The Old Stone Cottage

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Ever notice the small stone cottage next to the Randolph County Annex Museum? It has sat empty and neglected for many years but at last it is receiving the tender loving care it deserves. The Chester Tourism Commission through Emily Lyons and the Randolph County Museum has taken on the challenge of renovating the home, eventually creating a museum. The title, The Old Stone Cottage, was designated by Emily Lyons and the Chester Tourism Commission to be included on the Heritage Trail brochure which is available at the Welcome Center.

Samuel Smith, the first inhabitant of Chester in the early 1800's surveyed this property. Seth Allen subdivided it into lots and sold the lot where the Stone Cottage sits to John and Samuel Lybarger in 1850. It is speculated that the Stone Cottage was built shortly after this time. The house was inhabited until 1990; Randolph County now owns the property.

There is much work to do. A small group of volunteers meets weekly to work on the house (Bob Decker, Tonya Robbins, Sandra Starr, Carole Abernathy, Cynthia Lawder, and Randy Willig). The exterior has priority since much of the trim has weathered to bare wood. To date new guttering has been installed, brush cleared, painting on exterior trim has begun, and numerous repairs completed. Materials and supplies are paid through fundraisers by the Tourism Commission. Donations are accepted as well and very much appreciated. If you have stories or information about the Cottage or would like to help preserve this unique restoration, contact Emily Lyons 826.2667 or Sandra Starr 826.5465.