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Historical
Sites
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For it's size, Bohemia is filled with history
and meaning. If you're fortunate enough to visit this quaint little town,
remember to visit some of the monuments honoring Bohemia's rich history. |
| Historical
Sites - Jan Hus, War Memorial,
The School Bell |
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Jan
Hus Memorial - In
the 15th century Bohemia became the first Protestant nation in
Europe. Over 100 years before Martin Luther, Jan Hus started the
fires of the reformation burning in Europe. He was later martyred
for preaching religious freedom and was burned at the stake July
6, 1415 in Kostnic Czechoslovakia.
The Jan Hus Memorial Statue was
unveiled September 26th, 1893. It was paid for by voluntary contributions
from families living in Bohemia, New York to honor Jan Hus and
his tremendous sacrifice. The day of dedication was marked with
a parade and a celebration. The Jan Hus Memorial Statue was the
first official memorial in the United States to honor a foreigner.
It stands in Union Cemetery on Church Street.
To get there: From
the corner of Church Street and Smithtown Avenue, go West on Church
about ¼ of a mile and it will be on the left hand side.
The monument is located in the center of the Union Cemetery. Back
to the top.
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The
War Memorial - This memorial has
a history all it's own. You are actually looking at 4 memorials
in one. (There's also the memorial flag pole behind it.) Originally
the center column was built to honor those who fought in World
War I. That part was dedicated on July 4, 1920. Unveiled on November
9, 1947, the gray "frame" was added as a memorial to
those who served in World War II. Finally, on the left and the
right, the short white pillars were added along with the white
"wall" to honor those who fought in the Korean War and
the Viet Nam war. |
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The Flag Pole
- The flag pole behind the War Memorial
was raised in dedication to those who gave their lives in World
War II.
To get there:
The entire group of memorials can be found
on the Northwest corner of Church Street and Smithtown Avenue
on the property of the John Pearl Elementary School. Back
to the top.
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The
School Bell - The school house
that held this bell was originally built in 1869 and an addition
was built in 1887. The bell was installed and rung for the first
time in October of 1894. It became a tradition to ring the bell
upon the news of a resident's death. This tradition continued
until 1914.
To get there: The
School Bell can be found on the Northwest corner of Church Street
and Smithtown Avenue on the property of the John Pearl Elementary
School. Back
to the top.
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