News from the Hamlet Of Clark Mills, NY

At the 25th anniversary celebration on October 18, 2017, we took the opportunity to recognize Shirley Hooson for her many years of work with the Clark Mills Historical Society. Shirley has worn may hats: president, recording secretary, historian, editor and writer for The Recorder, the Society’s newsletter.

The Clark Mills Historical Society owes a very deep debt of gratitude to Shirley for her dedication to preserving the history of our great hamlet of Clark Mills and for the level of excellence at which she operates.

Shirley was given a Willow tree Angel of Thanks as a memento of appreciation by the Society.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente declared October 18, 2017 “ Clark Mills Historical Society Day” in recognition of it’s 25th anniversary.

The plaque was read and presented to the CMHS members by CMHS vice-president Jennifer Hughes Scoones at the celebration held that evening.

The Society would like to thank County Executive Picente for the recognition of the good work of the Society.

The Society celebrated the installment of a new marker noting the historic significance of the textile mills of Clark Mills, with a dedication and unveiling on Sunday October 1st. A reception was held, following the dedication, at the Kirkland Senior Citizen / CMHS Center.

The marker reads: “Clark Mills. Cotton mills founded ca. 1845 by Ralph, Ammi and Eneas Clark. Became Hind & Harrison Plush Co. in 1891. Closed 1949.”

Thank you to Town of Kirkland historian Richard Williams for his extensive research and work done to complete the application process necessary to obtain the marker,

The marker was provided by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s Historic Roadside Marker Program for the preservation of local history.

The Society would also like to thank Shirley Hooson, CMHS historian for the assistance that she provided in the application process and Anne Peach Lynch, owner of Rofin for allowing the Society to have the marker placed at their site, one of only three remaining building that were part of the original complex of mill buildings.

In addition, we would like to thank the Town of Kirkland Highway Department for installation of the marker.

You may have noticed all of the flags on the poles in various locations around Clark Mills. I don’t know if the residents know that this is something that the Clark Mills Historical Society quietly does. Jack Shafer has coordinated this with the help of Marty Joseph, Jack McCabe and Al Roberts over the years. Thanks also to Shafer and Sons for donating the remaining flags needed this year.

Don’t forget the Clark Mills Field Days, June 22-24, 2017!