The porch of the Cockayne Farmhouse got a new coat of paint this past weekend thanks to two local Preserve WV AmeriCorps members and a dedicated group of volunteers. AmeriCorps members Kellie White and Kara Gordon organized the project as one of their Civic Service Projects designed to benefit the local community in which they are spending a year of service. The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia's Preserve WV AmeriCorps program is a statewide service initiative dedicated to preserving West Virginia's history. Members of this program serve at many historic sites throughout the state. Kellie White is currently serving with the West Virginia Association of Museums, while Kara Gordon is the AmeriCorps member serving at Cockayne Farmstead this year.
“Preserve WV AmeriCorps requires that one of our Civic Service Projects be oriented towards historic preservation, and so I loved being able to organize a project to benefit the Cockayne house, where I am currently serving,” Gordon noted. “It is such a fascinating local historic site, a true window into Glen Dale’s past. It’s important that we continue to take care of it and preserve its story.” “The porch was looking a little sad,” added White, who is also currently a student in the Building Preservation Program at Belmont Technical College, “but with a fresh coat of paint it looks like new again. Preservation is always an ongoing effort.”
Several veteran Cockayne volunteers participated in the project, lending both their time and expertise to keep the local landmark in good repair. As a result, the porch of the farmstead is ready to continue to welcome visitors for years to come.
