Piper provides updates on latest historical pieces acquired, Lewiston Cemetery additions

Hello everyone! I am pleased to offer an update on my recent projects and acquisitions to the museum collection. I have been fortunate enough to have received some artifacts pertaining to the Great Gorge Route, historical books in addition to those I acquired on my own. The biggest additions are a letter from my seven-times-grandfather, the Hon. Sherbourne Blake Piper, to the then-governor of New York, which was donated by Tom Collister, curator of the Lewiston Historical Museum. It is located in the main hallway, as well as artwork and assorted ephemera pertaining to the history of Lewiston.

The collection is continuing to grow on a regular basis. I will gladly offer tours to those interested in viewing my personal collection.

With encouragement from Mayor Welch, I donated the historical painting of Gen. Adams to Fort Niagara. The general served at the fort from 1813-30. The painting, acquired from the family estate, will be on display in the fort for all visitors alike to appreciate.

I am still hoping to complete the veteran's monument to be placed next to the flagpole and memorial bench at the Lewiston Cemetery. I have chosen a gray granite monument that will accommodate the 67 veterans from Lewiston who served from the Revolutionary War through the wars culminating with the Vietnam War. Many of their markers are broken, fallen over, difficult to read the lettering, or just so badly weather worn as most of them are of soft marble.

The monument is on a polished base. It is also polished with unfinished edges to represent not only their service, but as a memorial to those whose lives were cut short in battle.

There is room to add additional names should the need arise in the future. With the donations I have received to date, I am in need of raising $2,000 for the monument and installation in the Oakwood Section behind the old stone church. I am hoping to be able to have it in place for a Memorial Day blessing and dedication.

In collaboration with the village, the newest project is the addition of a columbarium to be placed under the oak trees in the Oakwood section of the cemetery on the Seneca Street side.

There will be 24 crypts consisting of gray granite and polished black granite face plates. Installation is anticipated for April or May, depending on ground conditions for installation. We will be discussing availability and costs associated with it once it is in place.

Again, I am hoping to complete my veterans' project at the same time for a dual blessing and dedication. In the interim, questions may be directed to the village clerk's office.

At this time, it is in the construction process. It will be delivered to Niagara Monument Works for storage until installation. The veterans monument I have selected is on display in the front window if anyone wishes to view it in person. This is the final piece for my last project. My focus will be on the cemetery grounds and its preservation, and I will continue to acquire pieces for the museum as well as the preservation of the history of the village.

After much back-and-forth discussion with the Village Board, it was decided to also create a memorial garden. As a seventh-generation descendent of a prominent early family, I have volunteered my time over the past five-plus years to clean and restore it. This is a practical way to make sure the cemetery will be utilized and allowed to continue to provide a final resting place and to remain a working cemetery into the future. 

I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to those who have so generously donated to my previous projects. I hope I will be able to fulfill my desire to place a fitting memorial to our Lewiston veterans who are a part of the village history.

Anyone wishing to donate to finishing my project may make donations at the Village Clerk's Office or by mail. Checks may be made payable to "Potter's Field Monument Fund.”

Again, thanking all of you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support in the past. I hope it will continue to allow to have the monument in place for Memorial Day.

For now … I remain:

Russ Piper

Village of Lewiston Historian