HOW THE QUARRY ROOM CAME TO BE
John Lahoski collected stones, all kinds of stones, old side walk stones, chimney flues, and especially foundation stones - because they came from our own Peninsula Quarry. When asked what he planned to do with all those stones he replied, "I don't really know, - - I just like stones."
When the square dancers took over the ballroom on the main floor, it turned out that the floor was bouncing up and down.
So John and Bob Hunker, got into the 4 to 5 foot "crawl space" underneath the dance floor. It turned out that early timers played horseshoes down there in the winter months. (There wasn't a lot of recreation in those days) While considering how to shore up the dance floor, they decided that it would not take much to excavate a few more feet and turn this into usable space.
John saw a good use for all those quarry stones he had been collecting. Before long, excavating the extra depth began. Then John hauled in his beloved quarry stones, saw that they were turned into supporting structures, and soon the lively dance floor above stopped bouncing up and down. Many finishing touches were added to make this a proper working space. Heating and air conditioning were also installed.
Next a floor was poured. The library had taken an interest in leasing the space for a museum and later declined. Next, Pam Burda, needing more space for her accounting service, Burda's Books, applied for a lease. Back to the drawing board. At this point, Boston Township Hall trustees decided to invest hall proceeds into moisture proofing the stone walls. From the outside, a procedure that required excavating around the basement walls and waterproofing them.
Seeing to the installation of the tile flooring was one of Bob Hunker's last works on this building. There is something ominous about the fact that this was one of his last works before his unexpected passing.
Rest well, John Lahoski and Bob Hunker, - - - your works live on.
Remembering Bob Hunker and John Lahoski
| Lily Fleder |