The U. P. Steam and Gas Engine Association is proud to join in Escanaba’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. The Agricultural Museum and Antique Village will be open from 10 AM – 6 PM on Friday, July 12, and Saturday July 13. Admission is free on both days.
At 6 PM on Saturday, July 13, there will also be a very special dedication of the new Patriot Memorial.
On September 18, 1850 legislation was signed to allow soldiers who served honorable in the War of 1812, to apply for Bounty Lands in unorganized territories. These lands were to be partial payment for their Military Service.
In 2009 when the State of Michigan transferred the U.P. State Fair property to Delta County, the title search revealed that two young soldiers from the War of 1812 applied for and received Bounty Lands. Both parcels of land are located at the present U.P. State Fairgrounds.
The U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association is recognizing the service of these soldiers with a monument in the Antique Village Square.
“This is a unique and rare occasion” says Ann Jousma Miller, project organizer, “we are so honored to establish this lasting tribute as part of our community history”
The genealogy research has been done by Diana Berrigan from the Family History Center in Escanaba. “Finding information about these young men has been a challenge” says Jousma Miller “but Diana has been committed from day one, she has found remarkable information.”
The Sons of the Civil War will attend along with a representative of the Michigan War of 1812 Society. The Patriot Guard has been asked to stand “Flag Line.” The Governor’s Boy Scout Honor Guard from Mackinac Island has been asked to raise the flag and to preform duel taps. Charles Lindquist, president of the Delta County Historical Society will dedicate the memorial.
State Senator Tom Casperson, State Representative Ed McBroom, David Nyberg, Governor Snyder’s Northern Michigan Regional Director and US Senator Carl Levin have been asked to attend.
Private and Foundation contributions have been accepted to pay for the monument and the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association volunteers have prepared the site and will be on hand to host the event.
Visit http://esky150.org to learn more about Escanaba’s week-long celebration.