Nice to meet you, I’m Rolf.
I first visited the Mount Constitution tower in my father’s arms as in infant, and it’s been a treasure to me ever since.
Over the past 25+ years, I’ve overseen three major restoration projects on the tower—with the help of many who labored faithfully alongside me.
When you see the work that’s been done, you’ll be inspired by the legacy of care and informed as to why more is needed.
Early 1970’s
During the 50’s and 60’s the tower suffered withering degradation under use by the broadcast industry, hard weather, and lack of maintenance.
But KVOS TV and the State Parks agreed to a set of renovations that included rebuilding parapet fences, replacing the summit house and other glass, and moving the electronics. Mr. Erling Manley oversaw the work, while Raymond Brogi and a man whose last name was thought to be Gunderson carried them out through the winter.
As a result, the tower was entered on the State Parks Register and in 1974 named on the national register of historic places.
Early 1970’s
During the 50’s and 60’s the tower suffered withering degradation under use by the broadcast industry, hard weather, and lack of maintenance.
But KVOS TV and the State Parks agreed to a set of renovations that included rebuilding parapet fences, replacing the summit house and other glass, and moving the electronics. Mr. Erling Manley oversaw the work, while Raymond Brogi and a man whose last name was thought to be Gunderson carried them out through the winter.
As a result, the tower was entered on the State Parks Register and in 1974 named on the national register of historic places.
2003
Degradation brought on by the weather and public, however, did not stop. And by the late 1990’s the tower was in trouble once again.
My company Happy Acres was brought in to undertake a massive renovation to the tower. 1200 stones were reset. 107 new stones were added. 80% of the tower was repointed (i.e. the mortar replaced). Over 1,000 pieces of rebar were treated. And much, much more.
Karl Rosskopf, the state preservation officer, worked closely with us to help the tower look the best it had in 50 years.
2003
Degradation brought on by the weather and public, however, did not stop. And by the late 1990’s the tower was in trouble once again.
My company Happy Acres was brought in to undertake a massive renovation to the tower. 1200 stones were reset. 107 new stones were added. 80% of the tower was repointed (i.e. the mortar replaced). Over 1,000 pieces of rebar were treated. And much, much more.
Karl Rosskopf, the state preservation officer, worked closely with us to help the tower look the best it had in 50 years.
2014
By 2010, cracks in the parapet walls were found to be growing. X-rays confirmed complete failure of the original rebar.
To buy some time, we bolted stanchions to the walls and slabs of the tower. We also welded new pieces of rebar onto existing ones that had broken.
These, however, were only temporary fixes. A study was initiated by the State Engineers for a more permanent solution.
2014
By 2010, cracks in the parapet walls were found to be growing. X-rays confirmed complete failure of the original rebar.
To buy some time, we bolted stanchions to the walls and slabs of the tower. We also welded new pieces of rebar onto existing ones that had broken.
These, however, were only temporary fixes. A study was initiated by the State Engineers for a more permanent solution.
2017
The study found that major repairs were needed.
The center parapet slab and stone walls around it were completely removed and a new, reinforced slab was added—still using the original stones.
Meticulous care was taken to make sure the tower’s new walls looked as close to the original ones as possible.
2017
The study found that major repairs were needed.
The center parapet slab and stone walls around it were completely removed and a new, reinforced slab was added—still using the original stones.
Meticulous care was taken to make sure the tower’s new walls looked as close to the original ones as possible.
More repairs are needed.
Today, the tower begs for a new set of improvements as well as regular, conscious stewardship so that further damage is stopped in its tracks.
Cedar boughs along the ceiling are under duress. Rebar is rusting and highly degraded. Stones continue to wither from pocketing, onioning and general wear.
But together, we can change that. A fund has been set up by the Friends of Moran to provide for the significant repointing and stone/wood replacement that’s needed. With your gift you can help enable those efforts.
More repairs are needed.
Today, the tower begs for a new set of improvements as well as regular, conscious stewardship so that further damage is stopped in its tracks.
Cedar boughs along the ceiling are under duress. Rebar is rusting and highly degraded. Stones continue to wither from pocketing, onioning and general wear.
But together, we can change that. A fund has been set up by the Friends of Moran to provide for the significant repointing and stone/wood replacement that’s needed. With your gift you can help enable those efforts.