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 November 2007 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Community Focus Restoring East Aurora’s Roycroft Campus By Christopher Schobert
Forever Young: The history of Elbert Hubbard and the Arts & Crafts style is well known locally. How does the Roycroft Campus tie in with, and preserve the heritage of, Hubbard and the movement he helped spawn? Christine Peters: The vision of the RCC is, “The Roycroft Campus: as if Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters never left.” We seek to preserve and promote the ideals, traditions, architectural legacy and business skills of Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters through the acquisition and restoration of the Roycroft Campus buildings and grounds, in a manner consistent with their National Historic Landmark status. As we purchase and restore Campus buildings, each will contain a museum aspect of what occurred there, the businesses of Roycroft, such as printing, metalsmith, visitor’s center, etc., artisan workshops and demonstrations, lectures, and artisan made items for display and for sale. In addition, a library, archive/collections and research center will be developed. FY: Give us an update on what’s been happening at the Roycroft Campus, and how restoration of the Power House is progressing. CP: The Power House was purchased by RCC in October 2005. Several projects impacting the Power House will occur in the fall of 2007. First, a new water line will be installed to service the Power House, Copper Shop, Furniture Shop and perhaps other buildings. Since the Power House suffered a devastating fire in 1997 and lost two of its walls, due to harsh winter weather, only two walls remain standing. The remaining two walls will be de-constructed and the concrete blocks examined for re-use capabilities and stored for the actual re-building, planned for 2008. It is planned for the building to look the same as built in 1910. In addition, some layers of brick from the chimney, which once stood 84’ in height, will be removed and later replaced. Lastly, the site will be prepared and readied for construction to begin in 2008. A basement will be added to accommodate mechanical systems and storage. FY: What else is being planned for the Campus right now? CP: The Copper Shop, built in 1902, was purchased by RCC in April 2005. It currently serves as a microcosm of what will occur throughout the Campus. The Copper Shop, owned and operated by the RCC, serves as a visitor’s center, a printing museum, workshop for artisan classes, lectures, demonstrations, and represents over 60 artisans with items on display and for sale. In fall 2007, the severely deteriorating concrete blocks, will be replaced. The actual restoration of the Shop is planned for 2009. Also in 2008, the Campus Grounds will be repaired and enhanced with a better parking plan, enhanced landscaping, and pedestrian walkways.
CP: Besides offering historical and architectural tours on the Roycroft Campus, the RCC offers a variety of artisan classes and public events. Metalsmithing, screen printing, beaded jewelry making, letter press printing and hand illumination, block printing, bookmaking, calligraphy and water color painting are some examples of the artisan classes designed for all ages and offered to the general public. Classes range from a few hours to the most commonly scheduled 2-day workshops. These classes begin with an intimate Friday evening reception with the artist. All classes are limited in size and the students always have a finished creation to proudly take home. FY: Tell me a bit about some of your volunteers. Who are they, and what kinds of things do they do? CP: The majority of our volunteers are retired professionals that have lived in the community for many years and are passionate about the philosophy of Elbert Hubbard and truly appreciate the positive impact his efforts have had. We also have been fortunate to attract professional men and women who offer their services on weekends and for evening events. Volunteers are expected to participate in an extensive training program. It’s important that they’re familiar with the history of the RCC and the numerous activities that took place on the Campus. They spend the majority of their volunteer efforts conducting educational tours to groups with varying interests. For numerous years, the gardens in front of the Copper Shop and along the Appian Way have been beautifully maintained and cared for by a very dedicated volunteer. The Roycroft Blog, which receives hundreds of hits a month, was introduced and maintained daily with written passages by an 86-year-old ex-librarian, an active community volunteer. Both these women have graciously provided the RCC with tireless hours of invaluable service. We encourage anyone interested to contact Clare Root, our associate director, at 655-0261 or croot@roycroftcampuscorp.com. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
