The Cobblestone Museum has planned a patriotic service this year full of music, historical information, dedication of a time capsule commemorating the solar eclipse, a display of Staffordshire early Americana plates, and more, followed by a potluck picnic.
According to Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum, this will be the 52nd annual patriotic service at the historic Cobblestone Church, scheduled at 11 a.m. July 7.
Raymond Santoro will provide piano and organ solos and also accompany some patriotic hymns to be sung by guests attending.
Phoebe Kirby, daughter of Justin and Adrienne Kirby, has prepared several guitar solos, and her brother Graham Kirby will play Bach’s Minuet on the glockenspiel.
William DeRuysscher, a 2024 graduate of Albion High School and summer intern at the Cobblestone Museum, will lead a responsive reading focused on the Cobblestone’s heritage.
Bill Latt will also share information about a little-known historical resource, the Daughters of the American Revolution monuments erected along Route 104 in Orleans County, from 1927 to 1941. These five monuments will be more fully explained in a full-color catalog to be distributed at the service.
Adrienne Kirby will explain the history of John Proctor, known as the “Paul Revere of Ridge Road” for his patriotic activities during the War of 1812.
A local collection of Staffordshire Early Americana plates will be on display, showing more than two dozen scenes from early American history.
In addition, the Museum has prepared a time capsule of memorabilia in commemoration of the Solar Eclipse in April. This project will be formally dedicated at the service in preparation for sealing the box, with instructions to reopen it on the next full solar eclipse in Orleans County 100 years from now.
A potluck picnic will follow the service at noon. The Museum will provide hot dogs and lemonade. Those attending should bring their own lawn chair and a dish to pass. A free will offering is always welcome, Farley said.
Kendall Lions Club is providing a tent on the lawn.