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A NEW CUPOLA
Saturday, October 9, 1999 was a big day for the Old Plant. The lantern, or cupola, atop Lafayette's magnificent tower, which had been removed in 1964, was rebuilt and installed. The original cupola had become weakened due to the effects of over 60 years of exposure to the elements. The lantern's structural integrity had become such that it was no longer able to keep it safely in place. Indeed, there had been concerns beginning as early as 1955 as to the condition of the tower and especially the lantern. When the original cupola was removed, it was taken to a local vocational high school where it was hoped it would be repaired, but through the mists of time, the lantern disappeared.
Clearly, a new lantern needed to be constructed. With Lafayette's status as an historic landmark, it was imperative that the tower be returned to its original form. It took 35 years, but thanks to the efforts of two City of Buffalo Common Council members and the Lafayette High School Alumni Association, adequate funding was finally secured for the construction of a whole new lantern, patterned as closely as possible to the original.
A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the school Friday, October 22, 1999, complete with a student procession led by bagpipes.
Share with us the excitement of the return of our lantern in viewing our photo album below. Our thanks to faculty members Renate Buechler Yuhnke (LHS 1966) and Mary O'Grady Ginther for taking these great pictures.
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Miss Lanza, Lafayette's principal, views the tower pieces with a representative of Campbellville Industries, the company that built the new lantern.
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The main body of the lantern is lifted (ever so carefully) off the truck. The lantern is constructed of a cast aluminum frame, covered by copper.
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