These recent photos show the belfry at the Gaines District No. 5 Schoolhouse at the Cobblestone Museum in Childs, NY. It was one hundred fifty five years ago that the school was built of lake washed cobblestone. Construction was overseen by William J. Babbit who gave the bell for the belfry. Since 1849 the belfry has gone through winters and summers with ice, snow, sleet, high wind, and penetrating rain. It has stood well over those 155 years, but time like on all things, has taken its toll.

The restoration process

Thanks to Assemblyman Nesbit, a grant was procured for this National Historic Landmark, paying for about half of the cost of restoration, the other portion being footed by the Cobblestone Society Museum. This past week Kevin E. Johnson, a local contractor from Holley, started the process of rebuilding the belfry. Mr. Johnson appears in one of the pictures on the roof of the Cobblestone School by the project.

During the 1930's the lower portion of the belfry was altered in appearance. This project now gives the museum the opportunity to completely restore the belfry to its original appearance based on old photos from the early 20th century. Therefore, when the project is complete, a little decorative gallery with fine straight spindles will encircle the belfry thus giving it the appearance of how it was conceived and built one hundred fifty five years ago.