To the Editor:
Historic Altamont Inc. would like to make this open note of gratitude to Altamont Glass and Mirror and specifically to its owner, Mr. Bill Buchanan, for the contribution made to our restoration efforts in the Severson Family Cemetery of Brandle Road.

Twice we took wooden frames to Altamont Glass for plexiglass replacement, and both times Billy donated his time and materials, gratis, bringing these frames back to their original purpose. We deeply appreciate the sense of community spirit demonstrated by this gesture, and we are grateful that Altamont has so many business owners like him, always ready to support our community.

The two wooden frames each hold a fragment of two different headstones. One fragment is from the headstone of Iohannis Kidnie or John Kidney (died 1772), who built the house at 108 Main Street, or sited there.

The other frame holds a fragment of the headstone of a certain “E. T. P.” (died 1793), assumed to be the initials of Elizabeth Terpening, one of the two wives of Nicholas Severson (1769-1845).

This information is taken primarily from Fred Hillenbrand, who constructed the wooden frames in 1966 and attached within them laminated notes, which will now be much more clearly visible behind the fresh plexiglass.

Tom Capuano

Historic Altamont