Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright’s eyes twinkled in that mischievous way when asked about an upcoming center stage ceremony to honor him at the Highlands Bluegrass Festival this Sunday, September 9th. The Friends of Harmony Hall are presenting the mayor with public kudos for his extensive support of the continuing restoration of the old Jacob Sloat Mansion.
“It’s always a surprise when people say good things,” chuckled the mayor, a longtime veteran of balancing the good and bad that comes with public policy.
But Mayor Wright was clearly surprised by and appreciative of the honor, which will publicly acknowledge the mayor’s often behind-the-scenes activity on behalf of Harmony Hall. From acting as master of ceremonies at Harmony Hall events to his role as unofficial village historian during presentations, Mayor Wright has worn many hats, both officially and as a regular member of the public, appearing at nearly every major function to demonstrate his support for the Jacob Sloat House.
“Harmony Hall is a tremendous asset for the Village of Sloatsburg,” Mayor Wright said, suddenly serious. “Our community has been most fortunate that the house has been saved and that we have so many wonderful village residents who are serving to get it restored to the way it once looked. Instead of this building being torn down or being used for housing, it is going to be a cornerstone of our history.”
FOHH, the non-profit organization behind the preservation of one of Sloatsburg’s most important landmark buildings, is active in furthering the vision the mayor spoke of by cobbling together a collection of arts, cultural and historical programs that capitalize on the benefits of Harmony Hall’s historic preservation effort, and promote the rich and varied history of New York’s Ramapo River Pass and Highlands. The Friends group plans to conduct a ceremony on the Bluegrass Festival stage, recognizing the mayor for both his support of Harmony Hall and for the crucial role he played in helping to steer Sloatsburg through the damage caused by Hurricane Irene last year.
Mayor Wright became a member of the Friends of Harmony Hall shortly after the organization’s charter by the New York State Board of Regents in 2007. Along with Town of Ramapo Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence, Mayor Wright helped to unveil the Harmony Hall historic marker in the summer of 2009. More recently, he joined FOHH to celebrate Suffern Historian Emeritus Gardner Watts, entertaining guests with an amusing address in honor of Mr. Watts. The mayor then made an official citation declaring Gardner Watts Day in the village on behalf of the Sloatsburg Village Board of Trustees.
“The Bluegrass Festival is a tremendous achievement that puts our community in the most positive light,” Mayor Wright said. “It has always been our hope that Harmony Hall would become a showcase west of the Hudson River for local history.”
Village of Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright will be honored Sunday, September 9 by The Friends of Harmony Hall at a 3:30 p.m ceremony on center stage at the Highlands Bluegrass Festival at the Jacob Sloat House in Sloatsburg.
Photos courtesy of Geoff Welch.
