A movement to help raise funds for a historical site in Saxonburg is moving forward.
The Saxonburg Borough Council voted unanimously to signal their support for the updates to Roebling Workshop, which was the original workplace for Saxonburg founder John Roebling.
“It was his workshop and his office, where he perfected the wire rope. He would work in that building from 1838 to 1849,” Saxonburg Museum volunteer curator Fred Caesar said.
The wire rope Roebling designed would become very prevalent in American architectural history, with its design being used for the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
However, Caesar says the building is currently in facing significant structural issues.
“We’ve been hearing from some engineers and individuals who know far better than I, that we’re about a year to a year-and-a-half away from it collapsing,” Caesar said. “It would just fall into itself.”
Caesar says the vote by council signifies a commitment to keeping the building around. He, however notes, that no borough funds will be used to restore the facility.
Caesar says the repairs could cost around $250,000. The Friends of the Saxonburg Museum are mounting a campaign to raise the funds. He says that funds can be mailed to the museum and they will also be putting a GoFundMe together that will be posted soon.
To mail funds, checks can be sent to The Saxonburg Museum, P.O. Box 17 Saxonburg, PA 16056.
Hear the full interview with Fred Caesar below:
