This cache was hidden by
OurWoods and then adopted later on by Vargseld.
The cache is a 50cal ammo can, painted greenish, with a geocache
label painted on the side. Please re-cover the cache BETTER then
you found it! Please note the condition of the tower in the picture
below from 1995, to the condition now, only ten years later. Pretty
Sad.
(Excerpts from the Town of Sweden Sesqui-centennial Booklet -
1964)
One of the most unusual and certainly the most neglected monuments
to our war veterans is the fifty-two foot sandstone tower known as
the "Soldier's Monument." It stands in the center of an abandoned
Rural Cemetery, just east of the new Owens Road in the Town of
Sweden. In 1882, the Brockport Rural Cemetery association was
organized and incorporated as a burial ground primarily for
veterans of the Civil War, who were beginning to "fade away" in
increasing numbers. It was envisioned that this site might become
something of a local Arlington with its more than twenty-three
acres on a high knoll overlooking the village. A campaign was
spear-headed by Horatio M. Beach, diplomat and publisher of the
Republic, who conceived of the idea of an appropriate monument.
A special association was formed with
representatives of the Cady Post, G.A.R., and work progressed
under the supervision of Edgar A. Maynard. The stone was
brought from Hulberton and the contract for drawing it was let
to W. L. Conklin. Mason work was done by William Stevens and
the interior iron work by the D.A. Morgan & Company. The
dedication on September 1, 1893, was one of the grandest
affairs ever staged in Brockport with several bands,
entertainment of guests, orations and exhibition drills. In
response to his introduction to the assembled audience, Mr.
Beach reported that the monument association "has been
incorporated under the laws of the State, and by the gift of
the cemetery association on whose grounds it (the monument)
stands has now a title to the plot encircled by the iron
railing, and is made custodian of the land immediately south
of it to the two avenues, for the free interment of all loyal
soldiers who have died or may die in Brockport or the towns of
the vicinity." A plaque was fastened on the wall just inside
the door with the names of the association members.
When it was first erected the monument was a major attraction. The
New York Central featured it in their travel guide over the Niagara
Falls Road, entitled "Health and Pleasure on America's Greatest
Railroad" - 1895. Thousands climbed the circular stairway for views
of the countryside. The picture on this page (not available - the
picture is from 1995) has been reproduced from the railroad
bulletin and shows the monument with flag unfurled and surrounded
by the iron fence.
Mr. Beach's death occurred on Sept. 21, 1898, and all incentive to
complete the project went with him. Lightening set fire to the
observation platform, the elements rusted away the iron spiral
stairway, the plaque disappeared, the mortar around the battlements
began to crumble. The stonework is so well built, however, that it
may be another century before the old tower vanishes, sparing
vandals or human wreckers.
A grass fire swept through the cemetery and destroyed both the
chapel and the caretaker's cottage, before firemen from the village
could save them. The cemetery vault also was destroyed.
Many lots were sold and there were numerous interments before the
association became dormant and the grounds neglected. Thereafter,
families sold their deeds and arranged the removal of bodies to
other cemeteries, including Lake View which had just been
developed. The remains of only three civil war veterans are
believed to be on the premisies: Daniel Castleman, John Ogden and
Michael England, although there may be others.
In 1954 there were complaints about the hazards of the crumbling
tower, and a a hearing was conducted by the Town Board. They asked
that some patriotic group come forward with a plan of restoration,
but there was little response.
In 1960 the issue again became paramount when the Owens-Illinois
plant was erected, and desired a five-acre parcel of the old
cemetery land. To meet legal requirements, the old Rural Cemetery
Association was reactivated and the desired land conveyed with the
assurance that this section did not have and never did have any
graves upon it.
The tower was designed by Brooklyn architect Clarence Birdsall,
who designed several monuments at Gettysburg. Sandstone for the
tower was delivered by barge down the nearby Erie Canal. The window
bars, doors and window hardware and interior circular stairway were
made of iron provided by the Morgan foundry of Brockport.
The Soldiers' Memorial Tower Committee was formed to restore and
preserve the tower, and to develop the surrounding 17 acres for
community use. In 1994, a celebration was held to mark the 100th
anniversary, and to rededicate the tower to ALL veterans.
Be sure to visit all the Anceint History caches:
Ancient
History 101 - Smith Family
Ancient
History 102 - First Settlement
Ancient
History 103 - Soldiers Memorial Tower
Ancient
History 104 - You Reap What You Sow
Ancient
History 105 - Mistaken Identity
Placed by a member of NYGO