On or about July 14, 2021, there came before the Clifton Forge Town Council the topic of restoration of the Stone House at Mountain View Cemetery, it was originally built as a Chapel in 1934 so men could earn money to feed their families after the Great Depression.

The Allegheny Journal posted the conversation on their site and there were more than 70 comments either in favor of restoring the Stone House or expressing memories of days gone by.  The majority of the people expressed a desire to restore the Stone House as long as it doesn’t cost them any money.

Since that July evening, it has been discovered that there are grants available through the State of Virginia, as well as other resources, to restore the building.  (Side note, the building was financed with grant money from the government as well as the City of Clifton Forge.)  The grant funds would need to be matched from funds not from the Town. 

Between October 14 and November 19, 2021, over $1,800 has been raised towards the restoration from the sale of the book “The History of Clifton Forge” as well as donations from five private citizens around the state of Virginia; some not Clifton Forge natives.

In conversation with the Town Manager and some of the Council members, there is a desire to restore the Stone House, but they are dragging their feet about the restoration.  Someone is putting up walls to either stall or eliminate the restoration of a part of our history.

The Stone House was funded under a grant from The New Deal and the City of Clifton Forge invested their share of $11,521.07 (in 1934 dollars).

The topic of the Stone House was also brought up at the Town Council meeting in August.  In September, a structural engineer inspected the building; so did Dr. Goings who expressed to me that he believes it could be restored.

If you believe that this part of our history, The Stone House at Mountain View Cemetery, should be restored, please sign this petition and contact Chuck Unroe, the Town Manager, as well as members of the Town Council.  Let’s get this project moving.  Every day is another day that deterioration takes control of this historic building.

Several Clifton Forge citizens have volunteered to help restore the Stone House.  YOU can be a part of this restoration.  Thank you for signing the petition and making your voice heard so that we can restore the Stone House.  Our history deserves to be preserved.