Little Valley NY
Post 531 in Little Valley has received historic status and signage from the Pomeroy Foundation, recognizing the American Legion’s importance to the community and significance for over a century. Originally known as “Robins Roost” when built in 1909 by Sara and Andrew Jackson Case, this was an impressive estate surrounded by vast acreage bordering Little Valley.
“The American Legion bought the home and land in 1947, and it has been a critical gathering place for veterans and locals ever since.” offers Ryan West, Director and long-time Finance Officer, “All Legions, VFWs and AmVets are trying to help our soldiers, so this acknowledgement will hopefully make all feel welcome, to share experiences, help one another, and enjoy a good meal, surrounded by our fascinating history.”
Robins Roost is truly unique. An Italianate-inspired design with a large barn that originally cost $8,000 to build, forty acres were fenced-in for white tail deer that were imported from as far as Iowa. The arrival of the deer was big news and announced in local papers, and the intent was to use their antlers for knife handles while also repopulating deer in the region after heavy logging in the 1800s.
Andrew Jackson Case helped form Cattaraugus Cutlery in 1886 then co-founded Case Brothers Cutlery in Little Valley, later launching Case Manufacturing and becoming part-owner of W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery in Bradford, finishing his career at Union Cutlery in Olean as it became Ka-Bar. Few influenced the early American knife industry more, and Andrew traveled America in a unique camper truck equipped with a wood stove. His wife Sara had a tea room and an early drive-thru for chicken dinners at Robins Roost, to help support the family while her husband was away on business.
“My mother, Josephine Case Williams, grew-up at Robins Roost, and it was like a fairy tale.” remembers Joan Lockwood of Little Valley, whose great-grandparents built Robins Roost. “Whether playing with the deer or literally trying to fly from the huge barn behind the house, holding only an umbrella and plopping into a pile of manure, their lives were simply magical. We are so proud that this family history and the Legion’s ongoing efforts are being recognized.”
The new historic sign stands in front of the American Legion on route 353 for all to read and appreciate, while the restaurant is open to the public for some of the best fish fries and chicken wings in the county. The Legion and rear pavilion are also available for private events, regularly hosting family reunions and banquets. New membership drives are ongoing, and all veterans are welcome.
A major fundraising drive is also underway, as the aged pipes dating back to Robins Roost’s origins need updating, as well as upgrades to the kitchen and bar areas. An official public ceremony, including a very rare gift to the American Legion from the family of Judy Champlin Simcick, will be held on Saturday, October 25th, at 1pm.
American Legion post 531 is the latest of several historic recognitions for Little Valley in the past decade. Local citizens known as “CAMP” saved the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historic Building on Court Street, which is now listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places, while Case Brothers Cutlery on Fair Oak Street and the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds have all received historic status and signage from the Pomeroy Foundation.