The white cupula (aka “the dome”) that stood atop the Old Main building at Ferndale High School from 1933 until 1985 will soon come out of storage to a new home at Pioneer Park.
According to a story posted on the City of Ferndale website,
During a major remodel of the High School in 1985, the dome was removed and slated for demolition. Frank and Anna Hebert, longtime Ferndale teachers and their son Jay, a 1973 graduate stepped forward to rescue the dome. It has been restored and has lived in storage for the last decade. It made a brief appearance at the thirty year reunion of Jay’s Class of 1973.
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In a typical year, each graduating class would climb to the roof and paint their year on the dome. At different times during the years, various other objects appeared beside or on top of the dome; a Volkswagen Beetle car, a toilet, pumpkins, empty kegs of beer and various articles of clothing all found themselves attracted to “The Dome”.
The “dome” will be placed near Barr Barn in the park. At 6 feet wide and 11 feet tall, it won’t be hard to miss.
When removed in 1985, the plan was for “the dome” to be tossed. But Frank and Anna Hebert rescued it and have since restored it and kept it in storage. It was recently brought out for their son’s, Jay, class reunion (see photo).
The Hebert family has donated the cupula to the city.
According to city staff, it will be moved in once a specific location has been determined and a concrete slab poured.