The World War I Memorial in Agawam Park is the jewel of Southampton Village. This historically significant monument was designed by architect William Edgar Moran and built by Donnelly and Corrigan in 1923. The Memorial was formally dedicated on August 19,1923.
The purpose of the Memorial was to properly and fittingly pay tribute to all of those who served their country in World War I. The walls of the Memorial are engraved with the names of 325 Southampton men and boys who bravely served. Through its open colonnade, visitors can see Lake Agawam and, in the distance, the dunes and the ocean.
The structure is built from Indiana limestone with a lead roof. The large exterior panels have eagles with laurel wreaths and poppy swags, which encircle the shields of the two great allies, France and England. On the interior panels, the names of those who died are carved and gilded. On the flanking walls are carved, the 325 names of all those who served. At the center of the colonnade is a commemorative altar, on which are carved the dates of the War and the shields of the State of New York and the United States.
Southampton Village is committed to a long-term solution to restore the monument, which has severe structural damage, to its original grandeur. In order to restore this historic landmark and preserve the legacy of those who served, the Village needs to raise $500,000.
These crucial funds will be dedicated to the physical restoration of Memorial as well as to establish a Foundation for its ongoing maintenance.
