LEWISTON – American Legion Post 22 is undertaking a community project in preserving and restoring tombstones of Civil War soldiers buried in a plot called “soldier’s field” in Riverside Cemetery on Summer Street.

The plot is located in the oldest part of the cemetery, close to the banks of the Androscoggin River.

There are a total of 15 veterans along with two wives and one “unknown” soldiers buried in that section called “soldier’s field.” Several years ago, Post 22 undertook the project of restoring the tombstone of Stephen Marriner, who died in Salisbury Prison (Confederate) in 1864 at the age of 20 years, with donations from several donors who wished to remain anonymous.

All of the Civil War veterans buried in that section were members of the George Armstrong Custer Post 7 Grand Army of the Republic located in Lewiston.

Some tombstones have disappeared over the years and others are beyond repair or restoration. It was decided to have one monument with the names of those whose tombstones cannot be repaired or restored. The post asked Collette Monuments to draw up a design and drawing for a proper monument to be dedicated on Memorial Day 2006.

Anyone or group who would care to donate to this project can call Jerry DerBoghosian, Adjutant Post 22 American Legion, at 207-353-7435 and 207-782-5700. Contributions can be mailed to Janice Sites, Riverside Cemetery treasurer, 192 Summer Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.