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F. M. Showers Legacy Heritage Fund
0% complete
$550 raised of
2 donations
In lieu of flowers, the family is collecting donations toward the time-sensitive restoration of the historic St. Francis de Sales Church, Elka Park, NY (1912).
Structural elements are actively threatening the building and require immediate emergency repairs.
A family heritage memorial will be established in Fred’s name to contribute to the immediate & ongoing preservation of this Catskill landmark, as well as the regional heritage of the Showers Family and associated Catskill High Peaks history, culture, & wilderness (a timely priority as the region continues to experience rapid development).
This historic Catskill Mountain structure—which is located at the beautiful site of Fred's final resting place, and will be viewable at his fall interment—was designed and built by his grandfather, Arthur J. Showers (1912), using regional lumber, unique handcrafted and regionally historic architectural techniques, and traditional German motifs.
We had hoped to use this church for reception services in honor of Fred’s roots, but learned that it is currently closed for use due to its condition, with a leak in the roof actively threatening the hand-built/carved wooden interior and structure. It also is likely in need of, and overdue for, a full historic wood shingle siding replacement—(I do indeed remember my 85-year-old father speeding off to assess the building from the outside, upon our recent pilgrimage to the cemetery, and grumbling about how it was not in good shape)— The church is currently in the process of application for the national historic registrar, but it is incurring damage and is in time-sensitive need of immediate restoration/repairs to ensure its ongoing preservation.
As the small, but passionate community parish that oversees this historic site & associated cemetery has extremely limited resources, we have decided to collect donations towards a family heritage legacy fund in Fred’s name, with the primary initial goal of helping to ensure the immediate stabilization of the church: to repair & protect this traditionally crafted community, family, & cultural heritage structure, for the enjoyment & education of current & future generations.
We believe this is deeply in alignment with Fred's:
- innate sense of service to community (& practicality)
- love of his family, his hometown, of historic touchstones, & of his Swiss-Irish roots
- his lifelong exploration, work in, and passion for engineering/structural architecture and hands-on construction (both of which were inherited, time-honored, multigenerational Showers occupations, particularly in regards to the region’s history with lumber)
- and his parting desire for the main focus and resources of his on-site memorial to be put toward an inclusive Family Heritage Memorial for the whole family (past and future) versus being just focused on him (after first joking, of course, that he wanted the biggest headstone).
Because if Fred were alive, after some receptive contemplation, a quiet stroke of his chin, and perhaps some observational pacing, he would simply say: “Fix the roof.”
NOTE: This is a secular, community-based endeavor to help support and work alongside the local parish as the stewards of this historic site, in addressing immediate preservation and repair needs. Funds here are guided and managed exclusively by the discretion of Fred's immediate family. This initiative is inclusive, and focused on honoring family heritage, regional history, craftsmanship, and shared legacy, independent of any religious or political affiliation or endorsement.
More info / images will be added as fundraising progresses.
Photos:
(see Arthur J. Showers (center, seated, in waistcoat) with Showers Family, including union civil war vet father George Showers, over left shoulder...a carpenter known for wrestling bears. Homestead shown is that of George Showers)
BW photos taken by Oscar Showers, early 20th.C, from Wiltse-Dunn Collection )
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