In 1813 Lexington officially became a town. In 2013 we will celebrate the rich history of this township by acknowledging as many historical events and real-life stories as we can. Our history is fascinating and there is much to remember and to honor.
Most of you know that we were originally named New Goshen by many settlers (or perhaps the influential ones) that hailed from Goshen, Connecticut. But just months later the town name was changed to Lexington by Silas Fowler, a captain in the Revolutionary War.
Silas fought in the Lexington/Concord Battle. In a presumably, heart-felt patriotic gesture, he suggested that this brand new town accept the worthy and patriotic aspects of the name "Lexington". The idea was accepted, and on April 1st, 1813, our town officially became Lexington, Greene County, New York.
Silas did not stand alone when he faced the first town council. He was accompanied by a "band of Revolutionary War soldiers" who according to records, "influenced" the name change. One of the band was Charles Vorse, also a veteran of the Lexington/Concord Battle. Charles had entered the war at the age of 15 as a drummer boy.
It would be exciting to find the names of the rest of the "band of Revolutionary War soldiers" that are responsible for our name. We are on that search. Without a doubt, we owe honor and great respect to this very patriotic beginning, and, therefore, we plan to celebrate, with gusto, all of Lexington's patriotic connections.
The Bicentennial Community Garden
July, 2011
The Bicentennial Community Garden
The Bicentennial Community Garden project, honoring our farming and gardening history, officially began Friday, June 24, when Bill Butler and his beautiful Percheron horses arrived at the field next to the Lexington Post Office at approximately 10:00 am. As we watched the rich soil appear it was clear that this, indeed, is the perfect spot for this garden, which for the next two years will be part of our Bicentennial Celebration. After 2013 the continuation of the plot and its purpose will be up to those who have been tending it throughout the celebration.
The garden, this year, is obviously a fall garden, but by 2013 it should be stable and well-producing for our year of birthday activities. Its location allows us all to help project manager, Peggy Rappleyea, and her gardeners, keep track of the progress. It was a beautiful sight watching those big black horses plow the garden plot. Our heart felt gratitude goes out to Bill Butler, whose wife, Edith, told us, "This is Bill's greatest love - to work the land with the horses." What a great official beginning, not just of the garden, but of our entire celebration.
Thanks Peggy, Bill and Edith
March, 2011
Public Update
Though the year 2013 seems far away, it is not too soon, we are finding, to plant well intentioned seeds for the kind of opportunities that a Bicentennial Celebration presents.
The Steering Committee has communicated to you that our intentions are to honor our history as exuberantly as seems fit, involving as many people as possible, and including as many sites as possible.
Our celebration comes at a time when we are realizing that we are no longer in the 80's and 90's when money was available for great projects. Such money is not so available these days. However, just as we had hoped, we are definitely receiving responses and reactions that come without the expectations of "I have a great project, where can I get the money".
We would like to tell you about just one of the seeds that was planted, took root, and is blossoming into an event that meets our highest hopes. With the simple suggestion of a community garden to note and honor the importance of agriculture in these mountains, several people have shown interest in this event and have contributed and influenced the growth of this suggestion. We now have enough interest, enthusiasm and commitment to call it the first official event on our work-in-progress calendar for our Bicentennial. The plowing and seeding will take place this spring so that it will be an established garden by 2013.
We encourage the "This is a great project, let's see how it can be done". It has that warm feeling of not asking what our town can do for us, but what we, in this bicentennial celebration opportunity, can do for our town.
There are other seeds that are growing also, from simple suggestions. Each one is a wonderful and inspiring. We will let you know about them as they find a place on our calendar of events. We are grateful for all who are responding to our intentions of creating not only a successful celebration but one that leaves something good in the town beyond 2013.
We have much to celebrate. We are encouraged and looking forward to the unity and harmony that will come from the possibilities ahead of us.
The Bicentennial Steering Committee
Karen Deeter, Historian
Jannel Mellott, Deputy Historian
Lynn Byrne, Town Board
Lorraine Banks, Historical Society
Darcy Rossignol, Historical Society
Liza Dwon, Representative at Large
Peggy Rappleyea, Representative at Large
Michael Barcone, Collegiate Historian at Large
