Chilson Founders Day celebration upcoming

CHILSON | On a country road in Chilson this Sunday, Sept. 14, an annual tradition- and a step towards the future- will unfold. The Chilson Founders Association will be hosting its annual Founders Day celebration at the Chilson Community Building on Putts Pond Road this month, and though the day is their biggest fundraiser, the Board of Directors is hoping it will be so much more. After a long period of time, the Founders are once again extending their arms and inviting people to become members of the Association. "We are so excited for this year's roast," noted Founders Secretary Margaret Wood Lauman. "I love to see people gather together and enjoy their company. This is also an election year, so there will be a lot of local politicians there. It's always good to get a dose of Chilson Hill." The event opens on the 14th at 12 p.m., with serving beginning at 2 p.m. The Founders call it a pig roast, but fear not, there is no animal on an open flame for all to see. Val and Craig Dixon of the Hot Biscuit Diner will be serving up pork, baked potatoes, coleslaw, sauteed vegetables, rolls, and homemade desserts (board of directors member Cindy Burgey will even be treating guests to her well-known fruit pies). Chuck Moore will be providing the musical entertainment, and baskets and items will be up for raffle. "It's always good to get a dose of Chilson Hill," Woods added. The Chilson Founders Association was formed specifically to take on the care and stewardship of the Chilson Chapel. Originally constructed in 1893 on land donated by Abel Moore as a social hall for meetings, parties, and dances. The lumber used came from Vern Moore's sawmill, and Orville Phillip constructed the pews in his shop on the corner of Canfield and Putts Pond Roads. In 1897, the decision was made (by a unanimous vote of 16-0) to convert the hall into a church. That conversion took place the summer of that year, with the roof lowered, and a bell, chimney, and stove installed. The Chilson Union Free Church was dedicated March 6, 1898, free to all denominations. This operation continued with visiting ministers until 1916 when the church joined the Methodist Conference of Troy, N.Y. Formally closing in 2002, the Founders purchased the building in 2014 and dedicated it as "The Chilson Chapel free to all denominations". "Our mission is to preserve, protect, and maintain any public buildings and accompanying property located in the hamlet of Chilson that will come under our ownership," said Founders President Lois Gunning. Over the past 10 years, the Founders have already made upgrades to the structure; underpinnings have been fixed, and a new heating system and brand new flooring installed. The Founders are now looking to begin the project of restoring and repairing the backroom of the chapel, which is in serious need of attention. Proceeds from the roast will go towards these repairs. Interested contractors are encouraged to contact the Founders. Founders Day is the 501(c)(3)'s biggest annual fundraiser, a welcome early autumn event that captures the spirit of the Chilson Fire Department's famous Chilson BBQ in early summer, and something of its own- there is a sense of pride physically felt amongst the day lilies and meadow flowers surrounding those who show how in support. Generations, many of the same last names found in Chilson two centuries ago unite. For those who have moved or migrated over the years to Ti and Crown Point, Hague and Silver Bay, maybe even as far north as Moriah, make the trip up Route 74 or the scenic back roads. As the road rolls on and buildings from the 19th century make their appearance, as a beaver-chewed tree or marsh full of wood presents itself, lone can't help but feel a sense of belonging, for this area is everyone's home and in their veins. This is the feeling that the Chilson Founders are protecting and preserving, and they are seeking others who hold the same values. "There are 40 household dwellings on Putts Pond Road alone; most of that group of people are descendants of Chilson's very first settlers- the Hunsdons, the Osiers, myself, the Flemmings, the O'Haras," noted Lois Gunning. "There is some kind of bond and feeling of togetherness." Even if a person wasn't raised in Chilson, chances are they have grown familiar with the lovable hamlet over the years. Just like its big sister, Ticonderoga, Chilson comes armed with centuries of history, lore, murder and ghost stories, lovable haunts, tales of Adirondack buck hunting, and most of all, the sense of the community that defined "the hill." This is where grandmothers shared their cookie recipes with their granddaughters, where winter meant snow, and iconic childhood memories are now more than worth their weight in gold and cherished. The Founders will be sending out an annual newsletter to members, and are in the planning stages of event hosting- perhaps around the holidays- for members to enjoy. "We are contemplating putting a new spin on the fondly remembered "Christmas Tree," Lauman noted, referring to the recital event that was huge for all the children in Chilson many decades ago. A sign-up for those with interest in becoming members (no commitment necessary at this time), will be available next to the calendar sale. Every year, the group produces a 12-month pictorial calendar with a Chilson-centered theme with historic photos from the past, many that feature familiar faces, some alive, and many not. It is a traditional piece of nostalgia whose proceeds go directly to the preservation of the chapel. This year's theme is the Chilson Volunteer Fire Department. To reserve Chilson Founders Day tickets ($15 each), please call Lauman at 518-585-9133. Tickets are also available at the door day of until sold out. For more information on the church, the Founders, or to learn how to make a tax-deductible donation to the preservation and continued use of the Chilson Chapel, or for contractors interested in the back room repair, please call Lauman as well. Follow the Founders on Facebook for updates and more information on the Christmas Tree as the colder months approach.

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Chilson Founders Day celebration upcoming

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