Building a sense of community in Wassaic

WASSAIC — History came alive Saturday during the annual Community Day in Wassaic, with more than 200 people taking part in various events.

This year’s Community Day celebrated the 150th anniversary of the invention of condensed milk in Wassaic by Gail Borden, as well as the celebration of new playground equipment at Wassaic park.

The morning began with free coffee and doughnuts given away at Calsi’s General store.

From there, a tour of the Pawling Corp., located in the former Borden condensed milk factory, was given by company owner Roger Smith.

“We like Wassiac and we like being here,� Smith said. “We have had open house tours for our employees before, and the last one we had for the public was in 1995 during our 50th anniversary. This is a good crowd we have here today.�

After the tour, the Amenia Historical Society’s Ann Linden told stories about the Borden family and gave a tour of historical landmarks in the area, including Gridley Chapel and the building that formally housed Gridley’s hotel.

“At one time, many, many people were employed here at this factory,� Linden said. “Borden never had a house here, he stayed with people in the community. It took a short time for him to be successful mostly because of the Civil War contract.�

Borden was the primary supplier of milk to the Union Army during the Civil War.

At around noon, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for new signs advertising the historic value of Wassiac.

New York state Sen. Vincent Leibell said that history is important and exciting to the Harlem Valley.

“Some of the most historic areas in the United States are right here, including this spot,� Leibell said. “This is a rebirth for the beautiful hamlet of Wassiac, so it’s great to be here. History is important to all of us because to forget our history is to doom us.�

As part of Community Day, the Wassiac Firehouse held a family barbecue and fair in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the rescue squad.

“Today is important because it’s the day we give back to the community,� Fire Chief and head chef of the barbecue Robert Boyles said. “They give to us through their taxes, so today we’re cooking chicken for them.�

Dick Lamay, captain of the rescue squad, said the squad could always use more volunteers.

“If someone wants to volunteer their expertise, we would be grateful,� Lamay said. “At one time we had a dozen or more Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), at present we only have five. We need all the help we can get.�

Both children and adults were seen playing on the newly installed playground equipment at Wassaic Park. The equipment was approved for purchase back in early August by the Town Board.

Town Supervisor Janet Reagon called this year’s Community Day a success.

“Today is wonderful, everyone is having a good time,� Reagon said. “How can anything be more beautiful?�

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