For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Contact:
Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director
Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation
(518) 587-5030
sbosshart@saratogapreservation.org
Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and Heritage Garden Club Dedicate Memorial Tree in Honor of Saratogian Eugene Corsale
WHAT: A memorial tree dedication in honor of Eugene Corsale, a Saratoga Springs resident who led efforts to preserve and enhance the Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, the oldest cemetery in Saratoga Springs.
WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Gideon Putnam Cemetery, South Franklin St., Saratoga Springs
WHO: Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation
Martha Van Patten, Volunteer of the Heritage Garden Club
Tom Denny, Chair of Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project
Background: With the leadership of West Side resident Eugene Corsale, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation was awarded grants to preserve and enhance the Gideon Putnam Burying Ground. Overgrown landscape was cleared, a black iron fence was installed, and a survey of the grave stones was completed.
The Heritage Garden Club, with the assistance from Sustainable Saratoga purchased and planted the memorial tree. Sustainable Saratoga volunteers ensured that it was properly watered throughout the summer, which was one of the driest in recent memory, and the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation provided the bronze plaque recognizing Eugene Corsale.
The Gideon Putnam Burying Ground is the oldest cemetery in the city. It was established in 1810 and is the resting place for Saratoga Springs’ founder, Gideon Putnam. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a City Landmark.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.