Sergeant York Says Newsletter (Spring 2010)

8/9/2019 Sergeant York Says Newsletter (Spring 2010)

1/8

IN THIS ISSUE

YAI Visit and History, 2

SYPF Donors, 3

Sgt. York & Hwy. 127, 4

Veterans Day 2009, 5

Grant Improves Alvin C.York State Historic Park, 5

Update on York GeneralStore, 6York State Park, 6

Promoting Our Mission, 7

Christmas in the Valley, 7

Bill Maffett donates YorkMill Print, 7

Membership 2010, 8

York Institute Stabilization and Remediation CompletedThe remediation and stabilization phases of the historic York Agricultural Institute preservation

initiative is complete. Expenditures for these activities alone have totaled approximately $1 million.Having been slated for demolition by the State of Tennessee, which had owned the former school

building built through the efforts of World War I hero, Sgt. Alvin C. York, the deserted facility wasacquired by the nonprofit Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation (SYPF) in 2008. Extensive brickwork and aprotective roof membrane covering the entire building are two of the measures that will keep thebuilding safe from the elements and animals. The SYPF voluntarily paid for repair of the pavementsurrounding the building, ensuring safety of school personnel, students and visitors.

The SYPF, which owns the building, has also paid engineering, contracting, permitting and otherassociated fees and invoices. The State of Tennessee agreed to reimburse the Foundation up to$500,000, but there are numerous related expenditures that were necessary to complete the first twophases of saving the school that are not eligible for reimbursement.

Further, the SYPF has become responsible for paying monthly telephone bills associated with thefire alarm system and monthly electric bills for powering an exhaust fan system that will prevent thebuild up of moisture while the building is empty awaiting further rehabilitation and final use.

Though the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation has been fortunate enough to attract money from

several large donors and some local contributors, much more is needed to return the centerpiece ofSgt. Alvin C. Yorks legacy to the condition it deserves. Few Federal and State dollars are available, andthe project is expected to proceed primarily because private foundations and individuals commit toseeing the building saved.

Spring 2010 Issue a publication of the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation

Before

During

After

Before

After

During

Current Condition

VISITWWW.SGTYORK.ORG CALL 931-347-2664 E-MAIL [email protected]

SYPF 2010 Goals

restoring the York Institute buildingincreasing SYPF membershipenhancing visitor experience at YorkState Park through interpretativematerials and upgraded facilitiesattracting corporate sponsors forSYPF initiatives and capital projectsexpanding outreach through specialevents and tourscontinuing preservation of York-related artifacts and documentsdeveloping educational youthprogramsgrowing York General Store businessaugmenting visitation to Park incooperation with Park personnel

1
http://www.sgtyork.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/


2/8

First Look at YAI Preservation Initiative Attracts Supporters


This is a 1927 pledgecard illustrating Sgt.Yorks efforts to erectthe York Ins t i tu tebuildi ng now beingsaved from demolitionb y t h e S t a t e o f Tennessee though thecommitment of SYPFand generosi ty of donors.

YORK'S SCHOOL IN DISPUTE: World War Hero HasDifficulty Founding Tennessee Institution.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 25 (AP). Though the State Departmentof Education has adopted an attitude of neutrality with reference torifts in Fentress County educational matters involving SergeantAlvin C. York, World War hero and prospective founder of anopportunity school, it was indicated today the whole matter would

be threshed out at the next meeting of the Board of Education,Aug. 11.

New York Times, July 26, 1927These are pages from a brochure to solicit donations for YorkInstitute. Though not dated, it would have been used prior to1934, as Gov. Horton died that year.

Those attending a walkthrough of the recently remediated and stabilized historic York Institute on Dec. 21, 2009, included George Halford, President, Cookeville-

Putnam Chamber of Commerce; Bryan Foster, WASCO Inc.; Orbin Logan, Fentress resident; Walter Page, Executive Director, Fentress County Chamber of

Commerce; Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director, Tennessee Historical Commission; Lincoln Davis, United States House of Representatives; Shawn Gallant,

WASCO Inc. (construction general contractor); CW3 Bruce Catlett, Senior Army Instructor, Alvin C. York Institute; Michael Birdwell, SYPF Board Member, York

Archivist, TTU History Professor; John B. Mullinix, Fentress County Executive, SYPF board member; Karen Brown, Tennessee Department of Economic and

Community Development Three-Star; Calvin Dickinson, Tennessee Historical Commission Board Member, Retired TTU History Professor; Gaye Cooper,

Representing Tennessee State Representative John Mark Windle; Dan Brown, Executive Director, Tennessee Preservation Trust; Rod Foy, Foy Survey Co.

(donated survey for project); Barbara Novovitch, a journalist whose father was superintendent at York in 1960s; Leta Wildasin, Office Manager, Tennessee

Preservation Trust; J.H. Graham, Mayor, City of Crossville; John Robbins, Field Representative for Congressman Lincoln Davis; Lou Lattanzi, SYPF Board Vice

Chairman; Danny Nichols, York Store Manager; Claudia Johnson-Nichols, Executive Director, Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation.

Honor Sgt. Yorks Contribution to Education

Please help the SYPF save the YAI building Sgt.York fought so hard to build. Our immediate needis an additional $250,000, which will continue toprepare the structure for restoration and reuse.Government funds are practically nonexistent.Like Sgt. York, we are appealing to the public forhelp. Donations are tax deductible.

Call 931.347.2664 or email [email protected]

For a history of Yorks struggles

visit: www.sgtyork.org/

legacyindistress.html

Tis is someting near and dear me. Ive heardrepeadlyfomte mouts of people tat if Sgt. Yorkwas here, hed say away wit te building. eyrecomplely wrong. He would never say tat. In fact,if my dad was living, tat building would have nevebeen inte condion its in.

George Edward York, 86-year-old son of Sgt. York,speaking to the Tennessee Building Commission in2008

2
http://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/legacyindistress.htmlhttp://www.sgtyork.org/legacyindistress.htmlhttp://www.sgtyork.org/legacyindistress.htmlhttp://www.sgtyork.org/legacyindistress.htmlmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/


3/8

SYPF Su!o"ersThe Willard M. and Ruth Mayer Johnson Charitable Foundation has donated the second

installment of a $250,000 pledge to be paid over five years for use in York Institutes restorationand adaptive reuse initiative.

Congressman Lincoln Davis office assisted the SYPF in procuring a Congressiona

Appropriation of $95,000 for use in remediation of potential health or environmental hazard

at the YAI project site, such as asbestos or animal/bird fecal matter. Final testing determined

that all such threats were eliminated.

Ward Correll, CEO of Cumberland Lake Shell headquartered in Somerset, Ky., continues to

support the restoration of the YAI building through his financial contributions.

Rod Foy, owner ofFoy Survey Co., donated professional services valued at more than $1,800

toward the YAI preservation project.

Progressive Savings Bank, headquartered in Jamestown, Tenn., is donating professional office

space to the SYPF at the Progressive Financial Center on Interstate Drive in Cookeville, Tenn. In addition to a beautifullyfurnished office, the SYPF has use of conference and boardrooms for holding small meetings or larger gatherings. Thidonation is valued at more than $6,000 per year.

Support from Potters Ace Hardware, with corporate offices in Fentress County, Tenn., coupled with a financial gift fromSYPF Board Chairman Gerald York, helped York General Store to acquire an upright freezer necessary for efficient store

operations.

The Ned Ray McWherter Foundation, as well as numerous individuals and several businesses made financia

contributions during 2009 that helped with the projects and events sponsored by the Foundation.

A substantial contribution from an anonymous donor is guaranteeing SYPFs operational budget for 2010, enabling the

foundation to employ a professional executive director for the Foundation and a professional general manager at York GeneraStore and Visitor Center. This commitment offers the SYPF an opportunity to launch numerous initiatives in keeping with thelegacy of Sgt. York while growing membership and sustaining ongoing projects.

John A. Nolen III donated $10,000 toward ensuring that the mission of the SYPF is successful.

Many Fentress County and Tennessee Upper Cumberland businesses and individuals supported the Sgt. York Day activitiein October 2009 by donating money and supplies, sponsoring prizes for the student art contests and senior citizen writingcompetition. For a full list of contributors and more York Day 2009 information, visit www.sgtyork.org.

John Evans, owner of Next Generation Underwriters in Hendersonville, Tenn., and wife Barbara made significan

donations of equipment, personnel time and financial support during 2009. Among these have been money for operationaneeds, scanning equipment and labor for York documents and images, payment of insurance on YAI and other donations.

Support from Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation Board of Directors:

Janet Hopson, owner ofThe Graphic Station & Unstudio Photography in Jamestown, Tenn., has donated several thousand

dollars in professional services to the SYPF, including photography, Web design and maintenance and graphic design.

Andrea Burckhard and husband Terry, owners ofDale Hollow Marketing Group in Byrdstown, Tenn., have saved the SYPF

many thousand dollars by donating company resources for mailings, email blasts, press release distribution, free publicity in

publications and more.

Alan Whitehead and wife Jill are coordinating national membership and corporate sponsorship campaigns and donating

electronic marketing services through their respective Detroit, Mich., area companies. These campaigns are valued at more than

$100,000.

Noble Cody has donated office and professional supplies for the executive directors office.

Memorials

The SYPF continues to receivecontributions in memory ofSgt. Yorks grandson LarryYork, son of Andrew York,

who passed away on Nov. 24,2009. The Foundation and the

York family thank you. Beassured that these memorials

will be used to further thelegacy of Sgt. York, whosesurviving children are allmembers of the Board of

Directors of the SYPF. Mailtax-deductible contributions to:

SYPF Donations1010 Christmas Lane,

Cookeville, Tenn., 38501


3
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/


4/8


Hwy. 127 Today

Hwy. 127 dissects Alvin C. York StateHistoric Park, forcing park guests, many ofwhom are school children, veterans andtraveling retirees, to cross the busy

thoroughfare on foot.

Approaching the (now named) Alvin C. YorkBridge from the south (above), York GeneralStore is on the left and Sgt. Yorks home is onthe right. The Grist Mill and park day-usearea is to the left just across the bridge.

One SYPF goal for 2010 is to partner withYork Park officials to raise money forconstruction of a pedestrian bridge to ensure

visitor safety. Donations for this projecthrough the SYPF are tax deductible.

Bridge Dedication Drew Crowds to Pall Mall in 1940

Pedestrian Bridge Needed in 2010 for Safety of Visitors to Area

Wolf River Bridge

(Renamed Sgt. Alvin C. York Bridge)

The bridge across the Wolf River onthe Taft Memorial Highway (nowknown as U.S. Highway 127) wasdedicated on July 4, 1940, by Sgt.York.

The illustration (right) was part of an

invitation to the event, which wasbroadcast on WSM. The bridge stillstands, and much of Hwy. 127 inFentress County has been renamedSgt. York Highway.

The 654-mile portion of Hwy. 127between West Unity, Ohio, andGadsden, Ala., attracts hundreds ofthousands of shoppers each firstThursday in August through thefollowing Sunday for the World'sLongest Yard sale, headquarteredwith the Fentress County Chamber of

Commerce. Call 1-800-327-3945 forinformation.

Bridge viewed from Grist Mill

4
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/


5/8


Each Veterans Day George Edward York, oldest surviving child of Sgt. York,invites U.S. Veterans and the public to participate in a service honoringthose men and women who have served America in the Armed Forces. The2009 keynote address was delivered by history educator Tony Zachary.For additional details, visit www.sgtyork.org.

$50,000 Grant Awarded SYPF for Tennessee Trailblazers Tour FeaturingCordell Hull Birthplace State Park and Alvin C. York Sate Historic Park

The York and Hull parks are two small Tennessee State parks in counties targeted bythe Gems of Appalachia: Enhancing Appalachias Gateways to the Big South Fork grantprogram. To strengthen the application for funding, the SYPF partnered with Friends ofCordell Hull Birthplace. Both groups are nonprofits with goals of preserving the historyand legacy of these outstanding Americans and promoting these destinations to thegeneral public and targeted audiences for recreational, educational and tourism purposes.

Interpretational and educational audio and visual aides for each site will be created,conceptually linking the physical locations using Web site video modules for promotion.Mapping, signage and an audio tour will enable the visitor to experience the regionshistory, music and natural beauty while learning abouteach site during the 25-minute trip between the Parks.These pictures show a few attractions at the York site.

Admission to buildings, exhibits and

events at the York site is free

Dr.SamBarnes,a

Cookevilleartistand

retiredphysician,

dedicatedtheSgt.York

busthecreatedinhonor

ofthe90thAnniversaryof

Yorks1918exploitsin

France.Anidenticalbust

wasdeliveredtoChtel

Chhry, France.Toread

thefullstory,download

theFall2008newsletter

archivedat

www.sgtyork.org.

For more on Veterans Day activities,

visit sgtyork.org

5
http://www.sgtyork.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/


6/8Before


Official SYPF Mugs Quill Signature Pen Limited Edition Engraved Knives First Day Issue Stamp Portfolio

York General Store and Visitor Center is the first stop forvisitors to Pall Mall & Sgt. York State Park and features afree orientation film, tourist information, deli, snacks, Sgt.

York gifts, books, T-shirts, collectibles and more.All proceeds benefit the SYPF.

Any store item may be ordered for mail deliveryby calling 931-879-3657 or [email protected].

Sgt. York Capture Miniature Set

Improvements PrepareYork General Store

for 2010 Visitors

Sgt. York Gift Room

Sgt. York Action Figure Expanded Deli and Snack Menu

Sgt. York Commemorative Coin

New Manager at York General Store and Visitor Center

York General Store, which houses the interpretive center for York State Park and Pall Mall, is now under management of David Robbins, aFentress County native with degrees in finance and computer information systems from Tennessee Tech University. Robbins has established

and successfully operated his own businesses in the past, and he brings professional expertise coupled with genuine enthusiasm to YorkGeneral Store.His plans for the YGS are to upgrade merchandise related to Sgt. York, World War I and history, to establish displays and exhibits, to

institute an educational outreach program to Veterans organizations, historic groups, schools and churches and to increase visitation to the

store, Pall Mall and the region. Contact David at931-879-3657 [email protected].

Sgt. York State Historic Park Of fers Look Into Sgt. Yorks LifeRobin Peeler Wooten, Park Manager

Happy, joyous Spring everyone! The staff here at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park invites you tocome visit soon. With warming temperatures, the time is perfect for a trip out to the park to visit the General Store,the York Home and outbuildings, the gristmill and picnic area, and the York Nature Trail. Each season and timehave different stories to tell, and every visit to the park affords you a new opportunity to gain meaningful knowledgeof the past. Our goal is that your experience at the park will continue to inspire and touch you when you returnhome! On behalf of Tennessee State Parks and the staff of Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park, I would liketo sincerely thank the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation for their tremendous support of the park to help achieve our

common goals. Together we strive to interpret and share the compelling life story of Alvin C. York. In addition, the SYPF provides a valuableservice to our guests by offering one of a kind York souvenirs and refreshing food and drinks. Thank you, SYPF, for all you do! In addition to routine maintenance and programming, here are some recent projects that have been underway at the park in the last year:restoration of the outbuildings at the York Home, installation of new playground equipment, exterior painting of the York Home, the planting of asummer vegetable and herb garden at the York Home and implementation of a self guided tour of the York Nature Trail. A few exciting projectson the horizon include the facelift of the York Nature Trail (Special Thanks to Scout Benjamin Johnson and volunteers!), increased interpretationand exhibits at the park (Special Thanks to SYPF for authoring the ARC Grant awarded to SYPF), and restoration of the kitchen and upstairsbedroom to original wall coverings in the York Home. Thank you for your support of the state park and the SYPF. The park exists to interpret and protect the cultural and natural resources ofthe site and region for you, so please come visit often! For more information, directions and hours, visit www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SgtYork. There is no charge for tours, which begin at York General Store with an orientation video. Groups of all kinds and any size are welcomedby Park and General Store staff !

6
http://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SgtYorkhttp://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SgtYorkhttp://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SgtYorkhttp://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SgtYorkmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/


7/8

YorkGeneral Store is agreatplaceforgiftbuying.

Creditcards accepted, ordersshippedpromptly.


GeorgeEdwardYor

k

&BetsyYorkLowrey

SingingatYorkHome

FellowshipandF

ood

Cookeville Artist Uses Creativity for

York Institute Fundraising Campaign

Members who join the SYPF at theGeneral George Edward Buxton ($250)

level receive a York Grist Millwatercolor print signed by artist Bill

Maffett, along with other gifts

The Alvin C. York Award for 2009 was presented to SSG Louis Varnell by the Tennessee State Guard.The award, first instituted in 2005, recognizes Tennessee State Guardsmen who display an exceptionalcommitment to the ideals of duty, honor and service to state and country as exemplified by Sgt. Alvin C.

York. It is the highest award given by the Tennessee State Guard.Varnell currently serves as the Operations NCOIC for the Division and is the Senior Drill Sergeant forthe TNSG non-prior service camp of instruction. In addition, he serves as the commander of the TNSGHistoric Detachment Color Guard, which seeks to preserve the legacy of the TNSG in WWII.

In addition to his service with the TNSG, SSG Varnell is also the director of the Southeast VeteransMuseum. He is active in many schools and colleges,lecturing on theFirst World War whiledressed as a WWIDoughboy and sharing the story of Sgt. York with hundreds of Tennessee students. For the past two years,Varnell and his volunteers have come to Sgt. York Day with historic displays. In October 2009 he brought the Battle Bus,arolling museum, with a WWIexhibit, while members of the TNSG Historic Detachment were dressed in WWII StateGuard uniforms to commemorate the service of Alvin York as a TNSG member in WWII.

"Receiving the Alvin C. York award was quite an honor," said Varnell. "Especially since Sgt. York was alsoaTennessee State Guardsman. It means even more since I know the family authorized the award.

Sgt. York Interpreter Honored with States Top Guard Award

! A new print of the historic York Grist Mill was availablefor the first time at Sgt. York Day 2009. The limited edition printis of a watercolor by Bill Maffett, a Cookeville businessman andartist. Maffett, who began painting in recent years, has depictedseveral of Tennessees historic places in his work, includingrecognizable Tennessee sites such as the Cookeville Depot andDowntown Gatlinburg.! His painting of Sgt. Yorks mill was inspired by the plight ofthe Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation to save the original building ofYork Institute in Jamestown from demolition. Maffett donated 70

unsigned 16x20 prints to the SYPF for sale in its York GeneralStore in Pall Mall and donated another 30 signed prints for theSYPF to give as appreciation gifts for other donors to therestoration fund.! The York Grist Mill is included on the free tours of theSgt. York State Historic Park, along with the York Home, Sgt. YorkBurial Place in the Wolf River Cemetery and a drive-by view ofYork Chapel, Wolf River Methodist Church and the York BibleSchool.

Christmas in the Valley 2009 Remembering Sgt. YorkMusicatYorkGeneralStore

EachyeararoundSgt.Yorksbirthday,Dec.13,everyoneisinvitedtotheSgt.Yorkhomeplaceforsinging,theWolfRiver

MethodistChurchforaChristmasconcert&theYorkGeneralStoreforrefreshments.

The2010cele

brationisset

forDec.11and

willbe

expandedtoin

clude

businessesand

sites

throughoutthe

Valleyofthe

ThreeForksan

dPallMall.

Sgt. York Day 2009

Visit sgtyork.org often for updates

including a Summer2010 announcemen

aboutSYPFfundraisingeventscurrentlyin

development, like a (5k run, concert

celebrity golf tournament,VIP dinner), a

JROTC national awards program, a

nationalmembership drive &a corporate

giving campaign. Call Executive Directo

ClaudiaNicholsat931.347.2664tohelp.

7
http://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.sgtyork.org/http://www.sgtyork.org/


8/8

TheSergeantYorkPatrioticFoundationInvitesyoutobecomeaMember

Foundedin1993,theSergeantYorkPatrioticFoundationisanon-profit501c3corporationfundedbyvoluntarycontributions.Itservestocontinuehistoricalresearch,preservetheSgt.Yorkhomeplace,farmandartifacts,

restorehistoricYorkInstituteandtoimproveeducation.

ChooseyourRank:Recruit:MembershipCertificateandtheSergeantYorkSaysJournal,$25

Private:MembershipCertificate,SergeantYorkSaysandSgt.YorkT-shirt,$50

Corporal:MembershipCertificate,SergeantYorkSays,setof12pen&inknotecardssuitableforframing

depictingscenesassociatedwithSgt.Yorkslife,$100

GeneralGeorgeEdwardBuxton:MembershipCertificate,SergeantYorkSays,setof12pen&inknotecards

andaYorkGristMillwatercolorprintsignedbyartistBillMaffett,$250

Sergeant:Certificate,SergeantYorkSays,HistoryoftheAEFbookandSgt.YorkDVD,$500

MedalofHonor:MembershipCertificate,SergeantYorkSays,copyofSgt.YorkDVD,HistoryoftheAEF

book&aSgt.YorkprintsignedbyartistButchHodgkins,$1,000

Membershipregistrationacceptedbymailorinperson.Pleaseincludemembersfullname,mailingaddress,telephonenumberandemailaddressalongwithacheckor

moneyordermadepayabletoSgt.YorkPatrioticFoundation.

Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation

P.O. Box 100

Pall Mall, TN 38577

2010 EventsHeadquartered at

York General Store

Cruise In June 19

Hwy. 127 Sale Aug. 5-8

Veterans Day Nov. 11Christmas in the Valley Dec. 11Call YGS for Details

931-879-3657

CheckoutSYPF

smembership&

partcipatonop

portunitesfor20

10!

Sergeant York Says Newsletter (Spring 2010)

Documents

Transcript of Sergeant York Says Newsletter (Spring 2010)