Undated, unidentified clipping in a scrapbook at the Saranac Lake Veteran's Club.Born: July 20, 1910
Died: March 28, 1984
Married: Mary
Children: Elizabeth LaSelle, Rita Flitcroft, Nancy Rendleman, Martha Fargo, Charlene Grandjean
Wilder W. Harvey was a Sergeant in the US Army, a veteran of World War II. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harvey of 163 Lake Street. According to old notes, he lived on Lake Kiwassa. He is buried in Pine Ridge Cemetery. According to a niece, Debbie Champagne, he was brother to Henry Harvey, William Harvey, Sr., Leon Harvey, Milford, Mable and Areta Harvey
From an article by Linda Jackson for Historic Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, February 2008:
In the 1920s, Will Rogers hospital began as a small cottage called Spion Kop on about forty acres. A place of healing for vaudeville performers ill with tuberculosis, it was supported by an association called the National Vaudeville Artists. In 1927 the NVA Fund decided to build a larger hospital. According to Wilder Harvey, Ed Harvey moved the cottage down the hill to Lake Flower Avenue -– where it houses Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters today -– using one donkey that turned a windlass. (See Will Rogers Memorial Hospital for the complete article.)
Old notes indicate that the three-story house was moved on logs.
On Memorial Day, May 29, 2000, in the Enterprise Frank Casier included Wilder Harvey on his list of citizens and businesses that he had known in Saranac Lake over the past 60 years who were gone but not forgotten.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, March 30, 1984
Wilder W. Harvey
SARANAC LAKE - Wilder W. Harvey, 73, of 246 Kiwassa Rd., died yesterday at the General Hospital of Saranac Lake.
He was born July 20, 1910, in Saranac Lake, the son of William and Safrona Harvey.
Mr. Harvey was a veteran of World War II, serving as a sergeant in the United States Army.
He was a self-employed heavy equipment operator in the Saranac Lake area.
Survivors include his wife, Mary of Saranac Lake; five daughters, Elizabeth LaSelle of North Carolina, Rita Flitcroft and Nancy Rendleman, both of Henderson. Martha Fargo of Adams and Charlene Grandjean of Rochester; and 11 grandchildren.
Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Calling hours will be held tomorrow from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fortune Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Richard Chatterton officiating.
Burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery in May. Memorial donations may be made to the Saranac Lake Rescue Squad.
