Carlton E. Stickney, 78, of Brookdale

BROOKDALE, New York (WWNY) – Carlton E. Stickney, 78, of Brookdale, died suddenly Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington from complications resulting from a fall the previous evening. Arrangements are in the care of Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. There will be no call hours or services, but the family invites friends to come together for a celebration of life and to share memories of Carl at the Silas Wright House, home of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association (a place very close to its heart), at 3 Main Street, Canton, NY on April 23, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Carlton was born in Potsdam, NY on October 14, 1943, the son of Kenneth F. and Olga E. (Jones) Stickney of Norwood. He is survived by two brothers, Charlie Stickney and Jim (Valerie) Stickney, nieces and nephews Mary Ann (Robert) McGreevy, Monica Brothers, Russell (Mary) Stickney, Brian Stickney, Paula (Todd) Milliron and Lisa Stickney as well as many great-nieces and nephews. Carlton was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Francis K. Stickney and Earl N. Stickney.

Carlton had very close friendships with too many people to mention, including a friendship with Linda (Locke) Hollis for 74 years. He also shared a very special bond of over 43 years with Bob Mulverhill, Karey Fournier and their boys, Nathen and Jered.

Carlton attended Brookdale Rural One-Room School as a youth and graduated from St. Lawrence Central School in 1961. He then attended Canton ATI (now SUNY Canton) where he studied agriculture and graduated in 1963. Carlton continued his education in 1964. at Ogdensburg State Hospital School of Nursing where he graduated in 1967, one of 14 students. In 1968, he enlisted as a second lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps and served in San Antonio, Texas at Brooks General Hospital at Fort Sam Houston. There he treated soldiers recovering from injuries sustained during the Vietnam War. He was discharged in 1970 and served in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. After being discharged from the military, Carlton returned to Ogdensburg State Hospital, earned his nurse practitioner degree, and served the state until his retirement. In addition, he worked for the Canton-Potsdam Hospital as a PA after his retirement for more than 10 years.

Carlton was an avid antique collector and made his first purchase at an auction when he was very young. His search for antiques took him thousands of miles each year across multiple states. He had his favorite shops which he visited regularly. He frequently attended local auctions and enjoyed sharing the story behind the treasures he brought home. In 1976 Carlton purchased the Octagon House in Brasher Falls but was never able to establish the museum he envisioned there. In 1980 Carlton was elected president of the Stockholm Historical Association and also served as a city administrator.

Carl was the current Stockholm City Historian, where he had served since his appointment in January 2002. He was a member of the board of directors of the Historical Association of St. Lawrence County and was its past president. He also served on the board of the Almanzo Wilder farm and was also its past president. He shared his collection of artifacts mentioned in the Little House on the Prairie books. The relics were used in Grade 4 elementary farm tours as well as classroom presentations. Over the years, he has taught chair caning classes, exhibited his Civil War collection at Civil War reenactment weekends, lectured on antique glass and oil lamps, and shared various collections at exhibit in local museums in Potsdam and Canton. He has spent countless hours volunteering with several organizations. He has recently spent a lot of time curating the early illumination exhibition currently on display at the Silas Wright House in Canton.

Carlton will forever be remembered as a kind and generous gentleman with a wealth of knowledge of local history, he enriched the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Carl was very proud of the communities and organizations he served.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Stickney Fund of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, PO Box 8, Canton, NY 13617 or to the Almanzo Wilder Farm, PO Box 283, Malone, NY 12953. Condolences and good memories can be shared at www .hammillfh.com

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