The Town of Greenfield Historical Society

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We have been struggling with how to proceed with plans for the future events in light of the current COVID-19 crisis. We cannot know when and if bans on gatherings will be lifted. However, the Town complex will be closed through at least the end of May and may go beyond that date. All we can do at present is keep an eye on the situation and develop plans as the situation evolves.

Please check this page and our FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/GreenfieldNY/, for up to date information regarding future meetings and events. We hope that all of you are well and you, your family and friends stay safe during this trial.

To Our Friends:

I am making an appeal to our membership to help us cover a deficit of approximately $10,000 for the coming fiscal year. Some of this deficit is because the pandemic has meant that we will have to cancel most of our fund raising efforts and some is due to the storm damage the carriage house suffered in a storm last November.

This was a big storm and it brought a tree down on the roof. In fact, parts of our town were without power for a couple of days. We have already spent over $1500 to remove the tree and place a tarp over the roof. Any amount that you can pitch in will make a difference. If you can help, please mail a donation to: The Town of Greenfield
Historical Society, PO Box 502, Greenfield Center, New York, 12833. You can also make a donation at our website: http://www.greenfieldhistoricalsociety.com. Use the store link to make your donation.

Our opinion is that these repairs will cost at least $7,000. This building was not covered by insurance, but that issue has been addressed so that, in the future, we will be more prepared.

We were expecting to bring in money from the Farmers Market, Caboose Day, and the Annual Gala that would have covered many of our expenses; but due to the Corona virus, the board has decided it would be best not hold these events. With state rules regarding serving food, hand washing stations and gatherings; we have decided to cancel these money making events to keep our community safe.

We are hoping we will be able to hold a couple of events later in the summer. We have developed a plan to keep track of state requirements and will update you on our plans with a summer newsletter. The board you elected for the 2019/2020 year has remained in place. Our Constitution requires that we hold a general meeting to have an election. The election will be held as soon as we are able. We are looking for candidates to serve on our board. We welcome new perspectives and new ideas. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email us at the Gmail address provided at the bottom of this letter.

Your continued support is appreciated. We hope that you, your families, and your friends stay safe and healthy in this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Mary E. Vetter
President

Town of Greenfield, NY

Located in beautiful Saratoga County, NY, The Town of Greenfield is a rural community located approximately 5 miles north of Saratoga Springs in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. It was formed in 1793 and has grown to a population of approximately 7,400.

The Town of Greenfield Historical Society began on July 26th, 1983 when a group of townspeople met at the request of Olive Dake, the widow of Charles V. Dake. She challenged a group of town residents to start a society that would preserve and promote local history. She promised a to donate money if they could accomplish this, and she had a list of townspeople that she wanted as charter members. These included Paul Robinson, Ralph Ellsworth, Windsor Cote and Al Champagne. They met Olive's challenge and at the first meeting, led by Paul Robinson, they discussed wording for a Constitution, by-laws and applying for a State Charter.. (A temporary charter was granted on January 20, 1987 and an Absolute Charter was granted December 14th, 2010.) As promised. Olive Dake donated the money to get the organization up and running.

Monthly meetings continue, each with a speaker or presenter or some activity celebrating and exploring the history of our area. See the events calendar for upcoming events.

Please join us anytime - All are welcome!

Upcoming Events

Cancelled
March 17, 2020 – Tuesday, meeting 7 p.m. at the Community Center in Greenfield Center. Program: Former Saratoga Springs police chief Greg Veitch has written a book – A Gangster’s Paradise. This is a history of the Gangsters of Saratoga Springs from the Prohibition era up through the Kefauver Committee hearings in the 1950s.

Cancelled
April 21, 2020 – Tuesday, meeting 7 p.m. at the Community Center in Greenfield Center. Program: Patrick DeVaney, author of Two Million Steps, a chronicle of his 2014 journey along Spain’s Camino de Santiago. This is a 500 mile walk on an ancient spiritual path through Europe following the journey of James the Apostle.

Cancelled
May 19, 2020 – Tuesday, meeting 7 p.m. at the Community Center in Greenfield. Program:
Maritime archaeologist and historian Joseph Zarzynski will present "The Tale of the Dismembered 1757 Fort William Henry Shipwreck” about a war-ravaged British sloop, raised from the shallows of Lake George and cut up for souvenirs. In addition, he will have copies of his new book "Ghost Fleet Awakened: Lake George's Sunken Bateaux of 1758" available for purchase.

Everyone is welcome, admission is free, you don’t have to be a member to attend and refreshments are served after all programs.

2019-2020 Mug Fund Raiser

Here is our fourth mug!

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Last year we featured the Daketown School House. This year a mug has been designed by Joan Rowland. It features the town hall. Just like last year's mug, it has a "now and then" theme.

Mugs are available by contacting Joan Rowland. Call 518-893-7786 or by e-mailing jrowland25@verizon.net (If they must be mailed, please add $8.00 for shipping within the United States.) These will make great gifts for the holidays!!