u

Last Updated: April 14, 2010

Davison Memorial Field Cannon Refurbishment

• LC Colgate
This year is the 100th anniversary of the Locust Valley Library and the Matinecock Neighborhood Association has generously stepped-up to refurbish the captured German 7.7 cm field cannon that has resided on a pedestal outside the library since 1919. The cannon was presented to Locust Valley resident Henry P. Davison by the French government for his service as chairman of the American Red Cross Council during the first World War. When the war ended, Mr. Davison donated the cannon “to the residents of Locust Valley, Long Island, to be preserved as a memorial of their patriotic sacrifices, services and contributions during the World War (1917-1919).” It was dedicated to the citizens on July 4, 1919 and rededicated on July 4, 1992.
Locust Valley sent 132 men from the community into the service. Many of them served with the armies in France. The Honor Roll constructed in front of the Neighborhood House (now the Locust Valley Library) represented the community’s appreciation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Charles (Chad) Brisbane, president of the MNA, sent a letter to Mr. Daniel P. Davison, a current Locust Valley resident, to inform him of MNA’s decision to completely restore the memorial cannon. It was his late relative that donated the cannon to the village ninety-one years ago. The work will be done by an expert who has been well recommended by the head curator of Army and the intent is to preserve the cannon for many generations to come. The cannon will be refurbished to museum quality outdoor standards.
The cannon, an important symbol of sacrifice, has come to such a state of disrepair that it is an embarrassment. According to Brisbane, it will be “made whole in a manner second to none.”
Brisbane went on to say that that there was no better time than now to embark on this project. He said that once the cannon is removed from its pedestal, it will be approximately ninety days before it is returned to its home outside the library. A re-dedication ceremony will be planned as the date of work completion draws near. He said “we are stewards of this gift to our neighborhood and it is our responsibility to preserve the cannon for future generations.” He thanked the board of trustees at the library for permitting the MNA to arrange and fundraise for this necessary work. In a letter that he wrote to the library and was shared with The Leader, Brisbane wrote, “while we tend to take these things for granted, I am sure our neighbors will be happy to see this memorial gift from the French Government to Locust Valley preserved for generations to come.”
Janis Schoen, president of the Locust Valley Library said “we are so indebted to the Matinecock Neighborhood Association and their generosity in refurbishing this important community artifact.” Brisbane said that “since tax dollars don’t support this public memorial, the Matinecock Neighborhood Association feels especially responsible because of its location. Once upon a time, MNA was housed at the Locust Valley Library.”
This is a unique piece of history in our own backyard. Stop by and take a look.