Callicoon landmark getting much-needed restoration thanks to ENGN and community help

“There are always a few surprises when you’re working on historic preservation, but things are moving along pretty quickly.””

Isaac Diebboll of ENGN

CALLICOON- A long-anticipated preservation project is officially underway in Callicoon, as the ENGN Civic Creative Centeer begins critical restoration work on the iconic Callicoon Silos.

Located on Lower Main Street, Callicoon, the Callicoon Silos were once a hub of activity in the 1900s, as residents would come to Callicoon for their coal, used in heating their homes and businesses.

First, customers would  get their trucks weighed at the Callicoon Coal Company scale adjacent to the silos and then fill up with coal.

Once filled, they would weigh their truck again to see how much coal they needed to pay for.

The coal silos are located adjacent to the former Erie Railroad tracks, which delivered the coal to the silos for many years. The Callicoon Coal Company was once owned by Audley Dorrer, a Callicoon icon.

Starting Monday, Isaac Diebboll of ENGN, alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, launched Phase One of the project: repairing and restoring the silo’s deteriorating roof. 

Once complete, the team will begin carefully removing the historic cogs and machinery from the top of the structure to bring them down for public viewing. Following this, a new metal roof will be installed to protect the interior.

Another important aspect of the restoration involves replacing rotted Douglas fir siding boards. 

These will be swapped out for new Pine boards that are designed to look as close to the original as possible. 

“They’ll look historic, stained, and match the color of the original siding,” said Diebboll.

To further preserve the character and safety of the 100-foot tall silos, the team also plans to install new windows. 

“We’ll be closing in the top house to make it safe and beautiful—while honoring the legacy and history of this building,” he added.

The project has been fueled by a groundswell of local support, including generous contributions from area organizations and residents.

A recent brunch fundraiser on April 13, hosted with help from the Callicoon Brewery, raised over $5,000 toward the effort. In total, ENGN has raised approximately $22,000 of its $40,000 goal, with loans helping to bridge the remaining gap for Phase One.

Backing for the project has come from across the region, with contributions and support from the Callicoon Business Association, the Town of Delaware, the Sullivan County Legislature, Assemblywoman Paula Kay’s Office, the railway [New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corp. / Central New York Railroad Corp.], and Callicoon Supply, which donated materials.

ENGN members Mark Keoppen (President of ENGN), Thomas Bosket, and Caroline Preziosi are among those assisting on the ground, joined by community contractors including Dan Quilty of Equinunk Improvements LLC. and Arthur “Art” Bernard Jr. of The Art of Improvement, who tackled the roof work Tuesday morning.

In addition, Sullivan 180 awarded ENGN a $5,000 Community Development Grant, adding further momentum to the preservation effort. Local residents have also stepped forward with donations to keep the project moving.

If the weather holds, Diebboll estimates that Phase One could be completed within seven to ten days, with a target finish date of May 1. 

“There are always a few surprises when you’re working on historic preservation, but things are moving along pretty quickly,” he said.

Reflecting on the years of planning that led to this moment, Diebboll expressed deep gratitude.

 “We’re just so excited to finally get here. It took years of planning and months to secure all the permits. We worked closely with the Callicoon Fire Department to coordinate road closures and got our permit from the County to ensure everything is done right. Our neighbors have been incredibly supportive—it truly takes a village,” Dieboll said.