Benjamin D. Esham for the Wikimedia Commons
GENESEO, NY — The Geneseo Village Board received a report Monday afternoon from Kurt Cylke on the fundraising status of APOG’s Bear Fountain restoration project. Meetings have a new 5 p.m. starting time.
Cylke informed the board that sculptor Richard Morris Hunts probably made the original lantern in wrought iron as opposed to the bronze which comprises the bear itself. Accordingly, the restoration will be in iron, a circumstance which reduces the price to $16,360 versus $21,800 for bronze.
With receipts already at $18,000, Cylke was able to announce that the goal has been achieved. The New Jersey firm which is making the lantern will be installing it on the fountain at no additional cost.
Fundraising will continue with sale of the $10 miniature fountains at downtown businesses. An additional amount, probably less than $2,000, is needed for cleaning the monument and fixing the small chipped spot which had been damaged by a vehicle some years ago. Bill Heaster Building Restoration of Rochester is contracted to do this latter work.
Cylke estimates that the fountain will be completely restored, with lantern in place, by early May.
After speaking with Barry Caplan, organizer of the Geneseo Bear Parade, it has been decided that the unveiling of the restored fountain will coincide with a ‘Celebration of the Bear’ on Saturday, May 22.
The bear parade will now take place on this date, marching from St. Michael’s Church to the Village Park, whereupon participating families will be encouraged to enjoy a ‘Teddy Bear Picnic’ on the park lawn, with live music and other festive activities. Thereafter, the ‘Celebration of the Bear’ might become an annual event unto itself, and another activity, like the Art Strolls, Summer Concerts and Geneseo Festival, which will bring people downtown.
The board consented that Main Street could be closed for an hour-or-so on May 22 while the bear parade is underway.
See complete story in our Oct. 22 print edition.
