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The Salem
[email protected]
www.salemcourthouse.org
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PAID
Salem, NY
Permit NO. 30
NEXT ROUND OF RESTORATION BEGINS SOON!
Or Current Resident
518-854-7053
P.O. Box 140
Salem, NY 12865
P.O. Box 140 • Salem, NY 12865
518-854-7053
www.salemcourthouse.org
THE COURTHOUSE
COMMUNITY CENTER
IS OPEN:
[email protected]
Monday-Friday
9 am-2 pm
Visitors
are always
welcomed!
2015
5 pm saturday
July 25
13th
OUR
CELEBRATION
A year ago at this time, we were proud to announce the award of a New York State Environmental Protection Fund grant awarded to
the Courthouse. The grant will be administered
by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation in Saratoga Springs. The awarded
amount of $200,000 with its $200,000 cash
match will fund the next important round of
restoration on this important historic building. The Courthouse executive team has been
working very closely with the architectural firm
of John G. Waite Associates of Albany and New
York City to determine the scope of the project.
The contracts and covenants have been signed,
and the final plans have been drawn up and submitted to Albany for approval. Within a short period of
time, the bidding process should begin. By spring, the scaffolding should be erected, and extensive work
on the gutter system, cornices, brackets and other necessary roof support installations should commence
on schedule. Watch for hard hats!
JOIN US FOR A FABULOUS DINNER UNDER THE STARS
OF ALL THE
Save the Dates!
GOOD SALEM
HAS TO OFFER!
COURTHOUSE EVENTS
APRIL 26 Sunday at 3 pm SPRING CHAMBER MUSIC
CONCERT I
MAY 2 Saturday 4–7 pm KENTUCKY DERBY DAY PARTY
MAY 8 Friday 5–7 pm JOAN DUFF-BOHRER EXHIBIT
Opening Reception
MAY 17 Sunday at 3 pm SPRING CHAMBER MUSIC
CONCERT II
JUNE 5 Friday PLANTING DAY FOR THE COURTHOUSE COMMUNITY GARDEN
JUNE 6 Saturday at 7:30 pm TALENT SHOW at Fort Salem
Theater
JUNE 14 Sunday at 3 pm SPRING CHAMBER MUSIC
CONCERT III
JUNE 26 Friday 5–7 pm CIVIL WAR EXHIBIT Opening
Reception
JULY 3 Friday 1–7:30 pm CIVIL WAR WEEKEND begins
around Salem (see page 2)
JULY 4 Saturday JULY 4th PARADE & CIVIL WAR ACTIVITIES including 2 pm BALLADEERS CONCERT in
the courtroom
JULY 6 Monday LUNCH, LEARN & PLAY commences
JULY 25 Saturday 5 pm AL FRESCO DINNER
Spring 2015
Join us for our farm-totable dinner & dance
the night away!
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR
TICKETS GO ON SALE
☛ Monday, June 1 at 9 am
CELEBRATE the 141st
RUN for the ROSES
On Saturday, May 2, the Courthouse Community Center will
celebrate the 141st Run for the Roses with a Kentucky Derby party
offered at Maple Lane Farm, the lovely home of Bob and Carolyn
Akland in Cossayuna, New York. A special fundraiser to support
the many enrichment programs offered at the CCC, Derby Day
has become a much-anticipated annual event. Starting at 4 pm,
guests will arrive in their special Derby finery including gorgeous
hats. The afternoon’s festivities will culminate with a viewing of
the race with excitement at a fevered pitch. To reserve your place
at this wonderful party, please contact the CCC at 518-854-7053.
O
n Saturday, July 25, the Historic Salem Courthouse celebrates
its 13th Al Fresco Dinner. This popular event is a quality
experience that comes together as a result of a dedicated broad
community effort. Each July, people from near and far gather to
celebrate all the good this rich agrarian region has to offer. At 5 pm,
folks start to assemble on the side lawn surrounded by majestic hills
and verdant countryside. Crisp white tents radiate from the historic
old building like spokes protecting linen-covered tables lush with
local flowers and charmingly mismatched china.
While sipping wine and reaching out to friends, guests enjoy a
sumptuous selection of local artisan cheeses. Widely known creameries
including 3 Corner Field Farm, Argyle Cheese Farmer, Consider
Bardwell Farm, Cabot, Longview Farm and Sweet Spring Farm provide
the assorted cheeses for which this event has become synonymous.
Cheeses made from cow, sheep and goat’s milk are offered on 3 large
tables enhanced by glorious large-scale floral arrangements.
Planning for the 2015 dinner began in August of 2014.
Once again, Seth Pitts and Dan DiBlasi have graciously
offered to lend their experience and talents to the
dinner preparation. Basil and garlic sausage, fresh herb
marinated beef, potato salad, grilled local summer
vegetables are but a few of the tempting items on the
menu. At 6:30, guests are seated and the parade of
platters carried by a small army of area high school
servers begins.
In addition to the delicious food, Al Fresco is also a
feast for the senses. The popular Roadhouse Rhythm
and Blues Band will lure dancers to their feet with their
horn-driven sound. Graceful large-scale sculpture on loan
from artists at Salem Art Works provides points of interest on
the side lawn. This year’s Great Hall exhibit will focus on the
Civil War in keeping with the many events commemorating
the 150th anniversary of the end of the war. A highlight of the
evening is the annual procession of the Mettawee River Theater
Company, charming guests with their whimsical creatures large
and small.
Throughout the evening, guests have the opportunity to bid on
an amazing assortment of goods and services on display in our
Youth Center/Activity Barn. Artwork, jewelry, Telescope outdoor
furniture and restaurant gift certificates are but a few of the 100
plus items available.
The Al Fresco Dinner has evolved into the most important
fundraising event for the Courthouse each year. Over 200 volunteers
donate their time and energy to “make it happen”! Please consider
joining us in July to experience this wonderful celebration of good
food and community yourself. The $60 tickets will go on sale
Monday, June 1 at 9 am. Be sure to purchase your tickets
early to ensure your place at a table.
1
FLOAT into
SPRING with
BATTENKILL
INSPIRED
COOKING CLASS
Gorgeous Music
in the Courtroom
Float into spring on the glorious notes of classical music giants
including Beethoven, Schumann, Bach and Mozart. Now in
its sixth year, the Courthouse is pleased to present its distinguished series of chamber music concerts on 3 Sundays at 3:00
pm: April 26, May 17 and June 14. These events provide local
audiences with the opportunity to hear the finest music in an
elegant atmosphere.
Music director and pianist, Daniel Shulman, and his wife,
violinist and violist, Kaori Washiyama, will delight audiences
by collaborating on several pieces. The couple’s son, Adam,
will also perform with his father. Mr. Shulman is a former
head of the conducting program at the California Institute of
Arts, and a faculty member of CCNY and C.W. Post College.
He frequently performs on piano in Asia and throughout the
United States. Ms. Washiyama is a competition winner who
directs her own chamber music series in Japan and has appeared
frequently on both coasts of this country. She is on the faculty
of Bennington College.
Among the other participating musicians are Melanie Dexter,
violin, member of the Vermont Symphony and Bennington
String Quartet; Joana Genova, violin, well known for her
prominent role in the Manchester Music Festival; Nathaniel
Parke, cello, faculty member of Williams College and principal
cellist of the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra; Josh Rodrigues,
violin, member of the Glens Falls Symphony and faculty at
Skidmore College; and Josh Thomas, cello, recent graduate of
Juilliard School and frequent performer in the Courthouse Series.
Once again, this series has been partially funded by a grant
awarded by LARAC. The tickets are $20 each or $45 for the
series of 3 concerts. To reserve your tickets, please call the
Courthouse at 518-854-7053.
3 DISPLAYS in the GREAT HALL
The Courthouse is happy to celebrate art, culture and history
with the community by featuring exhibits in the Great Hall
throughout the year. Each exhibit features a wine, cheese and
dessert reception from 5 to 7 pm on the opening day of the
show. Feel free to stop in and enjoy the exhibits any weekday,
from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Art Naïve, a collection of “artfully playful” works by Cambridge
artist Donna Wynbrandt, opened the spring season of exhibitions in the Great Hall with a reception on March 6. This is a
unique collection of thirty works spanning five years of different
projects, reflecting Donna’s use of whimsy and vivid colors. The
Art Naïve exhibit will remain in the Hall until April 18.
Joan Duff Bohrer, also a local artist, will open her show of
abstract oils and acrylics on Friday, May 8 with a reception in
the Great Hall from 5 to 7pm. Joan is a familiar face at CCC,
where she shares her talents as an art teacher in the Lunch, Learn
& Play program each summer. Joan’s works will remain in the
Hall until June 19.
In connection with the celebration of the Sesquicentennial of the
end of the Civil War, historian Al Cormier and his committee will
gather Civil War items to create a fascinating display in the Great
Hall from June 26 through July 31. The historical mementoes,
maps and artifacts will come from private collections and will
intrigue Civil War buffs. Look for the opening of the Civil War
Collection at a reception on Friday, June 26.
ANOTHER WONDERFUL SUMMER
PLANNED for AREA CHILDREN
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
PERFECT FAMILY
ENTERTAINMENT
At the Courthouse Community Center, Lunch, Learn & Play Director Herb Perkins
On Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 pm, we will
and Program Coordinator Ruthanne Hunter are finalizing plans for this summer’s
once again be offering the Old Courthouse
L, L & P program for children, K-6th grade. An exciting season starts July 6.
Talent Showcase at the Fort Salem Theater.
Jay and Lynne Kerr have graciously agreed to
Happy to Report: Forty-five community folks shared their talents last year and
help organize this entertaining event which
most of them will return this summer. Salem Art Works, Bancroft Library, Merck
will be presented at their beautifully restored
Forest and Farmland Center, Salem School and Woody Hill Farm will continue
theater. Former CBS 6 News Anchor and well
their relationships with L,L & Play to offer a variety of experiences to the children.
known personality, Jerry Gretzinger, will serve
Happy to Expand: L,L&P’s presence in the Courthouse Community Garden
as the 2015 Master of Ceremonies. Auditions
will be expanded with the aid of our own gardening counselor. Cooking classes
will take place at the Courthouse on April
for kids in the Battenkill Kitchen will be expanded based on last summer’s success.
11 and 18 from 10 am to noon. Interested
Codes of conduct will be instituted for staff and children to ensure appropriate,
performers should contact the CCC at 518safe and polite behavior.
854-7053 to schedule an audition.
Happy to Welcome: Children have always been welcomed to L,L&P without a
tuition fee. In 2015, we are requesting that families become members of the CCC.
This small commitment is important to us as we apply for grants to keep our program operating.
Happy to Share Thanks: We thank all those in the community who value and support L,L&P, both financially and with donations of
time and effort. We are always looking for new exciting, educational and recreational programs. Please share your ideas with Ruthanne
Hunter, Program Coordinator, at 854-7053.
The Battenkill Kitchen of the Historic Salem Courthouse in
conjunction with Crandall Library’s Folklife Center’s exhibit
“Battenkill Inspired” will be offering a cooking class featuring
preparation of delicious wild edibles as well as traditional
fish dishes from and around our local Battenkill River with
consideration given to important fish and wildlife conservation.
Local chefs Bliss McIntosh and Bill Rose will be preparing wild
leeks, fiddlehead ferns, and marsh marigolds to name a few,
used in soups, salads, and risottos and will also feature trout
and other fish dishes created in an interactive fun-filled class.
Two classes will be offered; Sunday, May 3 from 12 pm to
3pm and the second class will be held Monday, May 4 from 6
to 9 pm. The Battenkill Kitchen is located behind the Salem
Courthouse Community Center, 58 East Broadway, Salem,
NY. Space is limited and these classes will fill up quickly. The
cost is $35 to be paid at the time of registration. Call 518-8547053 to register.
The Battenkill Kitchen is a not-for-profit certified commercial
kitchen available for rent in order to create and produce food
products for your home or business for market.
Shoppe Hours:
1 pm–6 pm Wednesday
10 am–1 pm Thurs./Fri./Sat.
SHOPPE OFF
BROADWAY
THRIFT STORE
2015 is shaping up to be an excellent
year for the Shoppe. Generous
donations arrive regularly, and new
volunteers are contributing quality
time to the effort. In 2014, volunteers contributed 2,863
hours which enabled the Shoppe to donate close to $30,000
to various youth and community needs. The hard-working
Shoppe volunteers with regular work schedules include Sue
Keyes, Betty Campbell, Nancy Gadzinski, Marilyn Chambers,
Anne Dunigan, Vickie Maxwell, Val Sheldon, Margaret Waite,
Sandy Adams, and Sandy Behan. The substitute workers are Kelly
Bukowski, Phyllis Clark, Susan Persbacker, Lonnie Rasmussen,
Mary VanDeWater, Elsie Rieckel, Quimby Mahoney, and Julie
Myler. Because strong male help is great to have as well, the men’s
team includes Don Campbell, Joe Childs, Peter Dunigan, Rob
Sellar, and Ken White.
The year is young, but the Shoppe has already provided funding
for 2 great opportunities for area children. On March 27, the
Salem Central Elementary School was treated to a production
of Saratoga Opera-to-Go’s The Three Little Pigs. During spring
break, area children in grades 2 through 6 will be able to participate in the popular Puppet Club at the Courthouse. Many
other opportunities are in the works including the annual Salem
Central School Grants awarded in the fall.
In June, the Shoppe will celebrate its 11th anniversary with special opportunities. Still being finalized, plans will be announced
shortly. Please help make 2015 their greatest year to date, and
don’t forget to Shop the Shoppe!
KATHLEEN “KAT”
CHRISTENSEN
NEW HSCPA
BOARD
MEMBER
Kat Christensen, who has been a
resident of Salem for eleven years,
begins a two year term on the
HSCPA Board. “I enjoy living in a
tight-knit community where people care about each other.” Kat
is originally from Queensbury, NY and first became acquainted
with Salem on visits to the Gardenworks’ fall pumpkin patch.
She and her Salem Central School sophomore daughter,
Abbegale Krug, fell in love with the Salem countryside and
soon moved to the village.
Ms. Christensen is a registered nurse with degrees from ACC
and Russell Sage. Kat worked in the inpatient oncology unit
at the Glens Falls Hospital and also was a case manager with
High Peaks Hospice. She is Marketing Director for the Indian
River Rehabilitation and Healthcare Facility in Granville
and is presently a clinical evaluator for Centers Health Care
(previously named Centers for Specialty Care). Kat found
that hands-on care is a worthwhile and satisfying endeavor.
Kathleen is Co-President-Elect of the Salem Rotary Club
and will begin her term with Dottie Schneider this July. Ms.
Christensen is also on the ACC Nursing Alumni Steering
Committee. She and her daughter enjoy spending time at the
ocean in Maine for two weeks every year. Kat is an optimistic,
upbeat person who enjoys reading, her two horses, two dogs
and a cat. As a new member of the Board, Kat is looking
forward to helping ensure that opportunities provided by
the Courthouse are available for all in the community and
surrounding areas to embrace. Welcome aboard, Kat!
BAT TENKILL INSPIRED
at the CCC
Todd DeGarmo, Founding Director of Crandall Library’s Folklife
Center in Glens Falls, is the curator of a new multi-faceted exhibit
at the Center inspired by and showcasing art and artifacts of the
Battenkill – the exhibit will open with a reception at the Folklife
Center on March 12 at 5 pm. Todd is collaborating with other
organizations to expand the outreach of Battenkill Inspired including
Salem Art Works and the Courthouse Community Center. SAW
will feature an exhibit of area artists whose work was inspired by the
Battenkill River with an opening reception on April 10 at 5 pm.
As a member of the Courthouse Board of Directors, Todd wanted
to include the CCC in this wonderful opportunity. The Battenkill
Kitchen will host cooking classes featuring the preparation of wild
edibles found along the river – a detailed article is included in this
edition. Also the CCC will host four Battenkill Inspired talks on the
following Wednesdays at 7 pm: May 13 & 20 and June 3 & 10. The
talks will include area covered bridges and beginning ornithology.
Details will be provided on our website, and via Constant Contact
and Facebook. Please take advantage of the experience being offered
by the three organizations.
7
SUCCESSFUL NEW EVENT
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
W
e should all gives ourselves a congratulatory pat on the back for having endured
and survived winter! Mother Nature truly challenged everyone this season and settled for once and
for all who was in charge. Fortunately, while the
thermometer dipped to record lows, a moderation
in the cost of oil prevented a devastating impact
on the Courthouse budget. A modest setting on
the thermostat and extra layers of warm clothing
saw us through. A new approach to programming
during the coldest months was also of great benefit.
Classes were grouped together on “warm Tuesdays
and Wednesdays” allowing us to boost the thermostat sparingly yet effectively to keep students
warm. The approach worked, and classes offered
on the two days had a maximum enrollment of
warm participants.
Now with spring upon us, our attention turns to
a calendar of events chock-full of enjoyable op-
Executive Director: Donna Farringer
Administrative Assistant & Volunteer
Coordinator: Ruthanne Hunter
HSCPA OFFICERS &
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Directors:
President:
Robert Akland
Kathleen “Kat”
Christensen
Vice-President:
Todd DeGarmo
Herb Perkins
Tom Kerr
Secretary:
Brenda Levey
Irene Baldwin
Dottie Schneider
Treasurer:
Karen Sheldon
Robert Sellar
Tim Whalen
Directors Emeriti
Bill Eberle & Kay Tomasi
Salem Courthouse Chronicle, Spring 2015
Editor: Donna Farringer
Contributors: Carolyn Akland, Irene Baldwin,
Donna Farringer, Cathy Firman, Ruthanne Hunter,
Julie Moline, Majken Sellar & Anita Witten
Photos: Donna Farringer
6
Design/Illustration: Heather Bellanca
March 2015
portunities. We have listened to your requests and
the spring roster of classes, lectures, workshops and
events is well-rounded with many new listings. In
an effort to maximize enrichment opportunities, we
have collaborated with other organizations including Salem Art Works, the Salem Central School, the
Folklife Center of Crandall Library and the Fort
Salem Theater. The results of this collaboration
have produced an exciting schedule highlighted
in this publication.
Please take a moment to read through the catalog
and events featured in the newsletter, sign up for a
class and help us continue in our mission to provide
educational activities to people of all ages. Your
support makes the difference!
Donna Farringer
In a continuing effort to
help spread the
news regarding
the many enrichment opportunities being offered at
the CCC, we are utilizing the power of Facebook. Program Coordinator, Ruthanne Hunter, is posting with
great regularity. Please visit us at: Salem Courthouse
Community Center. Like us on Facebook and share
the postings and the excitement!
NEW MEMBERS
Weston & Bridget Burress
Elizabeth Harding
Thomas & Sarah Hoy
Terry & Marilyn Jemison
Paul & Brenda Levey
Mary VanDeWater
Gary & Delores Wakeman
Donna Wynbrandt
On Saturday, January 17,
an enjoyable new event
was added to the Courthouse Community Center
calendar. The Christmas
Tree Toss, thought of by
Kay Crank, was combined
with a chili contest to provide some much needed
warmth on a very cold
wintery day. While the
thermometer never made
it above 10 degrees, goodnatured guests turned out
in force to participate. The 150 or so guests tossed trees, ate chili
and warmed themselves by the giant bonfire in the Woody Hill
Farm field adjacent to Courthouse property. Seventeen pots of chili
were entered in the contest, and the winners were Carolyn Akland,
JoAnn Rose and Al Budde. Tree Toss winners included Jack and
Molly Erbe, Socrates Fronhofer, Gary Knapp, Dan Falk, Jase Skellie and Jerry Coon. Thanks are extended to the Battenkill Kitchen
team and Courthouse Board members for planning and executing
this great “friend-building” event. Plans are already in the works
for an even better event in January 2016!
WHEN SPRING
FINALLY COMES,
ENTER the CCG
THROUGH A
NEW PORTAL
You are cordially invited to visit, enjoy, have a snack, get an introduction to growing, and otherwise
participate in the Courthouse Community Garden this year. And
when you do, you’ll be able to enter it through the new Garden
Gateway. The Gateway’s signs and paths were made possible by a
grant, Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play, funded by
Glens Falls Hospital; and by Herb Perkins, Rob Sellar and Scott
Thetford, who built the locust-wood portal. Designer Heather Bellanca designed the gorgeous sign that welcome visitors.
Now in its 6th year, the Courthouse Community Garden is tended
using organic methods without the addition of synthetic compounds.
All garden activities (from planning, planting, weeding, watering,
composting and critter control to harvesting) are performed by
volunteers. This year, the garden plan and crop list will be limited,
with the primary focus on education, said Nancy Higby, chair of
the CCC Garden Committee. “We’ll be planting fewer crops, but
we will expand the use of the garden for Lunch, Learn & Play
participants,” she said. “Some of what we grow will be used for the
Al Fresco dinner in late July. We’ll also supply fresh produce to the
Salem Food Pantry.”
Teens and adults are welcome to help out in the garden in exchange
for fresh vegetables and fruits in season.
A COMMEMORATIVE Labor of Love
The Courthouse Quilters have been hard at work creating their glorious “Salem’s 123rd Regiment/Underground Railroad Commemorative
Quilt”. The 68 inch square creation uses reproduction fabrics in the
muted colors like those used during the Civil War. Incorporated in
the quilt’s pattern are actual photographs significant to the story being portrayed, including Lincoln and the 123rd Regiment emblem.
The photographs were reproduced by printing them on distinctive
fabric and finished with a special wash to ensure their longevity. The
many quilt blocks are edged with a black tonal fabric which brings
the muted colors to life. Additional borders were added to frame
the creation.
Master quilter, Majken Sellar, has dedicated many years to creating
fine reproductions of Civil War quilts. One of the key forces behind
this project, Majken was joined by Marge Keyes, Dottie Schneider,
Paulette Leonard, Sue Morrison, Inez Bianca and Romaine Guzi
in the production of the quilt. Done in conjunction with Salem’s
celebration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the war and the
return of the 123rd Regiment, the quilt will be presented to Salem
at the opening of the Great Hall exhibit focused on this subject on
Friday, June 26 at 5 pm. It will be showcased at the CCC through
the month of July.
SALEM ROTARY HELPS KEEP
the SAVE WHEELS ROLLING
The Salem Area Van Endeavor (SAVE) has commenced its sixth year
assisting folks in the Salem area. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, visits
to Hannaford and Price Chopper help those requiring transportation
for groceries and drug store items. The first Monday of each month,
a special trip to Walmart allows folks to stock up on special needs.
Dedicated drivers, Ken White and Trip Sturgis, make this service a
reality with their generous contribution of time and effort. Thanks
to the generosity of the Salem Rotary, the steep insurance premium
will be covered once again. Under the supervision of Al Cormier,
a Rotary grant was secured to cover $1,500 of the premium – the
balance was paid from the SAVE checking account. SAVE gratefully
thanks the Salem Rotary for this wonderful support! Those in need
of this service may call Ken White at 854-7497.
As in previous years, Janet Britt will grow seedlings in her greenhouse, Amy Maxwell will organize high school students to help with spring
chores, and Dottie Schneider will coordinate with the EOC (which pays part-time workers to work in the garden) as well as with the
Country’s Alternative Sentencing program. Interested in helping out? Please call Ruthanne Hunter, 854-7053, to find out more.
3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Celebrating the Sesquicentennial of the End of the Civil War
& the Return of the 123 rd Regiment
MARCH
CIVIL WAR
LECTURES:
CCC
SUMMER
ACTIVITIES
& EVENTS
DAILY LIFE,
A SLAVE,
A GENERAL,
& A BATTLE
During March, we began our
celebration of the Civil War’s
conclusion with four Thursday
evening presentations in CCC’s
Archive Room. An enthusiastic
audience enjoyed fascinating talks from local individuals who
graciously shared their areas of Civil War interest. The series
commenced on March 5 with an informative talk presented by Al
Cormier and Edie Meikel centered on Washington County’s own
123rd Regisment. In a first-person narrative, Cliff Oliver, professional
photographer and reenactor, assumed the role of Solomon Northup,
the subject of the award-winning film, 12 Years a Slave, on March
12. Our third presenter, Tom Smith, from Grant’s Cottage, on March
19, included music in his reflections on Ulysses S. Grant’s life, work,
and death. The lecture series came to an end on March 26 with Ken
Aldous, a New York City attorney whose ancestor fought for the
Union, describing life directly after the war and its effect on the North.
What a wonderful prelude to our 2015 Civil War celebration. We
thank our speakers for their participation!
the 123rd REGIMENT ~
A CALL to ARMS
When President Abraham Lincoln called for volunteers in 1862,
Washington County immediately responded. Nine- hundred and
fifty brave men, recruited by Col. Archibald McDougall of Salem,
left the village by train on the evening of September 5th to answer
their president’s summons. Serving for three years, members of
the 123rd Regiment came from Salem, Greenwich, Cambridge,
Shushan, Argyle, Easton, as
well as northern Washington
County. They saw action in
Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee,
Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Once their contributions were
over, the soldiers marched
to Washington, participated
in a grand review, and were
mustered out on June 8, 1865.
As we commemorate the 150th
Anniversary of the end of the
Civil War, we honor those
soldiers of our 123rd Regiment
who returned to Washington
County: the roster 6 officers and 68 enlisted men fatally wounded;
and 95 enlisted men who died of disease and other causes.
4
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
JULY 4th WEEKEND ~ A TRIBUTE to SALEM’S CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS
On Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5,
Salem commemorates the 150th anniversary
of the end of the Civil War and the courageous
actions of area volunteer soldiers. Bright
red, white, and blue flowers and buntings,
generously provided by our local businesses,
greet everyone as they drive through the village.
Festivities begin on Friday at the village
park bandstand with a 1 pm concert by the
Providence Brigade Band. Originally chartered
in 1847 when there were more than 10,000
brass bands throughout the U.S., their
performances include the Gettysburg Museum.
Dressed in Civil War era military uniforms, the
band plays music common to America during
the 1840’s-50’s. At 7:30 pm, they perform in
Salem Central School’s auditorium.
On the school grounds at 3 pm, our Civil
War encampment opens to the public for the
STEP RIGHT UP, BUY
YOUR CIVIL WAR
SOUVENIRS HERE
Are you a Civil War buff? A Salem resident? A
CCC friend? Once the festivities begin, souvenirs from our commemoration will be on sale.
We already know that a mug with the 123rd
logo will be available. You might also like to
have a medallion with a 123rd logo and a 12
and 20 Corps star made by Dory Productions.
If you enjoy reading, be sure to look for a book
about the Regiment’s Civil War service which
is now in progress.
weekend. Those attending may also visit the
Mess Hall at the Courthouse Community
Center to enjoy any of the delicious meals
being served: dinners on Friday and Saturday
evenings and breakfasts on Saturday and
Sunday mornings. Our Firemen’s Carnival
begins at 6 pm with rides and booths for
everyone to enjoy.
Saturday, July 4, is a busy day for Salem.
Between 7-9 am, breakfast is available at the
Mess Hall; by 9 am the encampment opens.
The village park bandstand is the place to
be at 12 noon when the Providence Brigade
Band plays. At 2 pm the 77th Regiment
Balladeers perform at CCC. Considered
modern troubadours, this group specializes
in original arrangements which reflect
America’s turbulence during the Civil War.
Their instruments include fiddles, guitars,
harmonicas, tin whistles, and bones. The
Balladeers have been recognized by the U.S.
Department of Interior for their authentic
portrayal of Civil War period music.
Early in the evening on Saturday at 5 pm,
Salem firemen hold a Civil War Homecoming
parade with the Balladeers and with marching
horses. The carnival opens at 6 pm; fireworks
begin at 9 pm. Meanwhile at the Encampment
Mess Hall, a tasty dinner begins at 7 pm.
O n Su n d a y, Ju l y 5 w e c o n t i n u e o u r
commemoration with an inviting breakfast
from 7-9 am at the Mess Hall. Throughout
the day, the Encampment is open to visitors
with activities to enjoy. At 3 pm our program
concludes.
We hope you can attend our Civil War
Commemoration Weekend!
FLAGS & MONUMENTS PAY
TRIBUTE to VETERANS
Our Civil War Commemoration committee, chaired by Al Cormier
and Judy Flagg, has been hard at work for nearly a year. They have
made a special effort to provide symbols of Washington County’s
participation in the war effort. To that end, in addition to the
existing Standing Soldier Civil War statue in Evergreen Cemetery,
we will have three more symbols dedicated to the memory of Civil
War veterans. Placed on the D&H Depot will be a brass plaque
describing the 123rd Regiment’s departure from and return to Salem. Two flags, custom made replicas of the Regiment’s battle flag
and a flanker flag will also become part of our permanent tribute.
A special thank you goes to this committee for such attentiveness
to our history and respect for our soldiers.
CCC will be abuzz with
Civil War Commemoration
throughout the summer.
Our free Lunch, Learn
& Play K-6 program will
feature speakers/demonstrations related to the war
in July and August. In collaboration with the Cambridge Historical Society, Fort Edward
museum, and private collectors, a Civil War Artifact exhibit will
fill the Great Hall in July. A special event to place on your calendar
is a flute/piano concert on July 18. At 7:30 pm in the Fort Salem
Theater, flautist Rebecca Jeffreys and pianist Kent Baker will share
their musical talents with us. They plan to include well-known
American composers Stephen Foster, Aaron Copland, Scott Joplin,
Charles Ives, and Alexander MacDowell as well as modern ones,
Gary Schocker and Kevin Walker. Be sure to join us during this
summer as we pay tribute to the efforts of Washington County in
the Civil War.
COMMEMORATION
CONTINUES
the
Two local organizations-The Georgi on the Battenkill and the
Washington County Historical Society-also are preparing to pay
respect to our soldiers’ efforts in the Civil War. In August, The
Shushan Georgi plans a performance of the Fyffes and Drumms
of Olde Saratoga and reenactor Steve Trimm as Ulysses S. Grant
on the 9th. The Community Room holds a Civil War exhibit
throughout the month. On September 25 at Salem Central School
and September 26 from 10 am to 4 pm at the school and our
Community Center, the Washington County Historical Society is
sponsoring “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again: 150
Years Since the End of the Civil War and the Return of the 123rd
Regiment”. Offerings include: Civil War exhibits and memorabilia;
programs, including Civil War era children’s games and quilts;
women as spies; and reenactments of Ulysses S. Grant’s bodyguard
and Abraham Lincoln. People of all ages are sure to enjoy this event.
SPECIAL THANKS
The many events lined up for this Sesquicentennial
commemoration are happening thanks to the generous
efforts of area folks: Al Cormier, Bruce Ferguson, Judy
Flagg, Edie Meikle and Stephen Snyder. Our sincere thanks
are extended to these dedicated people who are striving to
create something special for Salem. To learn more about
this project or lend assistance, please visit the website at
123rdregiment.org.
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