OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg resident Bill Plimpton, a retired principal at Ogdensburg Free Academy, has donated two concrete planters made from forms that are over 150 years old.

The gift was in recognition of the city’s 150th anniversary of incorporation which took place on April 27, 1868.

Ogdensburg resident Bill Plimpton has donated two concrete planters made from forms that are over 150 years old. A presentation was made prior to the Ogdensburg City Council meeting on July 9. The planters now hold flowers that were provided by the Ogdensburg Pride & Beautification Commission and are proudly displayed on the steps of City Hall at 330 Ford St. The planters were donated in recognition of the city’s 150th anniversary of incorporation which took place on April 27, 1868.

“The City of Ogdensburg and the 150th Anniversary Committee would like to thank Mr. Plimpton and his family for this generous donation. The planters will greet visitors to City Hall for years to come and help remind everyone of this special anniversary for the city,” said Parks & Recreation Director Matthew Curatolo, 150th Anniversary Committee Chair.

Mr. Plimpton, a retired principal at Ogdensburg Free Academy and former city councilor elected in 1980, has given many concrete planters as gifts to friends and relatives for cemetery memorials. He has also donated planters to the Ogdensburg Presbyterian Church, the Frederic Remington Art Museum, the Ogdensburg Public Library and Sherman Inn.

Mr. Plimpton’s work continues a family tradition. Mr. Plimpton’s grandfather, William H. Plimpton Sr., was a stone mason contractor and quarry boss on Oak Island during the construction of Boldt Castle. He also served as Mayor of Alex Bay and Town Supervisor of Alexandria. His father, William H. Plimpton Jr. was a boat builder at Hutchinson Boat Works.

Mr. Plimpton’s son, Tom, as well as his grandson are both learning how to create these concrete planters to continue the family tradition.

A year-long slate of events have been planned to mark the 150th anniversary of the City of Ogdensburg’s incorporation. A complete list follows:

July 19—A Night at the Museum from 6-8 p.m. at the Frederic Remington Art Museum, to mark the 95th anniversary of the museum and the 150th anniversary of the city. Music in the courtyard, light refreshments, museum activities, cash bar will be offered.

July 22—Fred’s Wild West BBQ and Library Fun Fest at the Ogdensburg Public Library

July 22-28—Ogdensburg International Seaway Festival: Activities include Battle of the High School Bands, craft show, classic car show, concerts and contest, fireworks on July 27 and the Seaway Festival Parade on July 28

Aug. 11—Party in the Park hosted by the Ogdensburg Parks & Recreation Department. Fireworks, food, bounce house, face painting, games and more in Library Park

Sept. 8—Walking History Tour and City Hall Open House

Nov. 3—Finale Event— A Rock-N-Skate at the Lockwood Arena from 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information about these events visit http://www.ogdensburg.org/calendar.aspx.