The first fragment to be conserved from the Buffalo Bill Billboard discovered in Jamestown, NY, in June, 2002, has been completed and delivered to the Reg Lenna Civic Center Development Corporation Board, according to Chairperson Sue Jones.

"We asked Laura Schell, conservator, to work on this piece -- the last one to be taken from the wall where the billboad was discovered -- so that we could learn about the process of conservation and make an informed decision about future steps," she said.

The fragment, which measures10 inches high and 50 inches long, consists of several pieces of paper advertising the fact that Buffalo Bill's Combination show would be playing in the original Allen Opera House in Jamestown on March 14,1878. Attached to these is a small piece of the portion of the billboard in red and black that depicts scenes from the show.

In her accompanying technical report, conservator Laura Schell noted, "This initial demonstration piece has helped
us gain an understanding of the overall paper's fragility and other treatment options. Although the red section of the fragment was quite strong and flexible throughout treatment, the majority of the fragment -- primarily the Allen Opera House portion -- was incredibly delicate and weak."

"Based on the experience with this fragment, a more accurate estimate of the cost of restoration of the full billboard is now possible," explained Mrs. Jones. "The Civic Center Development Corporation board will be discussing the next steps to be taken in preserving this historic treasure."

Keith Schmitt, Acting Director of the Arts Council for Chautauqua County, described the entire billboard as being
comprised of four distinct sections. "Each section could be conserved independently of the others," he said. "That way we can have a four-phase project towards completion and display of the entire piece. This would make fundraising as well as framing and mounting of the final product more manageable."

According to Pat Anzideo, Project Coordinator, "Some donations have been received towards this project, which have made the work completed to date possible, notably from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, and from a descendent of William "Buffalo Bill" Cody.


Above: Pat Anzideo presents the fragment to CCDC Board Members and Staff. Pictured clockwise from left: Deidre Olson (Staff), Sue Jones (Board Chair), Holly Sullivan (Board), Jane Kidder (Board), and Pat Anzideo (Board and Project Coordinator).