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Canfield war museum offers history lesson
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .The newest edition to the War Vet Museum is an authentic Civil War cannon. It was donated by Boardman resident Tony Dimailo.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Canfield's War Vet Museum contains hundreds of artifacts from battles dating back to the War of 1812. All of its memorabilia has been donated.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Vintage patriotic posters, worn leather boots and memories of America’s past are stored in a building that was built more than two centuries ago.
Canfield’s War Vet Museum, 23 E. Main St., is the resting place for hundreds of historical military artifacts dating as far back as the War of 1812. It encompasses government issued items such as uniforms and canteens, but also includes personal mementos such as family Bibles dating back to 1810.
Built in 1809, the historic home was transformed into the current museum by Lewis Speece, of Canfield, in 1988. The establishment is meant to honor America’s military men and women, while preserving the history that has shaped present-day America.
All artifacts have been donated and will remain in the War Vet Museum as long as the museum is open. Pam, Speece’s daughter-in-law, said they will never sell or trade any items that have been donated.
The museum has four floors full of military uniforms, weapons, photographs and books from Vietnam, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Spanish American War and the War in Iraq to name a few. Rooms are separated by the war era and by military branch.
“Almost every war is represented in here,” she said.
The museum not only houses military artifacts, it includes several local historical gems. Authentic signs from Idora Park, record players from the early 1900s, antique medical equipment and original “Youngstown Vindicator” publications from the 1963 John F. Kennedy assassination are all on showcase in the museum.
“The nice thing about this museum is that you can actually pick things up and look at them,” Pam said. “Everything isn’t encased, like other museums.”
The basement is covered with train sets and small figurines depicting some of the nation’s greatest battles. The museum’s newest addition is an authentic Civil War cannon that was donated by Tony Dimailo of Boardman.
The War Vet Museum is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, contact the War Vet Museum at 330-533-6311.