Museum visitors to have easy walk thanks to Scout project
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Chris Harbaugh stands on the new walk.

Visiting the Allison-Antrim Museum just got easier, thanks to the efforts of a local Boy Scout.

Chris Harbaugh spearheaded a massive project that entailed constructing a brick walkway from the side of the museum house to the newly erected barn. The path also veers off to the side parking lot and to the back of the barn where the restrooms are located. The walkway will benefit all visitors. Harbaugh followed the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design.

He didn't know the effects of pondering an Eagle Scout project aloud 18 months ago. His aunt, Bonnie Shockey, who just happens to be president of the Allison-Antrim Museum Inc. board of directors, suggested the walkway.

"It¿s a challenge," Harbaugh told her, "but I think I can handle it."

He then invested approximately 15 hours in researching the design and laying out the plans. He sought approval from the leaders of Troop 99, as well as various other levels of the Scouting organization. He recruited help from fellow Scouts, some of whom used their time toward 30 hours of Community Service required by the local school district.

Harbaugh had a $4,000 budget from AAMI and also sought outside donations for the project, which he valued at close to $6000 on the open market. He was grateful for all the assistance he received.

Ganoe Paving dug the path and put in the layer of stone.

"They came back several times," Harbaugh said. "They were very helpful and donated all their labor. They're a very nice company."

True Value Home Center donated the use of several pieces of equipment.

"We used up three blades for a saw to cut the brick," he said with a grin. "I think we'll have to pay for those."

Nitterhouse Masonry Products donated materials as well as an instruction manual.

Harbaugh, the son of Guy and Linda Harbaugh, was ready to go. His dad was the right-hand man on the scene. The volunteers spent seven days, in the week prior to the start of school, laying the walk.

"No one had too much experience with brick pavers," Harbaugh said.

But they worked around the glitches and completed the project. Since he chose not to put sand in the cracks, he will return at a later date and seal the gaps with a polymer product.

"It's pretty much done and ready for business," he concluded.

And Harbaugh can settle in to his senior year at Greencastle- Antrim High School, knowing he did a good deed.