The old roof at Lone Mountain did its job! Since the early 1900’s it protected the home of the Byrd and A Payne and their family. Well past their deaths, it helped keep the old house standing strong.
That original roof had been resurfaced more than once, including during the big “Work Party Week” the summer after Uncle Tip’s death in 1968. In recent years, however, it became evident that it should be replaced. Nothing can ruin a house more quickly than water leaks, and damage was occurring in the kitchen and dormitory room upstairs during every significant rainfall.
In early 2012 Dale Brogan was asked to supervise the entire process of replacing the roof. He obtained two bids – one for $7800 and one for $7900. As the preparations for the installation of a new roof were in process, East Tennessee was experiencing unusually violent weather. There had been two tornadoes – one in Harrogate and one in Springdale – as well as frequent other storms with heavy winds.



Interior wall of the dormitory room upstairs.
Ann Rose had already begun talking to family members about fundraising for the roof, when Dale notified the family that the damage was becoming more severe with each storm. There was a short window before winter set in, and funds were low in the general Lone Mountain account, so I offered to advance full payment to Dale so that the project could be completed. Because the bids were so close, and because Dale had personal knowledge that the higher bidder did excellent work, we accepted the $7900 bid.
I chose to go with the silver/tin color to most closely replicate the appearance of the old roof. The results were wonderful!


Between 2012 and 2013, Ann and my son, Evan Lacke, conducted fundraising. Generous contributions were made totaling $4600. I was happy to make the balance a contribution – I used funds I inherited from my parents, Al and Roger Payne, and can think of no better tribute to them! Besides, my children and I are the most frequent users of the house!
A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped in this wonderful joint effort. Below is a record of Donors and Donations:
LMH Roof Donations
Contributions for the new roof on Lone Mountain House 2012-2013| Roof Donors | Amount |
|---|---|
| Amy Potts | 1000 |
| David Rose | 500 |
| Evan Lacke | 500 |
| Lori Westphal | 100 |
| Mike Perkins | 1000 |
| Betsy/Jay Taylor | 500 |
| Cynthia Hudgins | 100 |
| David Hudgins | 350 |
| Gene Payne | 1300 |
| Lori Westphal | 150 |
| Meg Westphal Schroeder | 100 |
| Total Raised | 5600 |