LEON — A regular meeting of the Leon Historical Society was held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Old 1836 Church at the four-corners in Leon.

The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by President Dennis Crouse, followed by the secretary report given by Frieda Milliman in the absence of Secretary Judy Stevens. Myra Johnston, treasurer, gave the financial report.

An update by Fred Milliman stated that the roof repairs to the church have been completed. Twelve members enjoyed the field trip to the new Seneca Museum in Salamanca and plans to attend the WILMA event at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds this month are finalized; members also signed up to staff the Leon Historical Society’s Museum for October, the last month it is open this year.

The big news however was the incident on Sept. 24, when the gazebo, in front of the church, was smashed by a hit and run driver. Several residents heard the vehicle, then heard the crash. One party saw the vehicle leaving the scene. The police have the evidence in hand and the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, the community is mourning the loss of the gazebo and are disgusted and saddened by the mess left behind. This gazebo was dedicated to Mona Smith as a celebration of her life by the family. It housed the Christmas Tree for the holiday season, is a meeting place for the Memorial Day Parade, gave a place to sit and reflect while reading Leon’s Military Honor Roll placed next to it. It has even housed Amish quilts and baked goods during the rain on many Saturdays; it was part of the community and is sadly missed by all.

Please stop in and visit the museum on Route 62 in Leon. The museum is open thru October on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The next meeting will be on Oct. 28 at the Old 1836 Church in Leon, where a pot luck dinner at 6 p.m. will take place beforehand.