By Barbara O’Keefe
President, Fort La Presentation Association
Thanks to 150 volunteer hours, one can access the newly accessed Lookout Point. Walking across the bridge to the island brings back visions from 1999 when the association obtained 17 acres heavily forested with trees, knotweed and bushes. You could not see the St. Lawrence or the boundaries of our property through the thicket. Lookout Point was inaccessible.
Today, Lookout Point provides an unobstructed 180-degree view of the St Lawrence River and Canada. We are excited to announce that, thanks to a generous end-of-the-year donation along with fort equity, Grassroots Foundation, the Dr. D. Susan Badenhausen Legacy Fund, and Daughters of the American Colonists, we will be completing the island project this year. In addition to a walking trail there will be an interpretive panel commemorating the RR car Ferry Dock, a gazebo, and landscaping to enhance the view.
There is no better view on the river, and we have it right here in Ogdensburg.
As a result of changes made at Lookout Point, the Masonic Memorial needed to be moved and now rests on a raised flower bed, surrounded by benches for viewing along the Picquet Walking Trail. Generous donations from the St. Lawrence Masonic Charities contributed to this impressive addition to the walking trail.
The association was delighted to host the Solar Eclipse Event on Van Rensselaer Point on April 8. The fort property was in the prime viewing observation and provided an amazing view of the eclipse. We had approximately 200 visitors during the daylong event with several of our visitors travelling from Canada. One family from Ontario told us that the solar eclipse event was their first visit to the United States.
On June 1, the recreation of the landing of Abbe Picquet at the present-day Van Rensselaer Point, was reenacted by Forsyth’s Rifles, to commemorate the 275th anniversary of the founding of Fort de la Presentation in 1749. By decree of Mayor Michael Tooley, every May 30 is to be proclaimed as “Founder’s Day” in the City of Ogdensburg.
In attendance was Mayor Tooley, a representative from the office of State Senator Mark Walczyk, State Assemblyman Scott Gray, St. Lawrence County Legislator James Reagen, Bishop Terry LaValley and Ogdensburg City Historian Julie Madlin. Julie gave a speech describing the landing and the importance of Abbe Picquet to the founding of Ogdensburg.
Thanks go out for the generosity of Pat and Julie Madlin. With their donation of a box blade attachment for the association’s tractor, we are now able to maintain the walking trails by removing unwanted vegetation.
We recently completed the erection of new signage at the entrance to Van Rensselaer Point located at 22 Albany Ave., which highlights the site. Based on the results of our sign-in sheets, many of the association’s visitors are drive-by visits. With new signage the site will be easier to find and explore.
Our thanks to David Austin and his design firm for the plans and Northeastern Sign Corporation of Colton for their fabrication and installation of our new signage. Also thank you to NYS DOT and the City of Ogdensburg for their cooperation and support.
The Association is diligent in partnering with local companies, agencies, and groups to make the history of our property, and of Ogdensburg in general, alive and relevant to today.
We are also excited to take on a new event this year. The “Skirmish on the Oswegatchie” will be held in August to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. We hope to see you at this new Living History portrayal.
None of this list would be possible without our volunteers, supporters and donors.
A simple thank you is not enough to convey our appreciation, and that is the highlight of our evening. To honor those individuals who have gone above and beyond with their contributions to our project. Thank you all for your generosity and support. We look forward to another year of successful development, building community partners, and holding events to benefit all.
fort1749.org 