Edna Struck Memorial repairs continue after delay

Repairs to the Webster Village Landmark were postponed due to COVID-19

Photo Provided by the Webster Historian

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Webster, NY - Edna Struck Memorial in Webster may be overdue for repairs, but the Historic Preservation Commission is getting back on track, with hopes for completion by next summer.

The Webster Village Landmark was damaged almost two years ago when a drunk driver took out the crabapple trees on the island memorial.

According to Webster Historian Lynn Barton, the repairs were originally planned to start this past spring, with completion projected for this fall. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a temporary halt on those plans.

Until now, that is.

Since it’s a Village Landmark, Barton says the Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for implementing repairs.

With repairs commencing, so far, the old soil has been replaced and grass seed has been put down.

The Edna Struck Memorial on Lapham Park today. Repairs are planned to beautify the spot once again.

According to Barton, two new trees will be planted shortly, and come spring, new shrubs will be placed according to the approved plan.

Also, the Edna Struck rock and plaque will be returned to their spots, as will the Historic Landmark plaque.

“We are getting started a little late but hope to have it completed by next summer,” said Barton.

How Edna Struck Memorial Got Its Name

Edna Struck Memorial was the very first Webster Village Landmark. The snippet of land was originally part of a baseball field. The Edna Struck stone marks the catcher’s corner of the field. Village businessmen rented the property for the baseball diamond from Russell Lapham in the 1890s. Lapham lived on the southwest corner of today’s East Main Street and Lapham Park.

The dedication ceremony of Edna Struck Memorial. (Photo Provided by the Webster Historian)

The property was fenced in, and a grandstand and ticket office were installed. After about four years, the Lapham family decided to convert the village ballpark into building lots.

To preserve the little island of land where the Edna Struck Memorial now stands, in the 1960s, Lapham Park residents formed the “Lapham Park Petunia Society” to help keep the island attractive.

Edna Struck was a member of this society. According to Barton, Struck faithfully cared for the crabapple trees and petunias planted on the island.

After retiring from her position at the New York City Public Library, Struck lived with her sister and niece on Park Avenue.

“Miss Edna” was often referred to as the “First Lady of Lapham Park” for her attentive care to the gardens and lawns in her neighborhood. She even mowed lawns, shoveled driveways and sidewalks, and picked up trash along the street.

Hence, the Edna Struck Memorial was named in her honor.