Wood-fired oven is coming to the Bakery!

Can you smell the bread baking? Not quite yet, but we are getting closer. In the first two weeks of December, volunteers will be helping to build the base ready for the installation of the wood-fired oven.

Then, beginning on January 8th, using fund from a USDA Agricultural Development Fund grant, Jeremiah Church, a master wood fired oven builder, will begin construction of the oven core. He will be assisted by several masons and several helpers.

Angelo Ambrosini and Winston Presett on the steps of the historic Union Cooperative Store Bakery. They used to help out at the bakery in the late 1930s when it was operated by Giuseppe (Joseph) Piccolini.

Constructed to make sure the Bakery meets all modern code standard for health and fire safety, the oven will still look much like the original oven according to discussions with folks who remember the original.

We are currently asking for donations of all kinds: volunteer labor, materials, and/or funds to make sure we cover the costs. If you can help with any of this, contact us, or:

Don’t forget, before we can get baking, we still need funding for the electricity, plumbing, mechanicals and handicap entrance.