Alex Duffy,
nicknamed "Mr. Watertown" was born in Watertown January 7 1900, one of six Irish-American children born to Stuart and Anna (O'Neil) Duffy.
He was often called upon to lecture on Watertown history. One old publication described him as a man who occupied a most prominent place in the golden era of the Fancy (cochin chicken) and was given the nickname of "Fluffy Duffy." More than a poultry fancier, Mr Duffy created personal 'monuments' throughout the north country during a nearly 60 year career as a stone mason.
Mr Duffy served as president of the Jefferson County Agriculture Society for 29 years, an all-time record. He was a past president of the NY State Association of Fairs and first showed poultry at the NY State Fair in Syracuse NY. As a breeder of poultry he won national recognition and displayed his first poultry in Jefferson County in 1913 at the fair.
Projects with the Duffy touch range from fireplaces in private homes to the Woolworth and Howland's Department stores, the Court Street bridge and the stone piers at Thompson Park Circle.
Alex Duffy has received numerous awards and honors. A few years ago the Watertown Fairgrounds were named the Alex Duffy Fairgrounds. The road where Mr Duffy resided also bears his name. St Lawrence University honored him with a North Country Citizen Citation, and he was officially recognized for humanitarian service to his fellow man.
