In 2012 The Association for the Preservation of Geneseo launched a major multi-year project to restore a historic gateway landmark of our Village.  The Save the Wall campaign got off to a tremendous start and if you have traveled down South Street you have seen this work.

 The Wall stretches from Crossett Road, along the south side of South Street, past Main, turning the corner and extends south on Route 39.  This mile long gateway to our Village defines the south end of the Geneseo Historic District.  In recent years, the slow degradation of time caught up with the wall and it is now in various states of disrepair.  

Inspired by the Wadsworth’s family effort to revitalize the historic Homestead property, APOG stepped up to help restore this part of the Village’s history and streetscape.  The wall, if lost, could not be rebuilt.  It is vital we repair the wall while we still can.

Mason John White and his son John White were hired to train volunteers in cleaning and preparing fallen stones for the rebuilding work. Led by this team of master stone masons, community volunteers participate in the rebuilding of the historic mile long stone wall. Since 2012 volunteers have spent over 2,500 hours working on the wall and the community has donated over $53,198.00 in cash and in-kind donations. 

The Save the Wall committee is ready for another season of work, but we cannot do this alone.  We need your help and support to assist in this important effort.  Donations of time and money are necessary to continue this project.  

Workdays begin on June 6 2015 and run through September 26 2015.  Meet at the wall at 9am each Saturday and work with us until noon.  There is work for all skill levels: clearing brush, moving and cleaning stones, and rebuilding and sealing the wall. 

 Donations are also critical.  There are real and large costs associated with this effort.  Professional masons need to be hired to train and oversee volunteers to ensure work is done properly and to complete sections requiring a master’s hand.  Cement and tools also need to be purchased, not a small need for a mile long wall. The 2015 season expenses are estimated at around  $10,000.00.  

Gifts are tax deductible; please make a special gift to APOG this year to help restore this iconic feature of Geneseo.  Every gift will help and everyone must help.  Just think how beautiful the wall will be when it is restored.