early 1930s.
Money was raised but the cost, estimated at $30,000 about five years ago, was too much, said Cherie Clapper, who helped coordinator the project.
In all, $16,000 has been raised from many different individuals and groups and more donations continue to come in. The project will probably take up all that was raised, said Ms. Clapper, who is waiting for the final bills.
After it was decided not to use gold leaf, research showed there were more durable and longer lasting methods, Ms. Clapper said.
With the help of Mr. Sheehan, an automotive grade custom mixed paint was selected.
The process entailed preparation of the copper surface of the dome prior to painting and then sealing it with a high grade clear coat.
It should last a lot longer than when the dome was painted gold with “normal paint” back in the 1980s, Ms. Clapper said.
In addition to painting the dome last week, a railing was constructed and mounted by Ben Rothrock of Rothrock Enterprises. The railing replaces the original one that had rotted and had been removed years ago.
Ms. Clapper said the five-day process for the work was coordinated by MCS supervisor of buildings and grounds Stephen Weinhofer, along with Steve Klena and Betsy Smith of Middleburgh Property Services.
A 135-foot boom truck was brought in from United Rental. The 22-ton truck left its mark on the school lawn thanks to the rain last week and Will Laraway helped repair the ruts on the lawn in time for the Friday night concert and the arts and crafts festival Saturday.
“It’s a great relief. We’re just so happy that it’s done,” Ms. Clapper said Monday.
“We wanted to do it for the school and the community,” said Ms. Clapper, who has had many comments on the new dome.