Historian's Corner



Charlene Cole
Sandy Creek/Lacona Historian
Historian's Corner
May 26, 2018

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that: The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873.

The History Center has a series of veteran’s books that honor our veterans from the town and villages of Sandy Creek beginning with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War to current times. Books are available for all wars.

Thanks to Al Johnston, Boy Scouts and Margaret Kastler for setting out flags on our veteran’s graves in time for Veterans Day every year.

The Sandy Creek History Center has lost a dear friend, Herman Stratton

“Stratt” Killam. Stratt was a life-long resident of Sandy Creek and served his country in World War II. Stratt was a wealth of history and knowledge of this town and its people. Stratt and brother Jack (we called them the “Killam Boys”) came by the office almost weekly or generally within 20 minutes of a phone call to answer questions, share a story and just visit. A few years ago, I gave him a folder containing many local pictures to either identify or give a little history on and we have referred to that folder many, many times. What a treasure. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Charlene Cole
Sandy Creek/Lacona Historian
1992 Harwood Drive
Sandy Creek, NY 13145
315-387-5456 x7
Office hours: Friday 9am to 2pm
www.sandycreeknyhistory.com