About two years ago, OHS Board members Kevin Armbrust, Dale Suter, John Medley and Brian Kirkpatrick noticed that the two historic rock walls in front of the Acadia had sections of crumbling cement joints, and appeared to be moving out towards the parking area. They began taking regular measurements to document movement, and discovered there was enough on the west wall to warrant repairs or replacement. OHS contacted stonemason Darrell Klesch for his professional opinion and suggestions for fixing this potentially hazardous situation. Darrell agreed to begin the project after Thanksgiving this year and to re-use as much of the historic stone as possible.

Over the past weeks, Darrell and his crew completely dismantled the old wall, cut back the dirt that was forcing the wall outward, and rebuilt the entire west section of wall, using the historic stone and other local rocks needed to finish the job. OHS Vice-President Kevin Armbrust put in many hours helping the crew, and watered down the wall daily after it was rebuilt to keep the cement from drying too quickly. Darrell’s assistant Victoria took the time to replant iris beds that were disturbed when dirt behind the wall was removed. 

During the course of the project, many people commented positively on the work when they drove, bicycled or walked by the Acadia. Darrell, Rodney and Victoria were a well-oiled machine throughout the dismantling of the old and the rebuilding of the new.

Now completed, the new wall is strong, upright, and looks as if it has always been there! Everything a historical society hopes for when historic structures must be repaired or replaced.

When all was finished, and it came time to pay Darrell for his excellent work, Darrell surprised OHS by making the project a Christmas gift to OHS. We could not be more grateful for Darrell’s generosity, compassion and stonemason wizardry! OHS hopes our members and friends will also let him know how much he is appreciated, and what a beautiful job he and his crew did on the Acadia wall.