by David Flint
It was 225 years to the day that the Town of Stephentown was formed from the Grand Patroonship of Rensselaerwyck and named in honor of Stephen Van Rensselaer. The signing of the Charter was reenacted Sunday afternoon before a packed audience in the Stephentown Elementary School auditorium.
The skit was ably performed by 2nd and 3rd graders, all dressed in period costumes, under the direction of their teachers and other school staff. Narrators Jacob Gallucci, Sam LaPell and Ilan Mikit set the scene, provided some history and explained the purpose of the meeting, “to sign a charter to establish the Town of Stephentown.” Stepping forward as they were introduced to sign the Charter with a quill pen were Stephen Van Rensselaer (Sherman Banker), Governor George Clinton (Anthony Santon), Lt. Governor Pierre Van Cortlandt (John Holloway) signing for the NYS Senate and Speaker of the NYS Assembly, John Hathorn (Kyle Fiske).
The Town Crier (Amanda Despart) announced the news, “As of today, March 29, 1784,
this shall henceforth be called Stephentown,” which was followed by exuberant cheers from a group of Bystanders, “Yeah! Our Town! Stephentown!”
County Legislator Lester Goodermote presented to Beverley McClave, representing the Historical Society, a framed Resolution honoring the Town on the occasion of its 225th Anniversary, “to recognize all individuals who have contributed to the vitality of this community╔” Deputy County Executive Michael Slawson also brought greetings and a Certificate of Congratulations from the County Executive, Kathleen Jimino.
Lorri Parisi presented an extensive Power Point slide show, the product of many hours of research, organizing and compilation on the part of herself and Historical Society President Pat Flint, which gave a fine overview of the Town’s history replete with pictures of prominent people, houses, schools, mills, businesses, churches and other landmarks over the years.
Following Retiring of the Flags by Boy Scouts of Troop #222, refreshments provided by the ladies of the Historical Society followed the historical theme, a variety of tasty cookies baked from vintage recipes, along with popcorn balls glued with honey, to be washed down with a cup of old time lemonade.
Historical Society President Flint, who had a major role in organizing the event, said she was quite pleased with the excellent turnout and the feedback from many of those who attended. She was especially pleased with the wonderful performance of the school children in re-enacting the signing of the Charter. She said she and Lorri Parisi enjoyed working together on the Power Point presentation, noting that Parisi had stated that she had learned more in the past weeks about Stephentown than she had in the ten years she has lived here.
Flint also expressed thanks to all those who helped with the event, especially Stephentown Elementary Principal Eileen Leffler, school Secretary Monica Shupe, second and third grade teachers Mrs. Mason and Mrs. Rontey, Librarian Eileen Roder, school staff Kat Labnon, Jackie Monette and Cindy Hangar, the parents of the skit performers and Isabel Krebs, Beverley McClave and Caroline White from the Historical Society.
Flint hopes the event will spur people to send in their old photos for the upcoming calendar contest. To celebrate the Town’s 225th Anniversary, the Historical Society is planning an illustrated calendar for 2010. The deadline for submission of photos is May 1.
