War monument work begins soon
Attending a check presentation to American Legion Post 194 from revenue the state has collected through a shale gas drilling impact fee were (from left): Commissioner Jim Thomas, 1st Vice Commander Ralph Grovanz, Commissioner Lori Reed, Commander Mick Fapore, Adjutant Mary Greif, Finance Officer Barry Sarick, 2nd Vice Commander Billy Hostetlar and Commissioner Phil Jones. Donations for restoration work on the Cameron County World War I Monument will soon pass the $80,000 milestone, thanks to an outpouring of support from community organizations, individuals and local officials.
As a result, work is expected to begin before the end of the month.
The visible landmark at the courthouse square tells a story all its own.
It was built in 1929 as the World War Monument, in the belief that World War I would truly be the “war to end all wars,” as it was labeled. Private donations and a contribution from the American Legion covered the costs.
Fundraising for the current work has come together quickly. Most recently, the Cameron County Board of Commissioners approved a $25,000 allotment from the county’s share of a state tax on shale gas production. That comes on top of the $40,000 contribution from the George and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation.
Officials report that a $30,000 grant from the Emporium Foundation is also in the works. Olkosky-Jessup American Legion Post 194 members have also raised more than $23,000 on their own through various fundraising events.