Canfield boy recruits army of volunteers for renovation of War Vet Museum

CANFIELD — Doug Speece is continuing his father’s legacy with the War Vet Museum at 23 E. Main St. as it undergoes renovations.

The renovation project began with a letter-writing campaign to raise funds by 11-year old Scotty Crawford. Scotty has raised nearly $17,000 and is still going strong.

“It means everything” to keep the Canfield War Vet Museum going, Speece said. His father and the museum’s operator, Lewis “Lew” Speece Jr., died in February at 89. “This was his last 25 years. This is what he did.”

“We promised we would keep it going and fix things up. This was his baby. He bought the house in 1988 [and] completely redid the inside since it was falling apart.”

Scotty’s letters featured a photo of the museum at the top, a few handwritten sentences asking for donations and at the bottom information on how to donate. He is assisted by his mother, Atty. Anne Crawford, who organizes the paperwork.

Scotty said he is now close to having raised $17,000 with a goal of $18,000 – but his hope is to raise $25,000. He has talked in front of civic groups, such as The Junior Women’s League of Canfield, which donated $5,000 to the cause in May.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com