Community Corner
Swede Run Supporters Raise More Funds at Moorestown Day
Organizers hope to receive funding from the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
Supporters of the Swede Run barn project said the group raised nearly $1,300 at , selling prints and watercolors of the vintage building, all painted by area artists.
One artist, Jan Daniels, a retired Dutch citizen who lives in the Bahamas, but spends summers in Moorestown, created a book containing photographs and history on the historic barn.
According to barn supporter Julie Maravich, the group has raised nearly $17,000 to date, which falls short of the total amount needed to complete the project.
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Maravich said the group is working on a proposal to present to the township, requesting that the township release funds from the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, and match the money which has been raised by the Swede Run supporters thus far.
“Then, we will have no trouble completing the project,” Maravich said.
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She added that the existing rafters had to removed and replaced, and the group's
In an earlier report, Mayor John Button said he'd consider a proposal, adding that
But the good news is, Larry Tait, president of , used reclaimed telephone poles made from solid cedar, which should last for another hundred years, according to Maravich.
Also, Tait has completed the demolition, asbestos remediation and a complete reconstruction of the roof.
To maintain the historic character of the building, local mason George Bobb repaired the wall holes and cracks, and then he pargeted the interior walls; typically, that means distressing and coloring the walls to lend an aged appearance.
Other building professionals, including Paul Canton of , will be constructing two door jambs, and Dave Schill will be creating steps and a small landing at the front entrance, as well as some other carpentry work.
Archaeologist Jack Cresson, who has been an adviser on the project, has also been asked to help determine the age of the building.
In the meantime, the organizers are concentrating on other fundraising ideas such a Swedish-themed dinner, aptly suggested given the barn’s name.
Another possibility is a race: “Since there is a running path surrounding that area, we could do a race or fun walk,” Maravich said.
Prints of Swede Run are still for sale at , and Prints and books are being sold at the 12 High St., Moorestown.
