The historic, brick-laden symbol of Baker received a $55,000 facelift over the summer.

Local contractor Scott Braddock restored Parmenter Hall’s cupola from July 1 to Aug. 8 with Spanish cedar and fresh new paint. He said this process hasn’t been done since 1940.

“We didn’t want to change the appearance of it at all, but everything you see up there is new,” Braddock said.

Public Relations Director Steve Rottinghaus said the paint was chipping, and it was definitely time for it to be restored.

“Baker takes tremendous pride in maintaining that structure because it does have great historic value,” he said.

The first cornerstone was laid back in 1866 and the first classes soon followed in 1871. <br/>While removing the old wood from the cupola, Braddock said he made a striking discovery.While removing the old wood from the cupola, Braddock said he made a striking discovery.
While removing the old wood from the cupola, Braddock said he made a striking discovery.

“We found initials on the insides of the boards from the ’20s,” he said.

He assumed the personal etchings were from the contractor, but as he continued to remove the posts, he found around 30 sets of initials.

Verification as to the origin and authenticity of the initials has yet to have taken place.