|
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Ontonagon VFW |
 |
| Picture: (L-R) Committee
Members: Kneeling, George Pestka, Dave Gregory, Standing:
Kenny Roehm, John Cherro, Dick Erickson, Jackie Erickson, Jim Holmes, Post Commander Missing: Peggy Emblad, Brian Amos |
The Ontonagon VFW Post 5600 took on the task of repairing the War Memorial with hopes of completing the work by Memorial Day. They accomplished this task on May 23rd with time to spare. According to Jim Holmes, Post Commander, the cement was cracking away from the stone so all the loose stone were refit and mortered. The granite was waterblasted and acid cleaned and then a protective coat was applied. Hawley Lumber Company donated the paint for the project. Also the under-ground piping and valves have been replaced. There is now a drain and cut-off valves. All the electrical has been updated and a new box installed. Scott Weisinger and Joe DeHut from the Power Company were on hand for this. Gary Komula and John Hamm from the Village helped with the clean-up after the work was completed. Dave Gregory, head of the committee to repair the war memorial, stated that an estimate of $500.00 in supplies will be paid by the Ladies Auxilary. Now a bit of history: In 1970 Lake of the Clouds VFW Post 5600 members began talking about constructing a monument "to remind us of and to honor our dead and something that will also enhance the looks of the village." Listed on the honor roll on the monument at the time of dedication, September 18, 1971, were the names of veterans killed in action during the wars dating from the Civil War to the conflict in Vietnam. (The most recent name added to the monument is that of Nicholas Cherava killed in Iraq.) Chairman of the project was Robert Rounds and Bud Bailey's name also appeared as a contact person. The original cost of the War Memorial was $2,500.00. (To replace it today would cost an estimated $10,000.00 or more.) Construction began in early 1971, with phase 2 starting in June of 1971. The water spout and lanscaping were completed in July of 1971. In the August 5, 1971 edition of the Ontonagon Herald; Chairman of the project, Robert Rounds, had an article about complaints of climbers on the monument. He asked for residents to please "refrain from doing this". The dedication of the VFW War Memorial was the highlight of the September 18, 1971, 15th District Department of Michigan VFW Fall Conference held in Ontonagon. The dedication program was conducted with Mayor James Clark, Judge Donald Munro and State Senior Vice Commander Bill Bishop. A parade included all delegates of the posts and auxiliary, the Ontonagon Area High School Band, the Ironwood Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and a drill team from Alpha. In the Spring of 1972 a large scarlet maple was planted behind the monument. Individuals specifically named as contributors of money, time and materials in 1971 included: Mrs. Howard Johns, Leo Waisanen, Lawrence Bauer Sr., Henry Huber, White Pine Copper Co., Hecox Hardware, Hoerner-Waldorf, Inc., Harry Thompson, Casey Cogswell, Dennis Kekke, Marvin Takala, Mitchell Seeling, Tom Strong, Richard Reath, the Ontonagon Herald, First National Bank, Citizens State Bank, Village Council, Tom Bailey, Shorty Gougeon, Ontonagon Mountaineers Drum and Bugle Corps, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Borth, Blue Ribbon Dairy, Bunny Bread, and Jilbert Dairy. |