Known as the Cassadaga Wind Project, the huge turbines rise from the hillsides as a constant reminder that “the times, they are a changin.”

Because of the forever changed countryside, a mitigation grant became available to the communities to preserve their historical integrity. According to Sharon Howe Sweeting, “The turbines are modern, but those behind them want to preserve the historical fabric of the community.”

Through the efforts of Sweeting, who serves as the town librarian and historian, and Ken Chase, who serves as the Cherry Creek Central Cemetery Commissioner, the mitigation grant was awarded through a very lengthy and detailed process. Sweeting and Chase worked to identify the cultural resources needing the aid of the project, and those were submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office, better known as “SHPO.”

One of the projects submitted for approval was the facade of the former Robert James Hardware Building, erected circa 1899. The building housed a family-owned hardware store until 2007, when long-time proprietors, Jerry and Elaine Bentham, retired. The building is now the home of the Cherry Creek Library. The projects were approved, and then bidding from area contractors commenced.

The improved interior lighting system, featuring the library’s original tin ceiling. All the interior improvements to the library were done by local general contractor, Mark Cunningham. Photo by Sue Ann Fish

“We began accepting bids in 2018, and we are still in the process of getting the work completed,” Sweeting said.

To be true to the terms of the grant, much care and attention to detail was required. Since the appearance of the front of the building, called the facade, is largely composed of a wooden door, with large glass panels, the first challenge of the project arose at the very beginning.

“The library’s modern exterior door was replaced with two oak wooden doors, created by local Amish builder Sam Hostetler. We were so fortunate to locate him, because no one does these kind of doors anymore,” Sweeting said. “The doors on the building now closely resemble the originals, as seen in historical photos. To complete the outside of the project, the store front and trim were painted the colors found in the first layer of paint chips that were scraped from the building.”

The next issue was the interior, and local general Mark Cunningham, was called into service. To accommodate the need for additional lighting, LED tubes were installed, with the added benefit of decreased electrical wattage. The original tin ceiling is still in place.

“The library is operated by the town of Cherry Creek, and is supervised by a professional Librarian,” Sweeting added. “It includes programming for children on the weekends, and also serves as a meeting place for community organizations. And, in keeping with our unique position in the county, that being our Amish neighbors, there are many books related to the local Amish community.”

Pictured is the Cherry Creek Central Cemetery receiving vault. The electric service has been updated and now houses cemetery tools and equipment. Submitted photo

Another project slated for historical preservation is the Cherry Creek Central Cemetery. According to Sweeting, the cemetery formerly named Highland, was founded in 1848, with the town appointing three Commissioners in 1949. A building known as the receiving vault was built in 1926, and used as a Chapel.

“The 16-square feet stone building is two stories high, with a shingled roof. It is now used for storage of cemetery tools and equipment. And the rudimentary electricity has been updated.”

Sweeting went on to say the nationally registered history place is owned by the town of Cherry Creek, and is located on the north and south sides of Center Street in the hamlet, on a lot that is 5 acres in size. A monument restoration and repair fund has been established which will contribute to ongoing efforts of the town, to further promote the heritage of its founders and settlers.

Another project to be tackled soon is signage to identify the buildings which were preserved with funds obtained by the mitigation grant. The total of offset funding for cultural mitigation is usually determined on a per-turbine basis, based on consultations with the host communities. The per-turbine amount reflects the adverse effect on historic resources in the area.