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Rock Building Restoration Committee:
Bobby Mosteller (Co-chair)
Carlton McDaniel (Co-chair)

Phase I of the Rock Building Renovation is well underway. Over $92,000 has been raised by the Rock Building Committee. That amount will be used for shingles for the new roof and any decking that may need to be replaced. The shingles, made by EcoStar and estimated to cost about $88,000, will be made of recycled plastic and will look much like the shingles on the original roof. Similar shingles have been used on buildings at Berry College. The shingles are guaranteed for fifty years. Georgia Department of Corrections will provide labor to install the roof. Cost of labor is expected to be within the amount raised by the Committee, but work has been delayed, as laborers are obligated on another project and are not yet available. Special training is required for installation of the shingles. Normally, this would be an extra cost of $500, but EcoStar is donating this service to help with the project. An Asbestos and Lead Study has been completed, proving the building free of asbestos, and showing only a small amount of lead in doors and entry frames. After the roof, indoor repairs will be necessary, including repairs to the floors and the foundation. A chain-link fence has been erected at the construction site, and a sign has been placed in front of the building on Green Road, showing fundraising progress.

Fundraising efforts are still in progress and all donations are welcome. Art prints of the Old Rock Building are being sold to raise money for the renovation. The prints are from an original acrylic painting, donated by D.K. Pritchett. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the prints will go toward the Rock Building fund. Prints are $25 each or five for $100 and are available at Pat's Antiques and First National Bank (Chatsworth, Georgia) and Whitfield-Murray Historical Society in Dalton, Georgia. Two different notecard designs are available, as well. One set of notecards is a full-color print of the painting, and sells for $5 (package of five). The other is a reproduction of a vintage black-and-white sketch of the old rock building. Many Murray County Schools faculty have pitched in, contributing regularly to the fund through payroll deductions. The Impact Club has pledged support, as well.

Various class projects are still on. Classes which raise $10,000 will have a room or suite named in their honor. Classes which have fundraisers in progress include: 1944, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1960, 1972, 1975, 1977, and 1978. Several of the classes have already raised $10,000 or more. (Southern Muse can no longer provide updates of class projects, but these numbers should be available from the Rock Building Committee.) The Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce published an article in the Chamber Link. The First National Bank of Chatsworth has helped by selling prints, including flyers in monthly statements, and placing an announcement on their sign to "Save the Rock." If you are interested in heading a fundraiser or volunteering, please contact the Rock Building Committee for more information.

Persons who might have an interest in stone masonry, old stone buildings, native stone building materials, or historic arts-and-crafts architecture might enjoy viewing the old building. Groups or individuals outside of Murray County, Georgia, who have an interest in historic preservation, are welcome to offer advice or assistance, or help generate interest in the project.

Thanks to all
who have donated
time, materials
and funds for
the rock building.