Leftover funds from the $15,000 lantern project will be used to make further historic additions to the Geneseo Bear Fountain.
While examining the fountain for what was thought would be a final repair — fixing a chip in the granite caused when a car struck the base several years ago — Kurt Cylke noticed a series of indentations around the fountain’s rim.
Retired village water plant operator Charles Parent informed Cylke that the indentations were where eight bronze rods were set in a pattern radiating from the fountain center.
The rods each spouted water at their ends, where a small bucket might be easily filled. Each rod was supported by a scrolled wrought iron bracket.
Parent believed that the rods still existed and were in storage at the water plant — and in fact, three of the eight were there.
On Monday, Cylke received permission from the village board to proceed with restoration and replacement of the rods. Village DPW Superintendent Jason Frazer has suggested beefing up the connection with a threaded nut, so as to make the rods less susceptible to damage from mischievous college students who might take fancy to climb upon them. Cylke agrees that the construction must be durable to that degree.
Moorland Studios of New Jersey, the restorers of the lamp, will likewise be contracted to restore, recreate and install the rods and brackets. Cylke reported their modest estimate of $3250, far less expensive than the cost of the lantern restoration.
The amount is available as unspent balance from the lantern project.
See complete story in our June 10 print edition.
