Matt Siok's paperwork for his Eagle Project, which involves significant restoration and improvements on the Burrows Hill School House, has been approved by the district Boy Scout Council!

Matt, a member of Hebron’s Troop 28 Boy Scouts, is going to lead a team of volunteers to scrape and paint the exterior of the Burrows, as well as do some painting on the famous Burrows two seater outhouse. He will also be doing window painting and repair. Matt will be planting an apple tree on the east side of The Burrows, reminiscent of the Smith Family orchards which were prevalent in the area for almost a century, and also plans to design and implement a visitor's board so that people can stop by the Burrows at any time and learn more about the history of Hebron's oldest one-room school house, whether it's open to the public or not.

Keep in mind that the Sioks are third generation Hebronians, and still live in their homestead on Burrows Hill Road. What an exemplary testament to the commitment of Hebron families and our Hebron youth to their community!

Stay tuned for the various stages of Matt's project, which will most likely take place in August 2005 -- and watch the Burrows School House get revitalized with a much-needed makeover.

Photo Gallery

Thomas R. Linskey of West River Restorations corrects major structural problems with The Burrows prior to Matt starting his project. The four center beams, which support the massive weight of the chimney, had suffered dry rot and had to be replaced. Tom braced the building from the cellar all the way up in order to keep the chimney from collapsing while he replaced the beams two at a time. As you can see from some of the pictures, this work was done just in time! One of the beams was completely hollow with rot -- unfortunately, it was one of the beams carrying the vast majority of the chimney's weight. The Society expended a significant amount of money to make these much needed repairs to Hebron's oldest one-room schoolhouse.

Phase Two Gallery

On Sunday, September 25, Matt and 30 of his fellow Troop 28 Scouts, parents, neighbors and family gathered at the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse to begin their work. The building and the outhouse were stained an historic red, an apple tree was planted on the eastern side of the property, and the stone wall was rebuilt and enlarged. Day lilies were also planted around the property. It was a great day!

Phase Three Gallery