Historical Society welcomes preservation president
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Leon Historical Society recently welcomed CAMP President Tom Stetz as a speaker to the organization at an 1836 Church. The focus of CAMP, an acronym for Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation, is the monument known as The Civil War Memorial Building in Little Valley. This building was erected as a repository for historic relics and as a monument to soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War.
The idea for the monument came around 1908 during the time of the county's centennial. In 1914, approximately fifty years after the Civil War, the building took shape. The CAMP organization was formed in 2014, 100 years later.
Stetz presented a full history of the building, including pictures and artifacts. In 2017 CAMP officially purchased the building from the county and has been working to restore it since. This is the only county-built memorial building for Civil War Veterans in New York State.
The focus has been the cenotaph, which is a monument commemorating people that died in a war and are buried elsewhere. This group's dedication and perseverance is commendable. They have worked hard to save this history for us.
The memorial was dedicated with much pomp and circumstance in 1914, pledging appreciation of the loyalty and sacrifice of the soldiers and sailors that fought in this war and all wars to preserve our freedoms. Wishing it stand forever- the goal of CAMP.
Those who have an interest in history, genealogy, Civil War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, early Western New York, Pioneer or any number of Historical subjects are welcome to join the Leon Historical Society on the adventure. Membership is open and welcome. Email Pat Bromley at pat.bromley1161@gmail.com.