The gazebo was situated in front of the historic Celebration Fellowship Church, on the corner of Leon New Albion Road and Route 62 in the town of Leon in Cattaraugus County. It was used to display the Leon Christmas Tree for the holiday season, as well as being the meeting place for the Memorial Day Parade.

The gazebo was dedicated to Mona Smith, who was a longtime resident of Leon.

According to a police report, residents heard a vehicle crash into the gazebo, and others saw the vehicle leaving the scene, on Sept. 24.

Patricia Bromley, Leon town historian, said the Leon Historical Society is planning on rebuilding the gazebo with hopes of having it in place by the end of fall or early spring.

The gazebo pictured before the Sept. 24 incident.

“We’re working on an old-fashioned Christmas, with a post World War II Christmas display,” Bromley said. “It will be taking place in the church near where the gazebo was.”

The Historical Society said the gazebo was a place to sit and reflect while reading the Leon’s Military Honor Roll placed next to it. It also housed Amish quilts and baked goods on Saturday markets.

“The gazebo was a huge part of the community,” Bromley said. “We just hope it can be finished soon and be a part of the community again.”