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Saturday, May 18, 2013
Serving the community of Ogdensburg, New York
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Heroes will be honored in Fall Exhibition

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MADRID – This year’s Fall Harvest Exhibition at the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum will feature a special exhibit honoring north country heroes.

State Sen. Patricia A. Ritchie’s Traveling Exhibit of Hometown Heroes from Northern and Central New York will be on display Sept. 1 and 2 at the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum, 1755 County Route 34.

As part of the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln establishing the Medal of Honor, Mrs. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, developed a traveling exhibit to help build awareness of the many heroes from local communities who have received the Medal of Honor for military service.

“St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Oswego counties are associated with more than 45 individuals who have received our nation’s highest military honor,” said State Senator Patty Ritchie in a news release. “Unfortunately, most people are not aware of these local heroes who in many cases risked everything for our nation.”

The heroes from St. Lawrence County in the exhibit include:

- Civil War hero 1st Lt. John Rutherford of Waddington shot a Confederate officer’s horse and convinced a superior force to surrender.

- Civil War hero Alaric Chapin, who was born in Ogdensburg and lived in Pamelia, helped lead the attack on Fort Fisher.

- Civil War hero Captain Dayton Clarke of DeKalb fought a desperate hand to hand combat as he led his troops on a charge against Confederate forces.

- Civil War hero Private James Flanagan of Louisville helped save a wagon trail from Confederate raiders.

- Civil War hero William E. Johnston of Morristown who was known as President Lincoln’s drummer.

- General Newton Martin Curtis of DePeyster, the hero of Fort Fisher, who was shot four times and lost an eye leading the attack on the Confederate defenses.

“The number of these people that have received this high honor is greater than anyone in the community knew, and it’s a real point of pride and something we can share, and certainly speaks to the history of the region in a profound way.” St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum Secretary Roger S. Austin said Wednesday.

Other events for this year’s Harvest Days include harvesting and sawmilling demonstrations, working antique engine and machinery displays, farm animals and petting zoo, wagon rides, flea market, antique tractors, trucks and cars.

Saturday’s special events are the miniature horse pull, draft horse pull, kids’ pedal tractor race, spaghetti supper and music in the evening by Pure Country, for listening and dancing. Sunday will feature the antique tractor pull, kids’ pedal tractor pull, and chicken barbecue.

At 10 a.m., the museum will unveil its latest addition: The Horse Drawn Equipment Exhibition Building. The 6,000-square-foot building is one of the largest timber-frame structures in the area, according to Mr. Austin.

“It’s like walking into a rustic cathedral built in barn-style,” said Mr. Austin. “It will preserve all of these wonderful antiques that were once pulled by horses.”

Gates open at 9 a.m. Admission is $4 for adults, kids under 12 years of age are free. Crafters and non-food vendors are welcome, but must be Museum members, and have sales certificate.

For further information or times of events, call 315-344-7470 or visit www.slpowermuseum.com.

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