POTSDAM -- The Bayside Cemetery Association in Potsdam has received a gift of $125,000 to be used in the stabilization of the cemetery’s historic gatehouse.

The donor, who has asked to remain anonymous, has requested that their gift be used for expenses associated with stabilizing and initiating the renovation of the beautiful Potsdam sandstone building.

“This is a game-changing moment in our efforts to preserve and someday again utilize this historic building,” said Bayside Cemetery Association Board of Trustees President Mark Lee. “We are most grateful to this donor for their great generosity. It is gratifying to work with someone who has as much love for the gatehouse as we do as well as the foresight to see what it could become again.”

Initial work on the building will include the repair of all skyward-facing masonry surfaces, especially the bell tower and chimney, and the installation of a modern heating system.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a new front wall, gateway and lodge (gatehouse) at Bayside Cemetery were completed through the generosity of the Clarkson family. The family, who had recently founded the Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial School of Technology (now Clarkson University) in memory of Thomas S. Clarkson, was also a prime founder and most significant supporter of the cemetery, which was established in 1865.

The gatehouse was designed by Edgar Josselyn, a rising young New York City architect who also designed Clarkson's Old Main building. The lodge is meant to look like a chateau, in a revival style popular at the time.

The cemetery and gatehouse were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 for their design features and importance in regional history.

Donations to support the Bayside Cemetery Association may be mailed to P.O. Box 491, Potsdam, NY 13676, or made online at baysidepotsdam.org/donate. As a 501(c)(13) nonprofit cemetery organization, contributions are tax-deductible, as allowed by law.

For more information about Bayside Cemetery, visit baysidepotsdam.org or email info@baysidepotsdam.org.