OUR HERITAGE

A Graduation Speech Given at Sacket High School In the 1950’s

 

Dear parents, members of the Board of Education, teachers and friends -- We, the members of the Class of 1955 of the Hounsfield Central School, welcome you to our Commencement exercises. For twelve long years we have struggled toward this goal, and it is with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction that we greet you tonight as we are assembled here --- meeting perhaps for the last time as an entire class. We are like a small fleet which has been lying in harbor for these twelve years, and tonight the anchors are weighed, and slowly we drift out together with the tide.

 

Before we leave our moorings and embark upon our journey into the unknown, it might be a good thing for us to recall to our minds some of the local stories and scenes which are so familiar to us today --- those which someday will be a precious memory -- because we have lived among them.

 

Our location in this particular section of Northern New York along the shores of Lake Ontario has given us a unique heritage --- rich in tradition, history and variety. Time sufficies for only the briefest review of the settlement and history of Sacket Harbor. Recorded history in this town dates back to 1796 when the Black River tract was divided and this portion of the country was acquired by Peter Kemble (sic) and Ezra Hounsfield. Sackets Harbor changed ownership several times, finally being purchased and developed by Augustus Sacket.

 

Sacket Harbor became one of the most important spots on the map during the War of 1812. The town, overnight, changed from a quiet village of two dozen residents, to one of thousands of soldiers, sailors and marines, and became one of the strongest fortifications in America at that time. Sackets Harbor, being an important port on the lake was first attacked by the British. Under the capable leadership of such men as Captain Woolsey and General Jacob Brown, preparations for defense were made immediately. One measure General Brown took to defend Sackets Harbor was to place the gun known as the “Old Sow” into a commanding position above the harbor. This old gun repulsed the attack and raised such havoc with the enemy that they returned to Kingston. Although the Sacket Harbor contribution to American victory was trivial, it was of extreme importance in keeping the British from capturing this important port.

 

 

After the war the United States recognized the importance of maintaining troops in this area. On Navy Point was located the smallest naval station in the U. S. A. and with the establishment of Madison Barracks in 1816; officers and men from all over the nation came to live as neighbors of the people of “Sackets.” Their proximity greatly flavored the life of the village. Many today recall with a thrill the colorful parades, the band concerts and the lowering of the flag to the solemn notes of retreat. When wars came the villagers turned out en masse to bid farewell to the soldiers and see them march briskly to the station to a lively tune played by the military band. The gloom on these occasions was surpassed only by the joy that greeted their return upon the war’s victorious end.

 

 

My story would not be complete without mention of some of the great men who lived here or have visited our little village on the shores of Lake Ontario. Among them, Gen. Brown, Gen. Zebulon Pike, President Madison for whom Madison Barracks was named, Gen. Grant and Gen. Sherman, all significant in the history of this country. Dr. Samuel Gutherie achieved fame by his discovery of chloroform and his invention of the percussion cap. More recently, Franklin Roosevelt, when governor of New York, participated in the ceremony at the dedication of the monument on the battlefield. At that time, he promised his best efforts toward having the battlefield made into a state park -- which it really became a few years later.

 

A visitor today catches some of the spirit of the old Sackets Harbor as he visits the beautiful old homes, Fort Pike, the military cemetery and most especially the excellent museum nestled close to the edge of the battlefield.

 

 

Time has greatly changed our little village --- much of her glory has departed, but one God-given feature of our heritage remains unchanged --- her location upon the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario, sometimes blue, calm and smiling; sometimes gray, wild, and threatening. When one has stood upon the battlefield at twilight and looked out over the lake to view a gorgeous sunset, first brilliantly red, changing gradually, thru pinks and lavenders to a final gray, he will carry that picture in his mind forever. It may be forgotten temporarily, but it will come back -- and he will come back.

 

Now...we set forth upon our voyage --- each to make his own contribution to life -- may the members of the graduating class of 1955 of Sacket Harbor High School prove worthy of their heritage.

The End!!

Note by Shirley: As the final tides of life bring us back, either physically or mentally, to our Sackets Harbor moorings -- a journey of 46 years since this speech was given, the words in this speech might be looked upon even more fondly now than they were back in 1955 -- by some of us, at least. I, for one, was not endeared to this place called, Sackets Harbor, where I spent 11 years of my life; but, even so, I have come to respect the history of this village as I do all places in my beloved Jefferson County. This speech was written by Mrs. Roland Pettit, a very sweet lady who substituted as English teacher in our senior year. She dearly loved her Sackets Harbor and I know she would be so pleased to see the wonderful preservation this village has undergone. It is truly a pretty and interesting place to visit. And, yes, I suppose you're wondering who delivered this speech. I'll let you guess. Sometimes those who get near the top don't deserve to be there! Enough said.