After his graduation from JHS, Peter S. Wilson served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1953, achieving the rank of sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. In 1962 he began a term as Johnstown’s Alderman-at-Large and in June of 1963 was appointed Acting Mayor of the City of Johnstown. In January of 1964 he was sworn in as Johnstown’s elected mayor, continuing to serve the community in that position until 1975. During that time, he worked with the Common Council to install water meters and wells to alleviate a water shortage; helped to acquire the vacant North Perry Street School to build the central fire station; supported the formation of J.A.V.A.C. and the Senior Citizens’ Club; and assisted in creating the Gloversville and Johnstown Wastewater and Treatment Facilities. He also helped to create the Sir William Johnson Memorial Park on West Main Street, without federal money or state aid. That project was recognized in the National Chamber of Commerce Magazine.

In recognition of his service to the community, Mr. Wilson received the Fulton County Republican Club Charles Hough award in 1977, the Senior Citizens award in 1981, the Private Industry Council award in 1986, the Fulton County Teachers’ Credit Union award in 1990, and the Liberty Bell Award in 1992.

A civic leader, Mr. Wilson served on the board of directors of Johnstown Hospital, Nathan Littauer Hospital, Fulton County Economic Development Corp., Ferndale Cemetery and the Johnstown Public Library; was President of the Fulton County Republican Club, a charter member of the Johnstown Lions’ Club and the St. Patrick’s Church Finance Committee as well as First Parish Council President.




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