THIS IS THE GRAND FINALE! RESTORATION.
THIS TALE IS WINDING DOWN. THE RESTORATION SEEMS TO BE GOING MUCH FASTER AND SMOOTHER THAN ANTICIPATED.
June 12, 2010, there was a gathering of CDPHS members that saw the Eagle “in person” for the first time. No one was disappointed including Rob Higgins & Betty Burdette. Mary Clouse said, “It’s easier on the eyes at this level.”
Pete Coffin left and Bill Sebright put their methodical meticulous talents to good use. What was expected to take most a week, took only 4 hours with the help of a diamond blade grinder and a cold chisel, hammer & various tools. The job went like clockwork. Pete set up a schedule to pick up supplies with Lyle Thompson on Tuesday and beginning to apply epoxy and grout Wednesday AM.
The Deer Park Gazette is covering our progress. Thanks to CDPHS member Jeff Lilly. Article continued below.
Deer Park Gazette Article Pt 2
Three sisters, (Dorothy Lindh, Lillie Reitz , Violet Zimmerer), Rainy Nord's Grandson Alex Hoffman, and Lorraine Nord.
The restoration was not all fun & games. To refit the head, Lyle Thompson wields the chisel, Pete Coffin the diamond tip power saw. This was the final grouting episode of applying and adjusting the head at the original angle.
The ground work has been laid. The artists applying a top of the line cosmetic touch will fulfill the grandeur of this the most adored creature of the U.S.A.
The final coat is complete. When the curing is complete within the week our Eagle will wing her way home.
And the Knight Stand Band strummed the strains of Sentimental Journey and Bill Sebright recorded history while keeping in step to Auld Lang Syne.
Slowly, gently, Gary lowered her home. Not a feather did he disturbed.
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The head was the only part that was loose so Bill & Pete gently laid it to one side for safety. All the other joints were cleaned of the old grout.
When Pete and Bill were through for the day she was all prepared for the final step of total restoration. Bring on Lyle Thompson and Tom Taylor.
I LED 3 LIVES. The Clayton Eagle is about to begin its third life looking over Clayton! Its first 2 lives were atop the Washington National Guard Armory and at Geiger Field. So Mr. Tom Taylor and Mr. Lyle Thompson completed the last step of restoration prior to her beautification epoxy paint job.
The Eagle as it looked at the end of June 24, 2010. The entire Eagle is either covered with brown or white latex primer. The base has been painted with black enamel. Tuesday or Wednesday of next week we will put on the final coat of polyurethane.
These cheer leaders are unsurpassed, Rainy Nord, center and two cousins of Reno, Nevada, John (Butch) LaRoche & Harley LaRoche . They are sons of Lilly Reitz. All were donors to the Eagle cause & we are grateful to each of them.
Lyle the cement grout master making certain her Highness never loses her head slathers her but good. The head was lifted on and off many times before these four technicians were 100 % positive of perfection. Time, sunshine, and inclement weather erodes mountains and Terra Cotta so these soldiers are putting up their best defense expecting Clayton’s potent weather. Always be prepared.
In the meantime, down the trail a piece at the CDI, HQ of CDPHS, Randy Long prepares the EAGLE’S aerie for her imminent return.
CDPHS Webmaster, Bob Clouse, and our beautifully restored Eagle.
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