Gov. Sarah Palin has reportedly turned down an invitation to join Auburn residents at the city's first ever Founder's Day scheduled for June 6.
Founders Day is expected to be an annual event celebrating the founding of the city. There will be a new theme each year, this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the state of Alaska.
Many people consider Auburn to be the birthplace of Alaska as long time resident William Seward, secretary of state under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, negotiated the purchase of Alaska back in 1867. The city of Auburn even hosted a large celebration when Alaska became a state back in 1959.
But I still find it a little strange that this event would focus on Alaska, whether Palin can attend or not. After all, the city of Auburn wasn't founded by Seward. The city was founded by European settlers, a good 75 years before Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska.
Why not celebrate someone who actually pioneered Auburn? Like John L. Hardenbergh who founded Cayuga County back in 1793. Before the construction of the prison, the city of Auburn thrived due mainly to Hardenbergh's success as a miller. The purchase of Alaska shouldn't overshadow his achievements as a true founder of the city; especially considering that Hardenbergh is buried in Auburn at Fort Hill Cemetery.
Of course, it would be nice to plan an event that coincides with Alaska's 50th anniversary. But it just seems like the theme of Alaska is eclipsing the point of the event; to celebrate the pioneers of the city of Auburn. Not to celebrate Alaska. Yes? No?
Seward, Theodore Case, Harriet Tubman and Abner Doubleday are all note-worthy people with Auburn ties. Surely their accomplishments can be celebrated, with or without Palin. As it is, I think it's wonderful that so many local politicians plan to attend. What better way to celebrate the city than to have an opportunity to speak to your local representative? Share a hot dog with Senator Dave Valesky and let him know what is on your mind.
It's disappointing that there would be such a fuss to get Palin here, and not our own governor. After all, I had the opportunity to hear Paterson speak at Cayuga Community College and there were plenty of empty seats.
Don't get me wrong, I think Founder's Day is a wonderful idea. I just think we need to spend a little less time and energy on Alaska and more time focusing on the pioneers who helped established Auburn; which has nothing to do with Sarah Palin.
Estabrook's column appears
Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
Many people consider Auburn to be the birthplace of Alaska as long time resident William Seward, secretary of state under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, negotiated the purchase of Alaska back in 1867. The city of Auburn even hosted a large celebration when Alaska became a state back in 1959.
But I still find it a little strange that this event would focus on Alaska, whether Palin can attend or not. After all, the city of Auburn wasn't founded by Seward. The city was founded by European settlers, a good 75 years before Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska.
Why not celebrate someone who actually pioneered Auburn? Like John L. Hardenbergh who founded Cayuga County back in 1793. Before the construction of the prison, the city of Auburn thrived due mainly to Hardenbergh's success as a miller. The purchase of Alaska shouldn't overshadow his achievements as a true founder of the city; especially considering that Hardenbergh is buried in Auburn at Fort Hill Cemetery.
Of course, it would be nice to plan an event that coincides with Alaska's 50th anniversary. But it just seems like the theme of Alaska is eclipsing the point of the event; to celebrate the pioneers of the city of Auburn. Not to celebrate Alaska. Yes? No?
Seward, Theodore Case, Harriet Tubman and Abner Doubleday are all note-worthy people with Auburn ties. Surely their accomplishments can be celebrated, with or without Palin. As it is, I think it's wonderful that so many local politicians plan to attend. What better way to celebrate the city than to have an opportunity to speak to your local representative? Share a hot dog with Senator Dave Valesky and let him know what is on your mind.
It's disappointing that there would be such a fuss to get Palin here, and not our own governor. After all, I had the opportunity to hear Paterson speak at Cayuga Community College and there were plenty of empty seats.
Don't get me wrong, I think Founder's Day is a wonderful idea. I just think we need to spend a little less time and energy on Alaska and more time focusing on the pioneers who helped established Auburn; which has nothing to do with Sarah Palin.
Estabrook's column appears
Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
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Eagle wrote on May 23, 2009 7:05 AM:
united we wish wrote on May 19, 2009 12:34 PM:
anonymous wrote on May 19, 2009 7:59 AM:
showpeople wrote on May 18, 2009 4:15 PM:
Founders Day is a GREAT idea. But lets consider notable citizens who have gone on to make Auburn famous in Arts, Entertainment and Politics. We have nurtured former Governors, Senators, Inventors and Tony award winners, among just a few of our well known citizens. To the committe planning the event..."google it." "