The two tribute stones taken from the old Johnson City American Legion site have been found.

Village Mayor Greg Deemie said they were recovered late Friday morning. For decades, the stone markers had been in the ground along the Main Street sidewalk in front of the Frank A. Johnson Legion Post 758.

Demolition work at the Main Street site on April 13, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Demolition work at the Main Street site on April 13, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The stones disappeared in April when LCP Group of Vestal demolished the legion hall, which had been sold five years ago.

Johnson City police chief Brent Dodge said detectives interviewed several people about the stones and eventually tracked them down.

Dodge said the man who took the stones told investigators they had been placed in a dumpster by demolition workers. He said they gave him permission to take them.

The police chief said the man actually had placed the stones in the ground next to the sidewalk in front of his house. Dodge said the man had been unaware of news reports that a search was underway for the items.

Mayor Deemie said the stones now are being placed into safekeeping by the village so they can be moved to Veterans Park later this year.

Deemie and Dodge said the man who had the stones is a local historian who wanted to ensure they were not discarded during the demolition project.

The old American Legion hall as it appeared in April 2015. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The old American Legion hall as it appeared in April 2015. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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