New Mural in Macedon, NY

New Mural in Macedon, NY

SUBMITTED by Sally Millick, Village of Macedon Historian (15-Aug-2010)

Macedon Mural Dedication, August 14, 2010

Dedication of the mural "They Walked Before Us"

The Macedon mural, “They Walked Before Us” was dedicated on Saturday, August 14. Part of the Mural Mania mural trail along the Erie Canal, the mural includes a Main Street scene circa 1910, detailed panels of the Macedon Mills, Macedon Academy, and one of the canal locks from the mid-19th century. A special feature is a mural within the mural, representing the Native Americans who lived in the area.

The dedication celebration began with a historical village walk from the Erie Canal to the mural site on Main Street. Along the way around 30 participants learned about the scenes and people they would see in the mural.

At the mural site, a crowd had gathered, and Mark DeCracker of Mural Mania kicked off the program. He spoke about the events leading up to the creation of the mural, noted the efforts of the volunteer artists, and introduced Marcy Frey, Director of the Macedon Partners Association, and village trustee.

Marcy Frey, Village Trustee, addresses the crowd at the new mural dedication in Macedon

Ms. Frey commented on the beautiful art work, thanked the artists, and also thanked the Main Street businesses for being so supportive; particularly the owners of the building on which the mural is placed, Brett and Michelle Norton. She was followed by Sally Millick, Village Historian, who explained the content of the mural.

A highlight of the dedication was Alvin Parker, a Native American representative and esteemed educator. He is a descendent of Ely Parker, a military secretary to Ulysses S. Grant; a rare position for a Native American at the time. Mr. Parker’s great great great Uncle was Red Jacket. He attended in native costume, and shared some history of the Native American nations, and their part in the modeling of the United States Constitution.

Al Parker, descendant of famous Native American Red Jacket, speaks at the Macedon Mural Dedication

After explaining much of the Native American symbolism found in the “mural within a mural”, Mr. Parker led a blessing of the mural using a traditional ceremony of burning sage. Several attendees lined up to have their picture taken with Mr. Parker after the dedication.

Despite the heat, many people lingered over cake and punch after the ceremonies, and some continued on over to Books Etc. on Main Street for coffee and further discussion on the mural and with Mr. Parker. It was a lovely afternoon, a warm welcome for the Macedon mural, and a wonderful celebration of the completion of 75 miles of murals along the Erie Canal.

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