The boat shown here under British colors will be flying the colors of the United States following its rechristening as the “Philadelphia” at ceremonies at the Skenesborough Museum grounds launching site on the afternoon of the Fourth of July. The ceremony will take place following the religious service in which the ecumenical churches of Whitehall will participate.

This 28-foot boat is a converted lifeboat, outfitted for sailing and also fitted for rowing. There are eight oarsman stations. A crew of ten seamen and officers will be the normal complement. The craft will be armed with cannon and various other arms.

A second boat which will be christened the “New York” will be put in service, at a later date, coinciding with the completion date anniversary of the last of Arnold’s fleet built in 1776 Skenesborough.

The future “New York” of slightly different construction, it will be on the Skenesborough grounds during next week’s festival and for some time thereafter to be repaired and outfitted in preparation for its joining the “Philadelphia” as a second ship the Skenesborough Navy.

The Celebration ‘76 Bicentennial commission has purchased the boats, which now will become property of the Skenesborough Museum and will be used to acquaint youth with the naval heritage of Skenesborough (Whitehall).

Volunteers of all ages are invited to become members of the ‘Skenesborough Navy” and to participate in reenactments and sailing exercises.

An invitation has already been received for Sept. 17, 1977, a year in advance for the boats to take part in the battle of Diamond Island near Lake George.

During the summer of 1977, the boats will be active in the Burgoyne Invasion and will be involved in the battle of Skenesborough harbor.

Individuals and organizations wishing to assist financially the support of this new venture in the teaching of Skenesborough’s history should contact either the Bicentennial commission or the Skenesborough Museum.

Doris B. Morton, Town Historian – The Whitehall Times – July 1, 1976

An eventful week, July 10, 1976:

Not quite as thrilling when it arrived July 6 with flags flying and bells ringing, the experience of seeing the New York State Bicentennial Barge leave on its journey to Plattsburgh was still exciting.

By 5a.m. July 8, the barge was at Lock 12, battened down, waiting for its escorts, Governor Cleveland and Governor Roosevelt, and a small houseboat to be locked through. Then, accompanied by the tug Waterford, the barge itself almost completely filled the lock, with just a short space between the deck and the bridge above.

After leaving the lock, the 250-foot barge was picked up by the two tugs and went down the channel. Its blue, orange and red colors soon became blurred as it rounded the curve and went into Lake Champlain. It will be seen here again as it passes on its way to Fort Edward for a stay July 17-18.

The colonial history of New York State was delightfully told in panels, pictures and objects. Colonial Skenesborough was mentioned as an important colony north of Albany. One of the many grants of Skene’s lands was singled out because he received it for war service, as did the neighboring grantees. His saw mill and blockhouse were copied from the Anburg picture. This section of the barge journey took it through the early Revolutionary War arena.

The visit of the barge coincided with the chamber commerce’s annual Old Home Week. Added to it were Celebration ‘76 activities and those of the firemen companies. Volunteers for these activities have been many. Untold man-hours of time and labor were spent to provide a week of worthwhile entertainment and fun. It’s great to see a successful event but, unless one is a part of the preparation process, he does not realize the planning, the times of anxiety, the money necessary to provide even the barest necessities for such a program.

The organizations that provided this event have no great source of income. What there is has been used for the benefit of the town and village — and the demands-’ are many, even from those who are not members. Workers are needed. It is hoped that “volunteers” would volunteer, not wait to be searched out and asked. Whitehall and its affairs belong to its inhabitants and friends who should make it a good place to live, and not just “let the other fellow do it.”

Doris B. Morton, Town Historian – The Whitehall Times – July 15, 1976

The reenactment of the Battle of Valcour will take place this weekend [October 9 & 10, 1976]. Among the activities will be a symposium on Benedict Arnold, the battle with a British frigate included in the line-up, and a banquet. Valcour was the scene of action for 12 of the first naval ships built in Skenesborough.

One of the practices of museums is the exchange of items for cultural and practical information in special exhibits. Skenesborough’s part in the observance of the Battle of Valcour is such a loan of naval artifacts and art work to the Historical Society of Plattsburgh. This exhibit after the weekend will be on display in the rooms in City Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Oct. 31.

The fact that all the first navy’s ships were not destroyed or captured in 1776 is not well known. Many articles and orators still make the statement that the whole fleet was destroyed.

Part of Skenesborough’s celebration in 1977 (Bicentennial observance is not over) will be the reenactment of the battle in Skenesborough Harbor July 6, 1777.~ This was where the last five ships of the first navy were, destroyed or captured by Burgoyne’s navy when he followed them from Ticonderoga. Schooner Liberty and row galley Trumbull were captured while schooner Revenge, row galley Gates and sloop Enterprise were burned and sunk in the harbor.

When Lock 12 was constructed, at the time the canal was set over into Wood creek, the excavation turned up these remains. Two cannon on one, authorities think row galley Gates, were stored for a time in the Masonic Temple. Later, they were presented to the armory where they now rest on the lawn.

Boards from these ships were still usable. Many were taken to a carpenter who made them into billiard cues and checker boards, and probably other items. Many of them have been erroneously labeled as having come from Liberty.

The gift to the armory was made about 1928. The late Arthur Miller of Saunders Street constructed the frames for the cannon. Mr. Miller was a carpenter in the silk mill. Various examples of his work are in existence, including the frame for the church cross in Castleton. Mr. Miller was also a bee keeper and, extractor of honey; a business which he was still conducting at the time of his death at 93 years. He lived with his daughter Beatrice Miller, a 39 year retiree from The Bank. The bee business is still in existence in the country near Sciota under the management of Kenneth Miller a retired contractor from Hartford, Con. who has returned to Whitehall to live.

Doris B. Morton, Town Historian – The Whitehall Times – October 7, 1976

A Bicentennial project of the Town Historian is a picture essay of the Town of Whitehall. Entitled “Day Before Yesterday” it will soon be off the press of the Whitehall Times.

The purpose of the book, besides celebrating the Bicentennial, is to present in permanent form the perishable scenes of our town. It is hoped it will bring to light many other pictures, postcards, snap shots, and fliers that may be copied for preservation.

The book contains over three hundred pictures of scenes and events of Whitehall. Pictures of people included are to represent some industry or organization. The histories of the town’s transportation systems, the industries, the schools, are captioned for identifications and location.

This project is sponsored by Supervisor Horace Scott and the Town Board. Pic-tures, loaned, were copied by G & M Photos. Editorial advice was given by the editor of the Whitehall Times Benjamin Carpenter. The president of the Historical Society of Whitehall Carol Greenough assisted in planning.

The pictures come largely from the files of the Historical Society, Skenesborough Museum, and the Town Historian. These have been given over the years by individuals for preservation. Many others have loaned materials to be copied for the book.

Five hundred copies are being printed for sale. Requests may be made to the Whitehall Times or the Town Historian.

Doris B. Morton, Town Historian – The Whitehall Times – June 23, 1977