The LeValley-Heusted Camp #255

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War came to Tuscola County in August, 2005 with the formation of the LeValley-Heusted Camp #255 in Mayville. Named for two of the last Civil War veterans in the county, Orlando LeValley of Caro and George Heusted of Mayville the Camp serves Tuscola and Huron Counties in Michigan's Thumb region.

We meet monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at the Mayville Museum of History and Genealogy. Meetings commence at 7:00 P.M. Sometimes changes in meeting dates and times are mandated by holidays or other special circumstances. Be sure to consult the Events page of this site to confirm meeting dates.

The membership of the Camp is currently drawn from four counties and welcomes new members from around the world. Camp #255 joins with other service organizations to honor the military service of American men and women of all conflicts as well as those who served in peacetime.

The Camp includes an independent Camp Guard, to provide a uniformed presence for parades and ceremonies. These Brothers wear the uniform, and accouterments and carry the arms of a Civil War era infantryman.

Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War wish to honor their Civil War ancestors and the rest of the "Boys In Blue" with their membership in the very organization that the GAR chose to carry their banner when they were gone.

The LeValley- Heusted Camp is actively engaged in looking for gravesites of Civil War veterans in Michigan's "Thumb" area as well as the records of any GAR Posts which operated in Tuscola or Huron Counties. To the best of our ability, we will coordinate any necessary maintenance of GAR monuments or memorials and procure government markers for any Civil War or earlier serviceman who's gravesite lies unmarked or who's marker is in need of replacement.

We remember that May 30 is the day that was given to the nation's servicemen as their day of Memorial. Regardless of subsequent modifications of statute we embrace this day as Memorial Day and call upon the rest of the nation to pause on May 30 to remember and give thanks to our servicemen, living and dead, for their service on our behalf.

In addition to these core values, the LeValley- Heusted Camp is active in service projects within the communities of the "Thumb" area and joins with other patriotic and service organizations in saluting our veterans of all eras.