| Description |
The Little White Church was not in serious disrepair when the Palmerton Area Historical Society assumed ownership in 1993, as it had been cared for by a variety of different occupants over the years. Nevertheless, the bell tower suffered from water leaks, deterioration, and squirrel damage and the walls and outside stairs were in need of some patching and repairs.
Therefore, PAHS immediately set out to restore this historical treasure before its condition could worsen. Luckily, various types of aid became available to the PAHS for the necessary renovations. The first type of aid was nonmonetary technical assistance and came in the form of a Technical Assistance Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The second type of aide was monetary and came from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DECD). As for the other types of aid, not enough can be said for the generosity of regular contributors and for the services of volunteers.
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FIRST TYPE OF AID: NONMONETARY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The Palmerton Area Historical Society has received two Technical Assistance Grants from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). The first grant was awarded in 1997 for the renovation of the church. The second grant was awarded in 2001 for restoration of the Little White Church's cemetery.
In regard to the 1997 Technical Assistance Grant, PHMC assigned as consultant, Mr. Martin J. Rosenblum of Martin Jay Rosenblum, AIA & Associates - a Philadelphia based architectural firm specializing in, among other things, historic preservation - to meet with Palmerton Area Historical Society representatives on site at the Little White Church to discuss the specific needs in regard to the renovation of the church.
Mr. Martin J. Rosenblum assessed the condition of the structure and generated a report with recommendations regarding stabilization, repair priorities, restoration work, and a cyclical maintenance plan. His report included preservation briefs and photographs which served to illustrate the problem areas and to justify his recommendations. The report also served as a set of guidelines for the implementation of his recommendations and as the basis for future monetary grant applications.
For more information about the Cemetery Restoration, click on that link from the Little White Church main page.
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SECOND TYPE OF AID: MONETARY FUNDING
In regard to monetary grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DECD), assistance from Representative Keith McCall was secured to pursue this funding. Since 2001, the Palmerton Area Historical Society has been awarded three grants to renovate the Little White Church building and cemetery. Rest assured the monies have been put to good use by Bob Borgia, the Palmerton Area Historical Society's "resident carpenter."
The first DECD Grant of $ 20,000.00 was awarded in 2001. The funding was used to restore the bell tower on the church by replacing the tower's deteriorated wood and soffit. In addition, a new water-tight floor with a drainage system was installed, along with six new water tables and ridge-caps, flashing, and roof slates. Even new wire mesh was wrapped around the tower to prevent damage from birds and squirrels.
The second DCED Grant of $ 20,000.00 was awarded in 2005. The funding was used to renovate the interior and exterior of the church. Inside the church, the walls were patched and the ceiling tiles replaced as needed. Outside the church, deteriorated wood trim and soffits were replaced, the stucco was repaired and pressure washed, new gutters, downspouts, and elbows were installed, and an outside entrance to the basement was replaced. After all repairs were complete, both the inside and the outside of the Little White Church got a fresh coat of white paint of course!
The third DCED Grant of $15,000.00 was awarded in 2007. The funding was used to restore the historic cemetery behind the Little White Church.
For more information about the Cemetery Restoration, click on that link from the Little White Church main page.
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OTHER TYPES OF AID: MONEY AND MANPOWER
Additional Monetary Contributions:
~~~~~ The Horsehead Community Development Fund
~~~~~ Palmerton Businesses
~~~~~ Society Members
~~~~~ Friends
Additional Services:
~~~~~ New window panes - Installed by Dr. Stanley Cope
~~~~~ Front Entrance Steps - Replaced by Dr. Howard Cyr
~~~~~ Routine Cleaning / Lawn Care / Maintenance / Repairs
~~~~~~~~~~ Performed by the PAHS Building & Grounds Committee:
~~~~~~~~~~ George Ashman
~~~~~~~~~~ Jim Burnhauser
~~~~~~~~~~ John Stefanik
~~~~~ General Assistance - Society Members
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For additional information about the Little White Church, return to the main page and click the various links, or call 610-824-6954, or Email: contactus@palmertonhistorical.org.
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