Southold Town is set to kick off one of the highlights of the year’s 375th anniversary celebration as Mile Marker Day unfolds tomorrow, with history coming alive for all ages.
According to the Southold375.com website, Benjamin Franklin was appointed as the postmaster general of the British Colonies in 1753. As part of his duties as postmaster general for the colonies, he surveyed the mail routes — the post roads — from Virginia to Boston.
To that end, mile markers were placed along the way. “One of his inventions was a ‘weasel,’ which functioned as an odometer for a horse cart, which he used to mark out the post roads,” the site explains.
Later, in the early 19th century, the commissioner of highways had stone mile markers placed along the postal routes, which still exist throughout Southold Town.
“In the spirit of Benjamin Franklin, we are celebrating by retracing his route down the North Fork, visiting each marker, with events staged at selected markers along the way,” the site said.
Participants can begin at Mile Marker #7 on Franklinville Road in Laurel, across from and just east of the Elbow Room Too, where they can pick up marker kits.
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Young and old alike can answer a question at each mile marker and receive a collectable postcard stamped at the end with a USPS stamp by Benjamin Franklin.
“As you leave marker #7, set your odometer to zero, proceed out to Route 25, and travel east. Markers are placed roughly every mile, but leave some room for variation, as Benjamin Franklin’s weasel was not as accurate as modern odometers,” the site said.
Since some of the mile markers are located in the front yards of private residences, those participating are asked to be respectful of private property.
In total, there are 24 mile markers numbered #7 through #30. “Make sure to make a left on Boisseau Avenue in Southold to follow the mile marker route. When you get to the last mile marker, turn around and go back to mile marker #28 to meet Benjamin Franklin and get your postcard stamped,” the site explains.
The event is just one of a year-long slate of activities scheduled to mark Southold’s 375th anniversary. A cocktail party was held at Brecknock Hall in January, with town officials and other dignitaries invited.
Next up, Mile Marker Day will be held tomorrow. Over the course of the year, work will be done to elevate the town’s historic mile markers, which, it was initially believed were first were placed in Southold Town by Benjamin Franklin in 1755 to mark the Post Road to Boston. At a recent North Fork Chamber of Commerce meeting, Herb Adler, president of the Southold Historical Society, said research had proven that Franklin did not, in fact, place the markers, but he said he was sure, “Benjamin Franklin was here in 1853.”
Another component of the year-long celebration, Adler said, will include digital storytelling at area schools at the end of June, with an exhibit at the end of the series.
On Independence Day, July 4, the North Fork Chorale group is slated to play at Silversmith Corner. And on August 1, a parade in Southold will be a highlight of the festivities.
Another Douglas Moore Memorial concert will follow on August 8.
Fall will include events such as a tour of historic homes, a volunteer day, and an event for the Latino community, organized by Sister Margaret Smyth of the North Fork Spanish Apostolate, which will include food and entertainment. That event, Adler said, will be held late in the season, after the Latino community has completed their “hard work on the farms, making it easier for them to be present.”
Also upcoming will be an event focused on the African American community, organized by Eleanor Lingo, Adler said.
A website and a Facebook page have been set up with information regarding all the Southold 375 festivities.
