New York Mills Honors Bator Brothers and Maple Street Legacy

A Moment of Reflection and Remembrance

The village of New York Mills took a pause during its 5th annual Party in the Park on July 11 to honor the memory of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. The event, held at Pulaski Park, featured the unveiling and dedication of a new artifact from the USS Arizona, adding another meaningful piece to the village’s Pearl Harbor Memorial.

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the moment and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who served.

Honoring the Bator Brothers

The memorial, first dedicated in 2013, honors Fireman First Class Edward Bator, a resident of New York Mills and a Naval volunteer who was killed and entombed aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on December 7, 1941. The new artifact serves as a tribute not only to Edward but also to his younger brother, Sgt. Barney “Bernie” Bator, who was killed in action in Belgium less than three years later on September 6, 1944.

Both brothers were just 26 years old when they died, and their story represents the sacrifice of an entire generation from Maple Street and New York Mills. As Buttenschon noted, “Edward and Barney Bator were sons of this village who never came home, and their story is really the story of an entire generation from Maple Street and from New York Mills who answered the call together.”

A Community’s Commitment to Remembering

The addition of the USS Arizona artifact to the memorial is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of World War II on the community. It symbolizes the bravery and sacrifice of not only the Bator brothers but also every family on Maple Street, in New York Mills, and across the Valley who sent their sons to war.

Buttenschon emphasized the importance of remembering these sacrifices, especially as the village approaches its 250th anniversary. “In the shadow of our 250th anniversary, we must never forget the sacrifices that were made in the name of the freedoms we claim, and recommit ourselves to their fervent defense, now and forever,” she said.

Celebrating a Century of Life

Following the memorial dedication, Buttenschon presented a New York State Assembly Citation to Angela Shultz, a lifelong resident of New York Mills, in honor of her 100th birthday. This recognition celebrated a century of life and her deep ties to the community.

“A hundred years is a milestone that speaks for itself, and Angela Shultz has spent every one of them as part of the fabric of this village,” Buttenschon said. “It was an honor to celebrate with her today, and to present her with this Citation as a token of the Mohawk Valley’s and our State’s gratitude for a century of memories and a legacy shared right here in New York Mills.”

Additional Highlights

While the day was filled with moments of reflection and celebration, it also highlighted other local events and stories. For instance, the Women’s record fell at Utica’s 49th Boilermaker, showcasing the athletic spirit of the region. Summer preparations for gardens were also a topic of interest, as residents looked to make the most of the season.

Local events such as the Boilermaker provided a unique opportunity for runners to celebrate birthdays, family, and even a human banana, making the event a memorable experience for all involved.

As the village of New York Mills continues to grow and evolve, it remains deeply rooted in its history and the stories of those who have come before. The dedication of the new artifact and the celebration of Angela Shultz’s 100th birthday are just two examples of how the community honors its past while looking forward to the future.