To the Editor:

I am extending to you a summary of my activities regarding the freshening up of the various historical markers in our town. I have enjoyed working on these and I hope all of you have enjoyed the freshening up of these markers. As a point of clarification, the Rustoleum paint I use is called Midnight Blue and the yellow paint I use is called Sunburst Yellow, again a Rustoleum product.

I have completed the second year of an intended three-year program. So far, 24 markers have been repainted and in some cases, where possible, made vertical or at least close to vertical.

I got started on this project, in my mind at least, when I was doing a real-estate appraisal down in Greenville about six years ago. The markers down there had been repainted and they looked sharp.  I learned that it was an Eagle Scout project. I tried to interest the town of Guilderland leaders in trying something similar but to no avail.

Having gotten tired of looking at the fading markers, this project got going in 2015. I chose to paint the markers on Western Turnpike first since those were the most visible to the general public.

Along with these were markers on Dunnsville Road as well as Willow Street. In 2016, I concentrated on Route 146 leading into the village of Altamont. I was able to complete markers on Foundry Road as well as Brandle Road.

I was happy to receive such a fine reception, particularly from residents in Altamont, who looked on my work favorably.

I am very pleased that Brian Wilson of the town of Guilderland Highway Department has painted the marker at the First Reformed Dutch Church (at the intersections of routes 146 and 158) as well as the marker at the town hall. They really look great.

Brian is currently working on repairing, sandblasting, and repainting the Inn of George Severson marker, which clearly had not received attention in 30 years. This is the marker that is located at the Stewart’s Shop in the village.

There are four markers on Old Kings Highway as well as five markers in the immediate Altamont area that are still in need of painting. Since I work on these outdoors, there is a need to have at least 80 degrees in temperature as well as minimal wind, so probably mid-summer of 2017 will bring about the completion of this project.

John B. Haluska

Guilderland

Editor’s note: See related story and editorial.