Max Smith’s research on Emancipation Day in Peterboro shows that, "beginning in 1925 and continuing until World War II, or shortly thereafter, blacks and whites alike came from all across Central New York each August in an annual pilgrimage to pay homage to Gerrit Smith and his legacy and and celebrate emancipation. This article appeared in the Oswego Palladium – Times dated Saturday, August 8, 1925:
"With gratitude heartfelt, more than 600 negroes of Central New York made a pilgrimage yesterday to the Gerrit Smith mansion in Peterboro, where appropriate exercises marked the celebration of their first Emancipation Proclamation (sic) Day.
Unscarred by the ravages of time and the inroads of weather the mansion stands today virtually as it stood during the Civil War….Smith was one of the North’s prominent abolitionists and boon companion of William Lloyd Garrison and John Brown, champions of the slaves.
Gerrit Smith Miller, grandson, showed the visitors a permanent memory of the gratitude of the slaves whom his grandfather helped. It was a massive volume containing the names of 3,000 negroes."
Another article from the Oneida Democratic Union, July 16, 1931 shows how much the day grew in size and scope in the ensuing years:
"Emancipation Day is always a big day in Peterboro and plans are being laid to make it even bigger than ever this year. The celebration will be held Thursday, August 6, and the most elaborate program ever attempted is being arranged.
There will be two baseball games and sports of all kinds for men and women during the day. In the evening there will be a band concert, boxing bouts and fireworks. The Canastota Military been has been engaged for the day.
Another feature of the daytime will be a parade. The colored Elks lodges of Ithaca, Syracuse, Binghamton, and Elmira have been invited to attend. A suitable prize will be given the visiting lodge that has the most men in line."
Still other articles speak of over 1,000 people being present, of people coming from all over the state, and acknowledging their birthright of freedom. Smith explains that, "This information has served as an inspiration to me and a small cadre of volunteers….The history of Peterboro, N.Y. and its significant place in the evolution of America during the second half of the 19th century needs to remembered, told and retold. Every American, and in particular every black American, should know of this story. This is a story every bit as vital and integral to our black American journey as that of Rosa Parks and the bus boycott. When Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on the mall in Washington he stood on the foundation built by Frederick Douglass, John Brown, William Lloyd Garrison, Gerrit Smith and others whose passion made our emancipation possible."
All are welcomed to Emancipation Day at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 7 for a meet and greet near the Laundry on the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark. The Laundry was the place of employment and economic freedom for Russell. A welcome, remarks, a song service, and short speeches will be followed by a group photo. At noon a procession to the cemetery will begin by pedestrians and vehicles. Smith says, "We will place a wreath on the final resting place of that great and good friend of black Americans, Gerrit Smith. Another wreath will be placed on the grave of a former slave."
Afternoon strolls, storytelling, exhibits, and raffles will follow the 1 p.m. barbecue picnic on the Gerrit Smith Estate. The programs are free and open to the public. The BBQ Picnic is $8 for adults and $5 for children with reservations by July 30. Check payable to the Smithfield Community Association. Send to the Gerrit Smith Estate NHL, P.O. Box 6, Peterboro NY 13134.