Here's a familiar site to anyone in the ville or from the ville. It's been around in the same location dating back to the WWI era. There was a period when he wasn't there after the original statue was destroyed in 1942 when it was run over by someone in a truck. The original statue was made of pewter and shattered into a million pieces when that accident occurred.
The Wellsville Historical Society presented a program on this statue at their meeting last week. Along with the ville there are a handful of other places in the country that have the same statue. Sandusky, OH, has two of them. One of them is the original and the other is a reproduction as is Wellsville's. The original statue along with other statues that use to be in the fountains on Broadway was purchased from a company called J.W.Fiske. Back in the early days of the 20th century the fountains on Broadway were a lot more elaborate than what they are today.
Legend has it that the inspiration that created the "Boy" is from a Civil War battle scene were wounded soldiers lying in the field needed a drink of water. The "Boy" used his boot to carry water to give them a drink. It is uncertain if this is a fact or myth.
In 1951 then Mayor Tom Leatherberry tried to purchase a new statue to no avail. After that Wellsville resident John Springer drew up a model from old pictures of the original and with the help of Clarence "Sonny" Phenicie they built a replica using a wire frame, burlap and plaster. However the plaster lasted less than a year in the weather and kids playing on it. There were many merchants in town that donated to this effort.
After that Wellsville realtor Pete Amato purchased a new statue. It was cast by Studio Foundry in Cleveland. I think they used a mold that Springer & Phenicie had made. On July 30, 1983, it was dedicated in memory of Pete's brothers Ralph & Fred. That's the statue that is in place today. The Historical Society has small replicas of this stature in their gift shop at the museum on Riverside.
The Historical Society is still looking for new members and if you are interested at all in history this is the place to go. Even the membership dues is historic. It's only $5 per year. Where else can you go now a days and be a member for only five bucks? As Jo Ann Bobby said in the MJ's Loose Ends last Sunday it is really "one cool place". Every time I'm over there I discover something new in that house.
The Historical Society meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 P.M. At the next meeting March 17, Wellsville's Bob Lloyd is going to do a presentation with pictures of Wellsville floods going back to 1884, 1907, 1913, 1936 & 1943. I saw some of those pictures at the WVFD open house last year. Even though they're flood pictures you will be amazed seeing some of the old buildings in those pictures that once graced the streets of the ville. Did you know that there use to be a church at 3rd & Lisbon where the B.P. station is now? I didn't. As far back as my memory goes there was always a gas station on that corner.
Other programs being planned is the history of the railroad in the ville. The railroad was a vital part of our growth in town. Back in the early years Wellsville grew in leaps and bounds as an important transportation center. Also being planned is a program on street cars and buses by author Wayne Cole. A PA resident Mr. Cole is the author of several books on those subjects. Then this season they are planning another event with the WWII Re-enactment Group that was here last summer. That event was hugely popular and I'm eager to see what they have on the agenda this year.
If you're interested in some of the things Grandpa use to talk about this is the place to be. All you have to do to join up is come to the next meeting. Membership is open to everyone. You don't have be a Wellsville resident to join. I'm sure "Windy" will welcome you.
ole nib
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