by Bea Peterson
A crowd gathered ’round to watch Rolland Hewitt and Roger LeMere cut the ribbon on Petersburgh’s reconstructed historic Observation Post Saturday afternoon, November 8. The blustery weather quickly drove everyone inside where they had an opportunity to see pictures of the original fallen down Observation Post and the new one as it made its way to its permanent location next to the Petersburgh Veterans Memorial Community Center (PVMCC).
Town Historian Peter Schaaphok was master of ceremony. He introduced Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino who congratulated the Town on its recognition of its veterans. The refurbished Hall was a credit to all the “unsung heros” who stepped up to fill the roles necessary to keep the building open. She commended the Town on the wonderful undertaking to preserve a piece of history with the restoration of the Observation Post. Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell said Rolland Hewitt has done endless amounts of community service over the years and the Observation Post was just the latest “great job” he had done. Rensselaer County Veterans Service Agency Director Robert Reiter, sporting a USMC tie, said “Veterans touch us all,” adding that America thanks them for what they do, and he thanked those that support them.
Rolland Hewitt, the major reconstructor of the building, introduced Eugene Church and George Brimmer who were two of the 50 local residents that were trained observers.
The Petersburgh Annual Veterans Day Pot Luck Supper followed, with groaning boards of fabulous food. The blessing was said by the Town’s oldest veteran, 92 year old Howard Walters.
After dinner Susan Nelson said she hoped everyone would take time to tour the newly renovated Hall. She and the rest of the Committee hope people will make use of the facility in the future for events of all types. She then introduced a video interview done by three students, Connor Brown, Dylan Hover and Molly
McCumber. They interviewed retired telephone operator Norma Shaw of Berlin who was one of the operators on the receiving end of calls from the Petersburgh Observation Post. She spoke of the secrecy these calls generated and the importance of making sure she stayed with a call until it was completed. She wasn’t even sure where the call went once it left Berlin!
The evening concluded with the talented Hill Hollow Band.