Letters to the Editor, Feb. 17, 2010

Published: February 17, 2010

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Civil War field piece

EDITOR: During the Civil War Centennial residents of Bradford County and adjacent Waverly, N.Y. and the Town of Barton had a prominent role in the 100th Anniversary Commemoration ceremonies, in process of which Waverly businessman A.C. 'Clayt' Goodrich wished to create a field artillery gun crew. Former World War II Navy Medical Corp veteran Harry Clark was to become part of the artillery unit. I approached Victor 'Vic' Buley, scoutmaster and serving as a member of the cemetery administrative body, seeking permission which was granted, to remove the cannon barrel placed within a stone wall. It was to be returned after the Centennial, which it was. Needed was a wooden carriage, there being none.

Since most of the national parks' cannons, as displayed on various battlefields, were on carriages manufactured at the Lorton prison in Virginia, and since specifications were available after inquiry, 'Clayt' secured detailed blueprints at no cost. With a team of eager helpers, enjoying the challenge, they developed a set of blueprint templates, sawed and drilled the components, then bolted the assembly together. It was sturdy, realistic, and would later continue to cradle the gun barrel upon its return to the cemetery. This would be three years later, in 1965, the mounted barrel far better in appearance than when placed within a stone wall.

I recall the barrel was cast by Ames with a date probably in the 1850s and was a nine-pounder as opposed to the usual field piece that fired a six-pound ball. Its blast was terrific, I remember beating out glowing wadding that spewed out at me as I stood to an aside. A charge of cordite was about 2-1/2 lbs., far cheaper than black powder. Unlike other artillery, with cast iron barrels, the Ames Foundry had manufactured this as a brass naval gun, being extremely heavy. I can't recall, but either we paid for the lumber or more likely 'Clayt' and crew shelled out a couple bucks for lumber and bolts. I think they spent $6. They had extreme pride in their accomplishment.

Later, as I was to learn, somehow somebody on Ithaca Street was permitted to remove the barrel ostensibly for refurbishment. The barrel today, according to those associated with its history during the reenactment years, when returned was not the handsome brass piece which had gone to war, fired during reenactments. It appears the brass barrel went to Florida some years ago. When I had heard of its removal I had wondered as to need for 'refurbishment.'

My question is, because restoration plans today purportedly can be very costly, is this the only way to go? Has there been any look around by Village government or by those associated with this public matter, as to there being carpenter volunteers to be had? I am sure there are many who can work with simple wood working tools, who too would take pride in restoring this gun mount. A simple table saw and drill are needed. It would better sit with me, as former commander of a fine group of volunteers, that the tradition of volunteerism continue, rather than perhaps a costly alternative. The problem today is we are too quick with the buck. Interested parties, for want of who to call, might touch basis with the office of the mayor in Waverly. In the spirit of Captain Clayt Goodrich and the men mostly gone who carried our flag nearly a half century past, this is my plea.

Ray Ward

Waverly, N.Y.

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1 posted comments

We had a similar thing happen in Watchung , NJ. We had a WW 1
Tank and it was replaced with a "Brand new" troop transport!!!!:(
Someone sold this classic tank and was able to pull the switch.
I know that they are just symbols, but when someone profiteers on
such things it is wrong. You deserve answers.. I never got any.
Report
joe dupont,  02/17/10 10:58