Save
New York State's Civil War Cannons
The
Civil War cannons of New York State are
in danger. They are the targets of a collector
from Pennsylvania. His "private collection"
contains over two dozen cannons, and four
of them are from New York. An article in
the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review of April 2,
2005, says that Ken Watterson's collection
is valued at $2 million.
The M.O. is for Watterson's broker, Bruce
Stiles, to contact either the local cemetery
association or the municipal government
officials. In most cases these are the people
who know the least about the meaning of
these cannons, and who are in the greatest
need of cash. If the first monetary offer
is refused, Stiles will be back with a higher
offer until the temptation is too great
and the cannon is sold.
A
Google search for "kendall and cannon"
will bring up dozens of hits on a story
that was picked up by the Associated Press.
The Town Board of Kendall, NY, quietly sold
their Civil War cannon earlier this year.
When the residents found out, they let their
elected officials know that this was entirely
unacceptable. The cannon was returned but
Watterson charged the town $7,000 in fees,
which was paid through a legislative grant.
CAN
IT HAPPEN AGAIN?
Yes, and it already
has. Groton, NY, in Tompkins County, lost
their Civil War cannon from the local cemetery.
They are fighting to have it returned.
WHAT
CAN WE DO?
There is legislation
in the N.Y.S. Assembly to prohibit the unauthorized
sale of veterans' commemorative property.
The bill is number A3432. The Senate version
passed by a 59-0 vote. This bill needs to
be voted on now to prevent the "gentlemen
from Pennsylvania" from desecrating
the memory of our Civil War veterans. Contact
your Assembly member by phone,
by letter, or by email. Let them know that
this intrusion into our heritage cannot
be allowed. Go to the NYS Assembly webpage
at assembly.state.ny.us/mem/
for a list of members.
Click
here to see Assembly bill A03432.
The
civil war community cannot stand idly by.
We need to be vocal and vigilant.
Courtesy
Morrisville Library
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