Constitution Island annual fundraiser
An extraordinary three-wheeled horse cart, a new Education Center and lavish seafood fare will all be part of the annual 1920s-style Seafood Soiree scheduled for Saturday, June 25. The fundraiser benefits the Constitution Island Association, founded in 1916 which is kicking off its centennial year. The event features live music and dancing, a lobster feast and silent auction.
A rare 19th-century, three-wheeled carriage will be on display that was the property of the Warner family, owners of Constitution Island from 1836 to 1908. The “chaise” remained on the Island until the early 1980s, when it was sent to Pennsylvania for repairs. It was long believed to be destroyed in a workshop fire but recently recovered by a Litchfield County, Conn. craftsman.
Attendees will also get the first look at the progress of the education center funded by the U.S. Army. The project encompasses the design and construction of an Education Center situated on the existing footprint of the Warner greenhouse, incorporating as much of the remaining original structure as possible, along with the preservation of the existing carriage house and associated site work.
“It is just so wonderful to be able to celebrate our centennial year with progress on the Island,” said Fred Osborn, board chairman of the Constitution Island Association.
The event chair is Jeremy Crandall of Garrison. Tickets are $250 per person and a full range of sponsorships are available. Attire is 1920s costume or summer whites. For more information, call 845-265-2501 or visit constitutionisland.org.
