A Former Publication Of Alderson High School “Alderson’s Longest Running News Media”
TIME LINE FOR THE BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS PAVILION As of September 4, 2022
2013 Mrs. Lineberry donated the Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion and 2 acres to the Greenbrier Historical Society. The land was surveyed and Ray and Lynn Tuckwiller constructed a fence. The Preservation Alliance of WV put the Blue on its most endangered list providing leverage for fundraising. 2014 The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provided funding for a Historic Structures Report by the Mills Group including an archaeological report. The Greenbrier County Commission provided matching funds. .
Daywood Foundation and others provided funding for the emergency stabilization of the leaning column and the shoring up of the foundation. The James F. B. Peyton Foundation provided seed money for future fundraising. 2015 We had a successful KickStarter Campaign raising over $25,000. The Mills Group was retained to develop the architectural drawings for future work and help with bid processes. We commissioned a soil study to determine the condition of the soil and the distance to bedrock 2016 We let a contract to Allegheny Restoration for the first stabilization, drainage, and column work. Additional work was needed to complete wetlands delineation and permitting for an overflow drain. However, during this time, the columns were re-pointed and wrapped; the inside was excavated down a couple of feet; a new drain was installed from the spring box to the creek; the foundation was further stabilized; and the leaning column was straightened to almost its original position. 2017 This was a year of re-grouping and fund-raising. 2018 Another year of fund-raising. 2021 SHPO and the James F. B. Peyton Foundation plus private donors again helped out and, with drawings by the Mills Group, we planned to bid the next phase early in the coming year. 2022 Labor and supply chain issues made bidding a daunting process but a contract was let to Schleiff Construction and they are presently at work. This phase will see a new roof, to mimic the 1838 original; stucco on the columns; a new floor to mimic what we believe was the original 8X8 brick floor; and a new edge and grate on the spring box. This phase is scheduled to be completed by the end of November. And beyond…. There will be a few things yet to be done such as some additional fill dirt to further improve the drainage; informational signage; and a new (donated) front fence! Plans are to have a small pedestrian gate in the front fence and allow the public to come in through that gate and walk to the covered spring. The Friends of the Blue and GHS intend to hold a grand opening celebration when we are done! None of the above would have been possible without the generosity of Mrs. Lineberry; the ownership and support of the Greenbrier Historical Society; the Friends of the Blue; the State Historic Preservation Office of the Division of Arts, Culture, and History, Randall Reid-Smith, Curator; the James F. B. Peyton Foundation; and untold numbers of private donors and supporters. Thank you! If you would like to continue to support this effort, please become a member of the Greenbrier Historical Society because they, with guidance from the Friends of the Blue, will continue to manage this property into the future. Money will continue to be needed for the final items and for ongoing maintenance. Please send your checks to the GHS, 814 Washington Street, West, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Friends of the Blue: Alex McLaughlin, Chair; Cathy Bolt; Irma Smith Cadle; Skip Deegans; Margaret Hambrick; Ray and Lynn Tuckwiller.