For 120
years a soldier of the Grand Old Army of the Republic has stood at
parade rest in the county seat looking south over Lewis County.Judge Henry Turner, a Civil War veteran organized efforts to create a memorial to local Civil War veterans.
According to Judge Turner's account found in a time capsule in the base, the monument cost $1850 with foundation and groundwark about $200 to $500. It was built by the Monumental Bronze Co. of Bridgeport, Conn.
The Guilford D. Bailey Post of the Grand Army of the Republic dedicated this thirty-foot Civil War monument July 4, 1883 after its erection June 28, 1883. Money was raised by public subscription throughtout the county.
About 1980 the village removed the sub base hollow section as its corners had caved in, causing the statue to tilt forward and to the left. The village board was told the statue was not repairable. Brian Mumford began a campaign in 1986 to save the old soldier. After a two year campaign Mr. Mumford straightened the corners of the sub base and filled the pedestal's bottom with concrete. The thirty foot monument returned to its traditional location on the village green. Now the concrete is leaching through the base causing erosion. The Save Our Statue committee is continuing the crusade started by Brian Mumford.
Ron Harvey, an expert at Tuckerbrook Conservation in the restoration of sand cast zinc statue, will collect temperature and humidity readings for a year to better prepare a lasting solution to the deterioration.
NOTE: Statue drawing by Michael Beagle.
To donate to "Save Our Statue" fund: Checks may be written to "Save Our Statue" care of the Village of Lowville, 5402 Dayan St., Lowville, NY 13367, Phone: (315) 376-2834. Funds are needed before any additional significant deterioration.
Thank you - "Save the Statue" committee.