Volunteers clean up grounds of historic Burtner House in Harrison

Louis B. Ruediger
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 8:46 p.m. | Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 8:46 p.m.

photos: Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review

Above: John McAllister (background) and Gordon Brenneman work Saturday at replacing wood on a storage shed at the Burtner House historical landmark in Harrison. Right: Don Pastoria replaces the cap on the chimney of the house.

photos: Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review

Don Pastoria works at replacing the cap on the chimney of the Burtner House a historical landmark in Harrison on Saturday, Sept 12, 2020.

photos: Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review

The Burtner House historical landmark in Harrison will turn 200 years old next year, photo taken Saturday, Sept 12, 2020.

The grounds of the historic Burtner House in Harrison got spruced up Saturday thanks to a group of volunteers.

A professional crew repaired the chimney while volunteers recruited by the Burtner House Restoration Society worked on the grounds to clear and brush, cut down damaged trees and other related tasks.

Covid-19 cancelled all tours and events at the Burtner House, a stone farmhouse, including the popular Strawberry Festival in June and Harvest Festival next month. A new beer, wine and food festival planned for August was called off.

Next year is the 200th anniversary of the Burtner House. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the same year it was saved from demolition for construction of the adjacent Route 28 expressway.