Troop 45 Scout restoring historical markers for Eagle project

WARWICK — Jeremy Langdale, 17, a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 45, is currently working to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

The small percentage of all scouts who become Eagle Scouts are required to complete a minimum of 21 merit badges, have leadership roles in and outside of the Troop and participate in community service. And each candidate must complete a major community service project as the last requirement.

'Passion for history'
"Those that know me," Langdale said, "know my passion for history, and this summer I had the honor and privilege to volunteer as a camp counselor at the Warwick Historical Society's History Summer Camp program. It was here that I was introduced to Mary Anne Knight and Sharon Knol, executive director of the Historical Society. In conversations with them I was able to learn about opportunities for service projects not only for the Historical Society, but the Town of Warwick as well. After some time to think about and choose one of the many ideas provided, I decided to help restore some of the town's historical markers."

"More than a monument to a moment in time'

Those signs were created in years gone by to designate locations of historical significance. They are made of cast iron and, if not regularly repainted, begin to deteriorate. Funding for maintenance was not provided in original legislation, which expired decades ago.

"Restoring these signs," said Knol, "does more than simply restore a monument to a moment in time; it helps to inform and educate those visiting the area as to the makeup of its people and the signs stand as a reminder of those people and events that have gone before us."

In preparation for this project, Knol's husband Jim photographed all the historical roadside markers and defined their GPS coordinates, which will become part of the society's archives. The project has also required the organization's supervision, training, official cooperation by the Town and Village and securing authorization since some signs are on private property.

The labor is intensive.
In a recent "Wisner Tract" historical marker restoration on the grounds of the former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility, Langdale and a group of volunteer scouts spent three hours striping layers of paint from both sides of the marker in preparation for several more hours of priming and painting.

Donations
In order to make this project a reality, Langdale needs to raise approximately $500 to purchase materials.

Tax deductible donations are greatly appreciated and checks should be made payable to the "Warwick Historical Society." Note in the memo or in a letter that the funds are for the "Historical Marker Project" and mail to:

Warwick Historical Society, PO Box 353, Warwick, NY 10990.