A Necessary Facility

This may be another banner year at the Old Stone Fort Museum complex. We open for the season May 1 with newly renovated, handicapped-accessible rest rooms in the William Badgley museum. This project was designed according to the specifications of the Americans with Disabilities Act, by Clemens McGiver of Cobleskill, who donated a substantial amount of his time and talents. Construction was undertaken by R.J. Dougherty, a building contractor from Middleburgh. Mr. Dougherty and his associates worked quickly and professionally, a fact that was appreciated by the office staff during construction, since they had to dash across the street to the “necessary” facilities in the fort. Fortunately, it was a mild winter. Essentially complete at the time of this writing, the facilities look great and will enable us to expand our visitation by senior citizen groups as well as the handicapped.

The project was funded from the remainder of the 1988 Edith Kling Zeh estate bequest. The work is somewhat over budget due to unexpected problems with the fire sprinklers, electrical wiring and other minor surprises. In response to an appeal in the membership renewal letters this winter, we have already received over $400 of additional donations and are seeking other funds to help close the estimated $7,000 gap between the Zeh funds and the actual project cost. Thank you, members. Any additional contributions will be greatly appreciated. —Carle J. Kopecky

Battle of the Flockey Commemoration Planned

This year is the 225th anniversary of the Battle of the Flockey and the museum is planning a reenactment of the U.S. Army’s first cavalry charge, which took place in the present town of Fulton in 1777. Exciting plans are underway to gallop a troop of the reactivated Second Continental Light Dragoons across the Stone Fort’s battlefield on August 10 and 11, and to stage historical vignettes based on the Tory uprising of 1777, including George Mann’s defection. We will also mount an exhibit featuring a reproduction of the cavalry’s distinctive brass helmet and offer commemorative souvenirs. As the only mounted cavalry reenactment of New York’s extensive commemoration of General Burgoyne’s campaign, you should not miss this unique event. —C.J.K.

Lansing Manor Refurbished

We are excited about our redefined partnership with the New York Power Authority for expanded programs at the newly restored Lansing Manor museum. This year the Power Authority has agreed to double their annual contribution to $10,000. In addition, we will experiment with a satellite of our museum store at Lansing Manor in an effort to generate more earned income. A grand reopening of the museum is tentatively planned for June 8, and more educational and interpretive programs are in the works. We appreciate the renewed spirit of cooperation from NYPA director of community relations Rick Chase and senior public relations representative Steve Ramsey at the Blenheim-Gilboa facility. —C.J.K.

Summer Lecture Series Scheduled

Summer lectures will be offered on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Lectures are free and open to the public.

July 11: “Reproducing Early 19th Century Wallpaper,” Steve Larson, at Adelphi paper hanging company, Sharon Springs (demonstration).

July 25: “History Through American Quilts,” Pam Pratt, William Badgley museum, Old Stone Fort complex.

August 15: “A Visit With the Shaker Society,” Rev. Victor Zaccaro, William Badgley museum, Old Stone Fort complex.

August 29: “William Young in the Battle of Ogdensburg, War of 1812.” Ray Briggs, William Badgley museum, Old Stone Fort complex. —Marlene Towne

And in Conclusion...

The 250th anniversary of the founding of Cobleskill is this year and the museum will be cooperating with celebration planners in a number of ways, including lending artifacts and sending our Stone Fort Volunteer Militia to the celebration. This enthusiastic group of adults and teen-agers is one of the great ideas of last year. It made its public debut at Stone Fort Days last October. Trustee Jeff O’Connor and volunteer George Benson, among others, have been mentoring this mixed group of accomplished and aspiring historians to enhance the museum’s presence in the community. They will also put on programs at the fort for the major patriotic holidays.

Opening weekend, May 4, will feature a Revolutionary War “School of the Soldier,” put on by the reenactors of the Burning of the Valleys Military Association. Our schedule also includes the Strawberry Festival in June, hands-on crafts workshops, the summer lecture series and a Civil War encampment on Columbus Day weekend. We hope to see you here this season. —C.J.K.