December 5, 2015

As descendants of Cattaraugus County Civil War Veterans slowly learn of the recommendation of the Cattaraugus County Department of Public Works to demolish the Memorial Building in Little Valley, NY the emails are already starting to come in to CAMP and the Catt Co Legislators. Here are some of the first to arrive in CAMP Historian, Mark Dunkelman’s email box:

From: “Donald Moody”

Subject: Sad News

Date: December 5, 2015 at 11:47:38 AM EST

To: <[email protected]>

To: Mr.Jack Searles

Sir:

It is very disturbing to hear the news that your Public Works Committee announced  suddenly that the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building in Little Valley would be demolished!  The fact that this decision was made in secret, behind closed doors, without any public discussion is most troubling.  This is not how you and your fellow legislators are supposed to act as representatives of the people.  This is not the American way and I am very disappointed in the legislature’s spoiled brat actions that seemingly took place away from public interaction.  I have supported CAMP and their efforts as they are trying to honor all American veterans by saving a very historic building and piece of land in your county.  I pray that a final decision , more just and friendly to the citizens and veterans of your state and our country, may be thoughtfully worked out very shortly. The demolition of this historic building would be an unfortunate loss of another irreplaceable artifact of our country’s history.

Please feel free to share this communication with your fellow representatives.

Very Sincerely Yours,

Donald Moody, president

Muskingum County Civil War Association

Zanesville, Ohio, 43701

From: Michael Movius

Subject: DEMOLITION RECOMMENDATION

Date: December 5, 2015 at 11:51:21 AM EST

To: Webmaster <[email protected]>

Dear Friend,
I wish to express my dismay that the Public Works Committee’s recommendation to demolish the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building in Little Valley, and did so against the precepts of open government.  Your constituents within Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation (CAMP) have developed several professional historical preservation relationships, brought them forward for discussion, but seemingly have been ignored by the PWC.  An open and frank discussion is a fundamental part of our democratic process.Those of us who revere the sacrifices and contributions of our Civil War ancestors are appalled at the manner and substance of the recommendation and urge that the Legislature to preserve the county’s most significant Civil War memorial.Mike Movius, Vice President
Puget Sound Civil War Roundtable
Seattle, Washington

From: “David Onan II”

Subject: Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building destruction

Date: December 5, 2015 at 12:19:36 PM EST

To: <[email protected]>

Cc: “Dunkelman Mark” <[email protected]>

Dear Mr. Searles,

My G-G-Grandfather, Warren Onan, was a resident of Cattaraugus County most of his life. He served in the 154^th NY Inf. Vol. during the Civil War. Forty years ago, at the start of my investigation of family history, I visited this building in Little Valley. The people I met there and the information led me on to many other useful Cattaraugus County locations during two trips from Minnesota.

Old things are tough to maintain; but once they are lost, they are gone forever. History matters. The history of our country is best preserved in landmarks which cannot be perverted by political whim. When I stand on the graves of my ancestors or in the places they stood, I get a true feeling of attachment. I’m 82 now and won’t be back, but it will sadden me to think of my kids and their kids and all the others who will not be able to experience the same.

Please make copies of this for the members of the council who are considering tearing down the building. I ask that they preserve it.

Sincerely,

David W. Onan II

Fort Myers, FL 33908

From: “Thomas O’Hare”

Subject: Re: Historic Preservation Crisis

Date: December 5, 2015 at 12:46:27 PM EST

To: “Mark Dunkelman” <[email protected]>

Hello Mark,

     You are doing a great job as the leader/advocate for saving the Memorial Building. Some of the legislators have sided with the preservationists. Lets identify and focus on those who are determined to destroy the building.  Perhaps heavy pressure could be brought to bear on them. But who are they? Could a list of anti-building legislators together with the areas they represent be released so the local media (including Buffalo)  and individuals can focus on them? I can envision an article in a Sunday edition of the Buffalo News with a headline “ Nine Cattaraugus County legislators determined to destroy Civil War Memorial”

Your reaction please. Regards    Tom O’Hare

 

From: Betty Lou Gleason

Subject: Civil War Memorial

Date: December 5, 2015 at 2:10:38 PM EST

To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Cc: [email protected]

I am writing regarding the Cattaraugus County’s Civil War memorial. My ancestors were a large part of the Cattaraugus County area and many served in the Civil War. They are looking down and urging all of you to vote against destroying Cattaraugus County’s most significant Civil War memorial. And, I am strongly urging you to vote against this destruction.

Betty Lou Gleason

Family Ancestors – Howlett’s and Casten’s

Betty Lou Gleason
Simpsonville, SC 29681

CAMP hopes that it may publish your email to Cattaraugus County Legislators declaring your opposition to the demolition of the Memorial Building. Please also demand that the public be included in the decision to preserve, re-use or demolish this important, historical monument to our Civil War Veterans. You may email copies of your emails for publication to: [email protected]