Carol Fisher-Linn
In this age of removing Confederate Civil War monuments from towns and cities across the United States, the little town of Little Valley, NY has a campaign afoot to renovate and preserve their own Civil War Memorial. This unique memorial (an octagonal-shaped, previously glass-domed building serving also as a museum), will celebrate the local young men and women who served in all wars fought by our soldiers and sailors, as well as their families who kept the home fires burning while they were away, or never returned.
It’s August 4, 1908, at the Cattaraugus County Centennial celebration in Salamanca. Thousands attended and showed a keen interest in the historic relics that were on display. That interest made it clear that an historical society and museum was needed in the county. Three years later, on 9/12/1911 the cornerstone was laid for the memorial building that would honor all Cattaraugus County Civil War vets. One of the incorporators, Henry F. Whipple, who was the son of First Sergeant Henry F. Whipple of the 154th New York, who was captured at Gettysburg and died as a POW at Andersonville gave the address. His words may have appeared prophetic when he said, “We dedicate this structure with our hearts full of loyalty for our country, and wish it ever to stand, signifying the deathless patriotism of American soldiers and sailors and their loyalty to the Stars and Stripes.” It almost didn’t live up to his wishes (“ever to stand”) until Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation (CAMP) came to the rescue.
CAMP, “a volunteer-driven, not-for- profit organization” was formed in October 2013 in direct response to the county legislature voting to demolish the memorial. Through a massive letter and email writing campaign, the overwhelmed legislature reconsidered their position (Power of the Pen), and on 7/26/2017 CAMP purchased the Memorial from Cattaraugus County for $1000 with plans to restore it. That, of course, meant replacing the iconic glass dome that was a focal point when the memorial building was new. You can help to “Relight the Dome of Courage” with a donation to CAMP (annual membership is $20). Anyone, even those from out of the county, and history buffs from across the nation, can join. Membership is not closed to just Cattaraugus County residents.
Tom Stetz, CAMP President, who hails from Allegany said that although initially created to honor only Cattaraugus County Civil war vets, it is now intended to honor any vets, male and female, soldiers and sailors, and family members/support persons from every combat event from the Revolutionary War until today. It doesn’t matter if you or a loved one were involved in either of the world wars, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, etc., this memorial is meant to honor YOU! To qualify for membership, you only need interest in the good work CAMP is doing “to work towards the preservation, restoration, reuse and re-dedication of the Civil war Memorial complex…” (CC Historic Path) From its inception until today the building had and will continue to have a dual purpose – as a
Civil War memorial and a home to historical pieces telling visitors the story of involvement by those heroes from Cattaraugus County.
Even Amazon is involved in this project. On their main page, under “Accounts and Lists” click on AmazonSmile Charity Lists and select CAMP. 5% of your Amazon purchases will go to CAMP at no additional cost to you.
The annual CAMP meeting will be held in person at 302 Court Street inside the former Board of Elections portion of the building on Friday, July 15 at 1:30p.m. If you care for an opportunity for a bit of socialization and a bite to eat before the meeting, the Bear Brick Restaurant will be open at noon, at 100 Main St. LV where members of CAMP will gather. Go to cattcomuseum.org for more information.
Naturally, the usual meeting agenda will take place, including the election of Board members and Officers, reports and transactions of other pertinent business. Stetz explained that there will be time for Q & A and comments and suggestions from the floor. If you’ve harbored a dream about this building, now is the time to present it to the Board. Suggestions are welcome.