A home at last in center field.

Byline: Bill Fortier

COLUMN: From the deck

So there it sits in deep center field of the new Auburn High School baseball diamond near the Vietnam, Korean War and World War II monuments, in all of its newly painted glory, surrounded by recently planted flowers.

The approximately 25-foot-tall cupola from the top of the old high school, which was built in 1935, was moved across Auburn Street from Fuller Automotive Service on Aug. 29 to what those who love it hope and believe will be its final resting place.

Winter is settling in early, it seems, and thoughts go back to that cold Jan. 12, 2007, when the cupola was plucked from the soon-to-be-demolished high school and eventually placed in the parking lot of Fuller's. There it stayed for more than two-and-a-half years while it was determined where it was going to end up.

Sometimes things take a long time in the world of town government, and the saga of the cupola is proof of that. Yes, the cupola was a contentious issue in town, and many news stories, including some by this ink-stained wretch, have been written about that.

There was talk about moving it next to the rocket near the fire station, and there was some short-lived talk about making it a tourist booth. The Historical Commission took control of the cupola and the move across the street was made.

No matter how you look at it, which you can do now without craning your neck skyward, the dome has been a focal point in town since 1935.

"Every time you see it, you knew you were home," said Historical Commission acting Chairman Kenneth R. Ethier.

Fuller Automotive owner Christopher A. Fuller said the dome looks a lot better in its current spot than in his parking area.

Mr. Fuller is not the only person who thinks the dome adds character to center field.

"I'm very happy with where it is," Mr. Ethier said.

Auburn School Building Committee Chairman Paul Kosky took his share of flak during the controversy over the dome but he's also glad to see it where it is now.

"Laurie did a great job. She should be commended for it," he said.

Laurie, in this case, is Laurie J. Lanciault, who had the most to do with the move, according to those in town who know.

Mrs. Lanciault joined Mr. Ethier at a seemingly unending number of School Committee, selectmen and SBC meetings that led to what people see on Auburn Street today.

Mrs. Lanciault teamed up with School Committee member Wayne C. Page to give the dome a new coat of white paint, plant flowers and place mulch around its base.

Some in town like Mrs. Lanciault and Mr. Page, and some don't and aren't bashful about giving their opinions about them.

But in this case, just about everybody has only good things to say about the work they, as well as numerous friends and relatives, including Mr. Page's wife, Susan, did on refurbishing the dome.

And finally this: Auburn recently lost two people who immeasurably added to the fabric of the town.

The town will miss Eleanor "Ele" Hamill, 70, who always made her feelings known, frequently in ways that made town officials whom she was questioning cringe in anticipation of what they knew was coming their way.

Former Selectman and Conservation Commission member John D. "Dave" Briggs, 71, who died this week, will also be missed.

Mr. Briggs, who was an avid outdoorsman, usually could be seen around town wearing a flannel shirt, suspenders and a well-worn pair of pants, unless he was at a selectmen's meeting, where he would wear a short-sleeved, white dress shirt, even if was below zero outside.

May they rest in peace. Contact Bill Fortier via e-mail at [e-mail]