War Museum Proposed

Eldred has drawn national attention and an increasing number of visitors as host community for the World War II Museum.

Could Emporium follow the same blueprint by building a combination Korean War/ Vietnam War Museum? The suggestion -- a major undertaking by all accounts -- was aired at this week's Emporium Borough Council meeting. Members expressed general support for the plan, as long as the borough doesn't have to pay it.

Retired social studies teacher Max Narby, who's spearheading the plan, envisions the museum being located at the Big Flag Memorial on the west end of town. Narby wants to assemble an "exploratory committee" to determine if it is feasible, comprised of representatives from Borough Council, the Cameron County Board of Commissioners, Cameron County Board of Education, veterans' organizations and other interested parties.

While conceding that the odds are stiff, Narby is asking the public to keep an open mind as the idea is studied. Fundraising and ongoing maintenance expenses are among the biggest challenges.

"I recognize that there's a degree of apathy in our community," Narby told the Endeavor. "But my attitude is, if there's a will, there's a way. This could develop into a great asset to the community."