Assembly Resolution No. 427

BY: M. of A. Walsh

COMMENDING the Charlton Historical Society upon
the occasion of hosting its 55th Annual Charlton
Founders Day Weekend and Parade on June 8, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations that embrace the historical significance and contributions
of their localities which strengthen the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the
Charlton Historical Society upon the occasion of hosting its 55th Annual
Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade on Sunday, June 8, 2025; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 54th Anniversary of the Charlton
Founders Day Weekend and Parade; the centerpiece of the weekend is the
extraordinary, colorful Parade which serves as the staple of the
weekend's various celebrations in addition to enjoying the exciting
activities; food vendors offer their specialty treats, tempting the
palettes of visitors from the surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, The Charlton Historical Society is a community organization
dedicated to promoting, developing, and paying homage to the Town of
Charlton, New York, always adding new members and providing a mock tour
on their website along with a guide to historic markers and other
resources to educate the public about Charlton's rich history; and

WHEREAS, In 1792, the year after Saratoga County was founded, the
New York State Legislature divided "Balls Town" into four parts, forming
three new towns, Galway, Milton, and, in the southwest corner of the
county, Charlton, which was previously called "New Freehold" by its
settlers who were mostly immigrants from Freehold, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, The reason the name Charlton was chosen, or its
origination, is unknown; however, speculation suggests the name was
possibly inspired by John Charlton, a squatter already living in the
area when early settlers arrived; today, Charlton is a vibrant rural
community; and

WHEREAS, Within the town lines of Charlton, one can find the hamlets
of Blue Corners, Charlton Harmony Corners, Holbrook Corners, Komar Park,
Tucker Heights, and West Charlton; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Charlton was home to John W. Taylor, who served
in the United States House of Representatives for 20 years, from 1813 to
1833, and was elected as Speaker of the House in 1820 and 1825; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, the Charlton Founders Day Weekend and
Parade has grown tremendously, with attendees enjoying multiple
festivities, including a 5K race, a spectacular display of fireworks, a
two-day local farmer's market, and an artisan's fair; and

WHEREAS, Staying true to tradition, and to honor the Town of
Charlton's great hamlets, the theme of this year's Founders Day Weekend
is an homage to the Hamlet of Blue Corners, a settled area of nice
homes, productive farms and rich history; and

WHEREAS, This year, Writer David Waite and Mary Senk Opalka (who is
106 years old) have been selected as the 2025 Charlton Founders Day
Parade co-Grand Marshals; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend cultural events which symbolize the historical, social, and
cultural development of this great State and embody the spirit of the
principles upon which this Nation was founded; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Charlton Historical Society upon the occasion of hosting its
55th Annual Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade on June 8, 2025;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Charlton, the Charlton Historical Society,
and Grand Marshals, David Waite and Mary Senk Opalka.