November 1, 2012 — Moorestown,
NJ William Burris along with his wife,
Linda Burris, continue in their advocacy for the historic preservation of
Moorestown as evident by their recent donation to the Swedes Run Barn
Restoration Project.
The Moorestown Historical Society published recently the need to
source financial alternatives after discovering that the Open Space Trust Fund
could not be used to help pay for completed renovations to the barn. Members of
the historical society had been counting on the town council to aid in paying
off associated debts of the project and encountered a roadblock once they
learned that public expenditures are required to follow public financial law,
which does not allow for retroactive reimbursements.
In a recent article in “The Moorestown Sun”, one of the project
organizers, Julie Maravich of the historical society stated that $5,000 was
needed to complete the restoration of Swedes Run Barn and the Burris family wrote
a check for that amount so the job could be finished.
“I don't believe this is a place for spending township open
space funds,” said Mr. Burris. “This should be the effort of locals who support
these type projects.
Maravich remarked of the Burris donation, “It’s spectacular
because we were fairly maxed out as far as donations from the townspeople. To
have the Burris family come forward and respond to our dilemma is phenomenal
for us as we are so close to completing the project. This kind of generosity
will really help us push it through.”
Although the revitalized roof has already been completed, the
donation will now allow the Moorestown Historical Society to pay for it.
Outstanding objectives include custom doorjambs with custom iron-forged strap
hinges to prevent weather damage and keep animals from using it for shelter.
Other projects slated for future restoration include the
recreation of an interior loft, the building of a small landing with step on
the interior as well as exterior landscape enhancement. At some point in the
future the building may be used for photo opportunities, historical events and
tours.
The Burris family has personally sponsored several historic
preservation initiatives. They own Boxwood Hall in Haddonfield and just last
week purchased 10 West Main Street in Moorestown. Mr. Burris was the recipient
of the Walt Whitman Historic Preservation award in 2006 for his efforts in
establishing the Beach Haven Historic Advisory Commission.
For additional information regarding
the Swedes Run Barn Restoration Project and to make a donation, please visit www.moorestown.com/history. For additional press information regarding the Burris
Family, please contact Diane Pilla at dianep@idealabmarketing.com or (856)
642-0007.
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