Assembly Resolution No. 540

BY: M. of A. Walsh

COMMENDING the Charlton Historical Society upon
the occasion of hosting its Annual Charlton Founders
Day Weekend and Parade on June 4, 2023

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 strengthens 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 Annual
Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade on Sunday, June 4, 2023; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 53rd 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,
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 at large on the rich history of the Town of Charlton; 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, Why the name Charlton was chosen, or where it came from, is
not known, though speculation suggests it may have been for 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 twice elected as Speaker of the House in 1820 and in 1825;
and

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

WHEREAS, Staying true to tradition and to honor the Town of
Charlton's local businesses, the theme of this year's Founders Day
Weekend is "Charlton Historic Main Street", to celebrate the rich
history and historic buildings and storefronts in their community; and

WHEREAS, This year, Mike Maloney has been selected as the 2023
Charlton Founders Day Parade Grand Marshal for his active role in
preserving and restoring Charlton's historic buildings and history
within Charlton's business district; 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
Annual Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade on June 4, 2023; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Charlton, Charlton Historical Society, and
Grand Marshal Mike Maloney.