POTSDAM -- Work has commenced on the restoration of the historic Potsdam sandstone entrance gates and towers at Potsdam's Bayside Cemetery.

Two years ago, Lupini Construction of Utica developed a plan to restore the historic entrance with the repointing and sealing all top-facing surfaces and ornaments above the entrance towers, and re-mortaring the stones of the towers. In the first restoration phase, last year, the gate and towers were shrouded with protective coverings.

"While we still have a long way to go in our fundraising for completion of this project, we are tremendously grateful to all of the donors who have already stepped up," says Mark Lee, president of the Bayside Cemetery Association board of trustees. "We are particularly grateful for two major individual donations to the fund from Dr. Bayard Clarkson Sr.; and from Ann and Hollis Petersen in memory of the Snell families."

The cemetery's efforts to raise the $112,000 needed for the second phase of the restoration met with success and Lupini began work on the sandstone in July. This summer, the repointing and sealing all top-facing surfaces and ornaments to prevent further water penetration will be completed.

In addition to these individual community donations, several significant major grants have been awarded to the restoration project, including $32,900 from the Rock Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation; $20,000 was from the Daisy Marquis Jones; and $25,000 was from the Grasseroots Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

Next year, in phase three of the project, the plaque-bearing tower will be reconstructed at a cost of $115,572.

The Bayside Cemetery Association invites community members to learn more and help fund this historic project. Donations can be made online at baysidepotsdam.org/donate or by check to Bayside Cemetery, PO Box 491, Potsdam, NY 13676. For further information and inquiries, the Bayside Cemetery Sexton is available by phone at 315-265-3790.

The operation of this historic rural cemetery is only made possible by community support. Donations from friends cover about a third of its operating expenses.

Established in 1865, Bayside Cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and historical significance. Its 42 acres of developed parklike burial grounds are open to visitors each day, with many runners, walkers and dog walkers taking advantage of the tree-lined trails.

The Bayside Cemetery Association is a 501(c)(13) organization managed and operated by 15 volunteer trustees and a small staff. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS.