Fall 2002

Welcome New Members

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The following is a letter we received from member Laura Marie Orth Reichert. Click here to read her mother's story.

"Tonight, as I do almost every night, I visited the Historical Society’s site (so much to learn; see). And noted with GREAT HAPPINESS, that my dear Mother’s full name had been added with a most graceful explanatory note, to her abridged article re: the location of a cannon ball at Melbourne Farm, originally appearing in the Nov. 6, 1960 issue of the Peekskill Evening Star. This honor means so much to both myself and my daughter, who from her childhood was often told stories of my farm childhood. THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH."

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ETERNAL VIGILANCE by Paul Martin

My painting, entitled "Eternal Vigilance" interprets the first of the two historical actions of June in Crompond. The scenario depicts a Rebel militiaman standing guard on the Kings Highway (route 202) in front of the Church on the evening of June 3, 1779. Smoke from the smoldering parsonage behind the church still curls ominously into the late afternoon sky. The parsonage and the church that was burned 3 weeks later would eventually be rebuilt by the congregation.

The central element of the artwork is the soldier. He is wearing a uniform indicative of a continental soldier or local militiaman from New York during this time period. Cradled across his shoulders is a standard English "Brown Bess" smooth bore musket, model 1762 ready to swing into action. A standard American cartridge box, Brown Bess bayonet, blue painted wooden canteen, standard haversack of white buff leather and a standard American pack complete his accouterments. He wears a blue regimental coat with red facings, knee length breeches, knee high stockings and standard army shoes. He also wears a vest waistcoat or wescott, a neck stock and a black felt bicorn hat, cocked to the left.

He defiantly stands his ground, prepared to defend the church from further British attack. However, as the subsequent events of June 26th 1779 poignantly attest, the lesson of June 3 was not learned, a sad commentary on what we have experienced throughout our history.

For the main emotional impact of the drawing my intent was to focus on the soldier's facial expression. All the typical attributes of the American fighting man were meant to be stressed. He is after all, the first American soldier. In his eyes, I tried to capture a look of fierce determination, and fearlessness. Honor, courage, dignity, strength and resolve, along with the implied virtues of compassion and generosity are also expressed. Representative of the long line of citizen soldiers who responded to our country’s call in her time of need, he symbolizes the best of the American character. My wish is for the viewer to see in his face, the same resolve and determination seen upon the faces of the fireman, policemen and civilians who responded to the same call on September 11. In a larger sense he represents ALL American Soldiers and citizens who have fought for freedom and liberty at home and abroad, throughout the history of the United States of America.

"Eternal Vigilance" is intended to commemorate the rich revolutionary war history of Yorktown Heights. It honors the Patriots who fought and sacrificed for their freedom and independence from oppression. It celebrates the strength, dignity and indomitable resiliency and spirit of the American people, then AND now. It serves to remind us of the danger of complacency and the need for Americans to remain forever on our guard. "The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance."

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Until the end of this year (2002) all new sustaining memberships ($25) or more will receive a free copy of the John Martino book, "Yorktown At War". Also, anyone who purchases the print "Eternal Vigilance" by Paul Martin III will receive a one-year individual membership to the Yorktown Historical Society. This membership, if upgraded to Sustaining or higher, would also include a copy of the book.

TO ORDER: Call or write Paul Martin at Silent Sentinel Studio
914-245-8903;
P O Box 551 Dept. YHS
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

When calling mention the order code YHS.

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