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Saving the Millbrook Gazebo: Good food and good wine for a good cause

Saving the Millbrook Gazebo: Good food and good wine for a good cause
From left:  Christina Dimitriadis, Abby Dux, John Dux, Sharon Bates, Paul Miyamoto, Keith DelValle, Michelle DelValle and Friends of the Gazebo Chair Ashley Lempka at a fundraiser held Thursday, June 1, at the Millbrook Winery to save the Millbrook Gazebo. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

MILLBROOK —  Ask someone raised in Millbrook about the gazebo on Elm Drive and they’ll probably be able to tell you a story about it. It’s not just the history of a small piece of architecture: The gazebo on Elm Drive has been a part of village life through out the 20th and part of the 21st centuries.

The Millbrook Historical Society believes the gazebo was designed by James Ware, a prominent architect in the late 1800s and early 20th century, and was possibly was originally part of a residence garden fashioned around 1890.

In 2021, word got out that the Millbrook Central School District was thinking of demolishing the gazebo. True, it was in disrepair, it wasn’t safe, and it certainly didn’t have much of its early pristine beauty intact. Yet the bones were there, along with the memories of so many of the villagers. A cry went out to save it, and a movement was begun.

Led by Ashley Lempka, the Friends of the Gazebo was born, and those who wanted to save the structure were prepared to dig in their heels and fight. Among them was the Millbrook Historical Society, a lot of the Elm Drive residents, and many Millbrook residents who treasured their memories of the gazebo.

On Thursday, June 1, the Friends of the Gazebo held a fundraiser at Millbrook Winery, the second event they’ve held there. With warm weather, music by Larry Hamm and his group, canapes catered by Candle Light Catering, and wine, about 45 people attended. Many took part in the silent auction with articles and services donated to the Friends by Alicia Adams Alpaca, Babette’s Kitchen, Marona’s Market, Harry’s Garage, the Fox and the Hair, and many others.

The fundraising will continue, and volunteers and donations are more than welcome. Williams Lumber has generously offered lumber at half off for winterizing and securing the gazebo until it can be repaired. With work, love and a lot of good wishes, the Elm Drive gazebo might be around, restored to its original condition, for another 100 years or more. To donate or follow, visit www.millbrookgazebo.com

Judith O’Hara Balfe

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