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From
the Historical Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, April 4 --This is the 18th in a series
of contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County
Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
SCHUYLER
COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S BRICK TAVERN MUSEUM will be
reopening (after the winter season) on Tuesday, April 6th. The Museum's
spring hours will be Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Currently
there are two new display cases: "SCHUYLER IN THE CIVIL WAR"
and "THE GLEN SPRINGS HOTEL". For additional information, visit
us on the web at www.schuylerhistory.org or call at: 607-535-9741.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
* More RECENT HISTORY in Schuyler County......
* 1977 United Way: Campaign Chairs were MR. & MRS.
RAYMOND BAILEY; neighborhood "Captains" from Moreland &
Tyrone were DORIS ECTOR, BEA BROWN & DARLENE MOREHOUSE
* OFFICER PERRY SPECCHIO of the Watkins Glen Police Department
was honored in December of 1977 with the Police Cross for VALOR for his
efforts in saving a man from a fire on the night of December 14th; Police
Chief WILLIAM PIERCE made the presentation;
* Friends of the Watkins Library: newly elected officers
for 1978 were: REVEREND LARRY DUNN, President; ROGER REINHART, 1st Vice
President; MARY LEMAK, 2nd Vice President; NANCY HERZIG, Secretary; PAUL
PARADISO, Treasurer; and Directors: ELISE ISLEY (Student), MARY DURLAND
& KATHY GILLETTE; Library plans call for establishing a 1st floor
Library facility and having a Library-annex for Schuyler Hospital;
* Watkins Glen ELKS CLUB - #1546 -- Flag Day Essay Contest
Winners (June 1978): MARIE THURMOND & KATHIE BEEBE - Odessa Montour
Schools; MARIA RONDINARO & TAMMY GIVIN - Watkins Glen Schools; LES
GOBLES was Exalted Ruler of the Elks and GARY MEAD was contest chairman;
* June 1978: She-qua-gah Chapter, Schuyler County, National
Society, Daughters of the American Revolution - MRS. JEAN HINMAN, Regent,
and MRS. ELIZABETH BAIRD, former Regent, presented awards to:
--KATHY HATSELL (Junior Homemaking Division)
--MARIO PEVO & TERESA SIMPSON
--MISTY USHER
--Good Citizenship Awards went to: MARLITA ROBERTS, & PATRICIA BROOKS
--Senior Homemaking Award to: KATHY DELL
* July 1978: Beauty Pageant Contestants BRENDA BLAHA,
LORRAINE HALL, GENINE LANE & ANGELA NYRE. ANGELA NYRE was awarded
the title of "MISS TEENAGER";
* June 1979: Business & Professional Women's Club
WOMAN OF THE YEAR was awarded to BETTY LOU PEARSALL, School-Nurse Teacher
at the Watkins Glen Elementary School and also quite active in SENECA
SANTA;
* June 1979: Outstanding 4-H Members chosen to model
garments at the recent Schuyler County Clothing Revue were: DENISE BOYES
(MONTOUR FALLS), DAWN DUTTON (Beaver Dams) and CAROL SPENCER (Beaver Dams);
* Celebrating the 50th anniversary of cub SCOUTING were:
JOHN PRATT, COLIN HATSELL, BILLY HILL & GARY MILLER
* May 28, 1980: OSCAR B. VALENT graduated from West Point,
a member of the 1st coed class in that institution's 178-year history;
* June, 1980: 1st graduating class from Training Resources
for Youth (TRY) Alternative High School included two graduates: STACI
SINCEBAUGH and KATHY BRAND
* 1980 UNITED FUND CAMPAIGN: CHUCK & VINA CHAMBERLAIN
were co-Chairs for the Campaign; United Fund President was MARIE BAILEY;
Campaign goal was $34,000
* May 1981: "FANTASY DAY #3" in Watkins Glen:
the year "TINY TIM" tiptoed through the streets and MARIE BAILEY
fulfilled a life-long fantasy of leading a parade.
* May 1981: Friends of the Watkins Library President
ELIZABETH SMITH worked with "Light Up The Lake" Chairman GEORGE
MILLER to prepare for the July 4th event;
* June 1982: 2nd Alternative High School GRADUATION honored
the following graduates:
FRAN ORESHACK - JOHN RIDER - STEVE FILIPPETI - DWIGHT WILBER - JAY ARDEN
- DENNIS WALSH - SANDY THOMPSON - MARYANN CAHILL - RENEE MOSHER. Guest
Speaker was DR. MARIE TARPEY, Academic Dean from Elmira College
--Invocation was by: FATHER ANDREW KALAKSKY;
--Benediction was by: REVEREND CLARK N. MC KINNEY;
--Diplomas were awarded by Superintendent DR. JOHN J. KEOUGH, Odessa-Montour;
prizes were awarded by teachers: TIM ANDERSON & JEFF SMITH
--Also in attendance were: DR. LLOYD N. PEAK, Superintendent from Watkins
Glen Central Schools, MR. DONALD J. AVERILL, Superintendent from Dundee
Central Schools, DR. THOMAS J. LOVE past President of Schuyler County
Cooperative Extension, and MR. JAMES T. KIRK, JR., Director of the Center
for Community Education.
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, March 1 --This is the 17th in a series
of contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County
Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY BENEFIT BREAKFAST --- Sunday, MARCH 7, from 8:00-11:00 a.m. @
Montour Falls MOOSE CLUB
*ALL YOU CAN EAT!
* Adults: $6.00. Kids Ages 5-10: $3.00. Under 5: FREE
* Moose Club -- 2096 State Route 14, Montour Falls, NY 14865
* for more information call: (607) 535 - 9741
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
More HISTORICAL markers...
At the entrance to the B.C. Cate Elementary School in Montour Falls you'll
find two granite markers at the base of the flagpole:
* JACKSON MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND
Named in tribute to the many years of devoted service to the youth in
the
Odessa-Montour Central School District
by
JESSIE C. JACKSON
1969
This FLAGPOLE is Dedicated to JAMES BARRETT, SR.
Faithful Custodian
1922-1965
Parent-Teachers 1965
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
SQUIRES JUNIOR DRUM and BUGLE
CORPS and PAGES JUNIOR DRUM and BUGLE CORPS news and notes...
* 1971: Squires #3 in World Competition at Lynn, Massachusetts;
Drum Major was ERNIE THURSTON
* 1971: Remember the "Boost Them to Boston"
campaign? (JIM FRANZESE, Campaign Chair)
* 1972: Pages Drum Majors were JACKIE and KATHY TEETER
od Odessa;
* 1972: new Drum Major was PAUL FRANZESE; Drum Majorette
was BARB CULLEN
* 1973: Squires Drum Major was BARB CULLEN; Corps. Manager
was LARRY GIRVIN
* 1974: Color Guard Members: JOLENE RILEY, TERRI CARRASSAS,
JULIE CLEVELAND, MARY DONNELLS, DARLA DAVIS, KAREN MOSHER & BARB DONNELLS
* 1974: among Pages performing at the Spring Concert
were: JOE SINCEBAUGH, ROSE GREEN & RYAN TOLMAN; some of the Squires
featured at that same concert were KEVIN GLOVER, RON JUST, JODY FIVIE
and GREG RAY;
* 1975: President was MR. LLOYD PROSPERI; MRS. HERBERT
(SUE) HOLMAN was Secretary; MR. RICHARD TOWER was Treasurer; MR. JAMES
HAVENS was Corps Director; and MR. ED CULLEN was elected to Board of Directors
(he was past President & Treasurer).
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
* November of 1975:
VENICO FRABONI completed 50 years of service at the Fraboni Grocery Store;
VENICO joined his father in the business on Nov. 24, 1925;
* September of 1976: awarded
service pins at Shepard Niles Crane & Hoist Corporation were:
GEORGE BROWN (40 years), BETTY MERRILL (30 years), JOHN CORNISH (20 years),
KEITH ARNOLD (10 years), JESSE BEAN (10 years), JOHN BURGESS (10 years),
TED SPECCHIO (15 years), CARL MARSHALL (10 years).
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
* JANE A. DELANO MEMORIAL
on display at Schuyler Hospital (August
1972): CLAYTON GRAHAM of Odessa made the frame for the
color photograph. Other members of the Committee charged with securing
the picture and arranging to have MISS DELANO'S medals displayed at the
Hospital were: STEWART COATS, CHARLES HARRINGTON (President of the Schuyler
County Historical Society), ARTHUR H. RICHARDS (Committee Chairman) and
advisor HENRY VALENT.
******************
See you in April!
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 1 --This is the 16th in a series
of contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County
Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
Let's
"meet" some more Schuyler County residents who "made a
difference."
* STEWART F. "BABE" FIELDS:
-- 30 years of Law Enforcement protecting the lakes, streams
and local environment as a NYS Environmental Officer
-- 1983: NYS Environmental Conservation Officer of the
Year;
-- 1986: NYS Conservation Officer of the Year awarded by
NYS Trout Unlimited Association;
1987: NYS Environmental Conservation Officer of the Year awarded by NYS
Conservation Officer's Association;
-- 1986: awarded Governor's Commendation (from Governor
Mario Cuomo) for quick action taken on March 25, 1986 stopping a major
disaster when an oil tanker was involved in an accident on Route 14;
- Member American Legion, VFW and Elks.
(Thank you Stewart F. Field, Jr., for this information)
* FRANK GANUNG:
-- Town of Dix Supervisor for 42 years (1961-2005)
-- Served two terms as Vice Chairman Board of Supervisors/Schuyler County
Legislature
-- Supported auto racing with rebuilding of the Track in 1971 and worked
with WGI in bringing racing back to Watkins Glen
(Thank you Bill Green for this information)
* ROBERT G. CARPENTER:
-- active member of American Legion Cole-Hansberger-Deland
Post 676 for more than 60 years; very active in establishing the American
Legion Memorial Park;
-- Charter member of Odessa Lions Club and active member since 1955
-- one of the driving forces behind establishment of the Dutton S. Peterson
Memorial Library
-- helped form the Odessa Area Revitalization Committee, which helped
resurrect "Odessa Old Home Days"
-- Village of Odessa Village Board (1958-1962 and 1995-2001); Mayor of
Odessa (2001-2006)
(Thank you Rita Decker for this information)
* WILLIAM PETERS:
-- former Chairman, United Fund Drive; Vice President,
Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce (for six years)
-- Watkins-Montour Rotary Club (President 1977) and actively involved
for years on a number of Committees and on the Board of Directors; chaired
Rotary District 7120 Conference held in Hershey, Pa. in 1993-94; honored
as a "Paul Harris Fellow" and in 1998 was awarded "Four
Avenues of Service Citation" by Rotary International
-- Board of Directors, Watkins Grand Prix Corporation (many years) and
volunteered often on Grand Prix Festival Committee
-- Advisory Board for Norstar Bank and Treasurer for Tri-County Regional
Economic Development & Energy Corporation Board
-- for many years Board Member Five Lakes Development Corporation and
Membership Committee for Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development
(SCOPED)
-- Representative to Congressman Amory Houghton's "Working Together
2000 Committee"
-- Board of Directors Schuyler Hospital and long-time Chairman; co-chaired
2000 major fundraising project for the ER and helped raise $500,000
-- 1995 Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year
(Thank you Jim Guild for this information)
* WILLIAM ELKINS:
-- a good deal of "pro-bono" legal work for Smith
Park in Town of Hector, Horseheads Christian School and Twin Tiers Baptist
School (volunteering his services and expertise for good causes);
-- member of Grange 9 Reading Center/Burdett/Searsburg (Master of Grange
for many years and Treasurer for Pomona Grange; delegate to State Grange
and member State Grange Museum Board);
-- Member of Burdett Players (forerunner of Lake Country Players), holding
many "lead" roles;
-- Member of American Legion and World War II veteran;
-- Party Chairman and delegate to Judicial Convention for Conservation
Party;
-- Town of Hector Assessment Review Board member;
-- 1st Schuyler County Public Defender (long-time Law Clerk for both Judge
Callanan and Judge Argetsinger)
(Thank you Deputy Sheriff Jim Mathers and Irene Elkins
for much of this information)
* NICK ANAGNOST:
-- began career at Montour Pharmacy in 1966 (with owner
CARROLL MACK), becoming sole owner after Mack's retirement; took a 1,500
square foot store and remodeled/renovated to triple its size & then
added on to the present 8,000 square foot store of today. (ALWAYS put
the needs of his customers first & foremost, seeing that no one went
without the medicine/medication needed);
-- Member Montour Falls Village Board for seven (7) years and former Youth
Commissioner;
-- played integral role in establishing Little League Baseball and Cinderella
Softball in the County and coached Montour Pharmacy Little League Team
for years;
-- for many years was an "anonymous" donor to the Odessa-Montour
Central School athletic program;
-- local employer for many, many young people as their mentor and "teacher"
for job and interpersonal skills
(Thank you Jim Guild for this information)
* RICHARD BORNHOLDT:
-- Director of Extension Board of the Southern Tier and
Planning Consultant for Schuyler County Office of the Aging;
-- worked hard to establish the Office for the Aging and continued a life-long
association to implement services for Senior Citizens
(Thanks to Carol Bossard for this information)
* JAMES (JIM) WHITING:
-- "Morning Man" on WFLR Radio for 28 years,
very active Rotarian, emcee for the Jazz Festival in the early years,
a monthly volunteer at Willard Psychiatric Hospital for 18 years;
-- organized Schuyler County "Fantasy Day" (whereby County residents
"traded jobs" with each other for a day of fun/frolic/empathy);
-- cartoonist/illustrator and artist (published more than 15,000 times
in local and national newspapers/magazines/books) --great promotor for
Schuyler County in donating his talents to countless charitable causes
for more than 40 years)
(Thank you Jack & Charlotte Callanan and Dick Schied
for much of this information)
These small paragraphs above only list a few of the accomplishments and
contributions each of these individuals made to the betterment of life
in Schuyler County -- they are not meant to be complete and full by any
means, but just give you (the reader) a look at some of those who shared
their time/expertise and talent in Schuyler County over more recent years.
Truly, they are a part of our County's history & tradition!
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Some additional historical
notes pertaining to Schuyler County citizens:
* In October of 1973 ROGER REINHART (Watkins Review) and BOB
BURNS (WFLR) bicycled to Penn Yan and back on behalf of their favorite
charity (Squires and Glen Beautification Fund for ROGER and the Penn Yan
Babe Ruth League & Dundee Little League for BOB). The men completed
the 56-mile circuit in great shape in the event hailed as the "GREAT
RACE."
* Watkins Glen Mayor BILL SIMIELE and ROGER REINHART (Chair for the Glen
Beautification Program) received a check for $51.45 from MISS CHRIS MUIR's
Middle School students to add to the funds being raised for the Gifford
Park project.
* Remember the "KELLEY MUSIC CABOOSE" (with entertainers JOE
ORBIN & DON KELLEY) which would travel around to demonstrate Kimball
organs?
* Wonder how many people remember Kindergarten students visiting the Watkins
Glen Post Office and learning all about the mail process from such great
men as PAT SCHIMIZZI, BRUNO ADESSO and Postmaster BURR STONE.
* ED VAN AMBURG was named "SQUIRE OF THE YEAR for 1973" at the
annual Appreciation Dinner for the Squires Junior Drum & Bugle Corp.
In 1973 the Squires went on to win 1st Place CLASS A trophies at the AMERICAN
INTERNATIONAL & U.S. OPEN -- Drum major was BARB CULLEN; Business
Manager was LOUIS MATTHEWS.
* On April 3, 1975 the Jefferson Hotel, Inc., was purchased by THOMAS
G. LOLL, an Elmira Accountant. He bought the Hotel from EMMETT G. GILSON,
who had owned the Hotel for the past twenty-five years. Plans called for
the 40-room Hotel and 28-room Motel to receive extensive renovation and
remodeling over a five-year "modernization program."
* On February 16, 1975 DR. FRANCIS WARD, long-time and very popular Schuyler
County Physician, died at the age of 71.
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!!!
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, Jan. 2 --This is the 15th in a series
of contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County
Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
Some
"more recent" historical information to bring your way...
* February 1958: Masons plan annual show at Watkins Glen
-- Jefferson Lodge F&AM presented their annual "Minstrel Show"
on February 17 and 18th --JOHN SKINNER, General Chairman; HENRY MORSE
- interlocutor; LYNN MARSHALL, FRIEND MILLER, GLENN LAMMERS, WILLIAM CHAPMAN,
and other members participated.
* April 1958: 1st annual Antique Fair & Show of the
Glen Springs Chapter, Order of Eastern Star was April 26 and 27th at the
Masonic Temple. Committees were: publicity MRS. WILLIAM THOMPSON; advertising
MRS. HELEN JAMES; hostesses MRS. FLORENCE FIELDS; and food MRS. ELLIE
PATRICK. General chairman was MRS. BETTY SNYDER.
* 1959: Watkins Glen Public Library -- housed on the
2nd floor of the Municipal Building --reported a total of 642 active adult
patrons and 714 active juvenile patrons with a total circulation for 1959
at 32,303. MRS. MERRILL CLEVELAND, Librarian.
* October 11, 1961: Lions Club sponsored a free visual
clinic for pre-schoolers. Lions President D. LLOYD COTTON and DR. HARVEY
WEST, Chairman of the Sight Conservation Committee, led the effort.
* March 6, 1963: Schuyler Players (forerunner of Burdett
Players) announced plans to stage
the "Philadelphia Story" to benefit Schuyler Hospital. Lead
roles were played by BILL KELLY, SUE HAZLITT, FRANK STEBER & WILLIAM
ELKINS.
* May 1963: Planning the annual Mid-Atlantic Championships
and the NYS Archery Championships were: Michael Vickio, William Boyle,
Don Brubaker, John P. Callanan, Sr., John Rowles, Harlow Bailey and Carl
Moore.
* May 13, 1964: a group of five men spoke on the topic
"The Youth of Schuyler County" as part of the Watkins Glen PTA
program. They were: JOE ROONEY (High School Student Council President);
JIM WHITING (panel moderator); HENRY VALENT (Attorney); District Attorney
WILLIAM ELLISON, and HARRY DUNLAP (Schuyler County Probation Officer).
* January 13, 1970: at the annual "Green and Silver
Tea" sponsored by the United Presbyterian Women, MISS CONNIE SINGLETON
played several piano selections and MRS. FRANKLIN HINMAN spoke and showed
slides of a trip to Holland. MRS. LLOYD COTTON was Chairwoman, and MRS.
RICHARD BORNHOLDT was UPW President.
* November 18, 1970: members of the Watkins Glen "Youth
Center" Board are: REV. CLARK N. MC KINNEY, Pastor of the United
Presbyterian Church; LYNDON MARSHALL, JOSEPH FRABONI, JOSEPH SCAPTURA,
DR. LLOYD N. PEAK and Attorney HENRY VALENT.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
How about some other people who have contributed
to the history & tradition that is Schuyler County?
* DR. FRITZ LANSBERG: arriving
in Watkins Glen with his wife -- fleeing from Nazi Germany -- he devoted
more than 40 years of his life treating the sick and injured of Schuyler
County. Not only did he provide much needed medical services, he also
provided culturally enriching contributions as well to our community and
to surrounding areas. For many years he was the Watkins Glen School Doctor
and he was most instrumental in helping establish Schuyler Hospital. Dr.
Lansberg was an avid Rotarian, leading the International Lecture Series.
He actively supported the Chamber of Commerce, was Concertmaster for the
Corning Philharmonic Orchestra, and was one of the very first members
of the Seneca Lake Pure Water Association. He was the first male member
of the League of Women Voters. He promoted the "Arts" through
his music and took a leadership role in the Watkins Glen Summer Theater.
He was very vocal in his appreciation for democracy and valued his citizenship
here as the most outstanding event of his life. (Thank you Patricia
Suits Ellison for this background information!)
* ROSE CICCONE: we all know
ROSE as the person behind the well received "Concerts in the Park"
series at Lafayette Park (23 years of spirited, enthusiastic and very
dedicated service to our community); these Concerts have attracted hundreds
and hundreds of people from all parts of New York State to our community;
ROSE was also heavily involved in fund-raising activities for the refurbishing
of the bandstand, the installation of a new sound system, the construction
of the dance floor area and so much more. For a number of years ROSE was
an active volunteer for United Way, a long-time volunteer with the Chamber
of Commerce, a four-year member of the Village Board of Watkins Glen and
is currently a cheerful/happy "greeter" at Wal-Mart. ROSE is
a dedicated individual who has used her time and energy for the betterment
of our community. (Thank you Sam Schimizzi and Wanda Centurelli for
some of this background information.)
* DARWIN FARBER: In 1973
Darwin purchased the "old" Schuyler Hospital and converted it
into a home for elderly and physically challenged residents -- The Falls
Home -- providing employment for more than fifty people, generating a
cash flow in excess of $1 million and providing total/quality care for
hundreds of individuals through the years. He served on the Board of Schuyler
Hospital from 1987-1993 and in 1991 chaired the Hospital's 1st major capital
campaign in 20 years, raising more than $600,000. In 1987 he was appointed
-- by Schuyler County -- to the Board of Corning Community College, becoming
Board Chairman in 1993, and was also appointed to the Association of Boards
of Trustees of Community Colleges, which represented 30 Community Colleges
in New York State. In addition, Darwin served on the Southern Tier and
Regional Health Systems Agency Board. (Thank you Jackie Farber for
much of this background information).
* ELMER SHERWOOD: Born in
Cayutaville, Elmer Sherwood (1866-1950) was very involved in our communities
and County for most of his lifetime. He came to Odessa in 1891, bought
land and established a nursery of fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs.
He operated his nursery for over 50 years and shipped -- via the Lehigh
Valley Railroad -- over a large part of the Northeast and over the years
employed more than 100 salesmen. He donated 70 trees to Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Elmer served as Odessa Village Supervisor (1898-1905 and again 1930-1934)
and in 1904 was one of the founders of the Odessa Telephone Company (serving
as its President for many years). He was also instrumental in organizing
the Odessa Fire & Hose Company and in the construction of the Odessa
Town Hall. (Thank you Betty Strath & L.C. Cleaver for this background
information).
* HOMER & FRAN ELLISON: Homer
& Fran operated Ellison's Souvenir Shop for 53 years (from May through
October seven days a week through Homer's death in 1980 and for another
10 years thereafter by Fran until 1990). Homer & Fran were great spokespersons
for Watkins Glen and Schuyler County, telling everyone of area attractions
and speaking of their younger days growing up in Schuyler County. According
to their granddaughter -- Cheryl Arnold -- "You can't ask for a better
example of public relations when tourists will return to the same area
just to chat with merchants. In their own colorful way, Homer and Fran
Ellison contributed to Schuyler County history as merchants who took the
time to explain the area's history to strangers."
* "UNCLE NICK"PARADISO: well
known figure about town, active member of the Elks, Code Enforcement Officer,
Fire Inspector, Village Trustee, Acting Mayor, Tax Assessor, Urban Renewal
Director, owned several local businesses throughout his life, involved
in Zoning, Conservation, Environmental and Flood Insurance programs, early
Grand Prix supporter, unofficial Town Historian --- someone totally involved
in his community. (Thank you Regina Wescott for this background information.)
Look for additional contributing citizens of our County in next month's
article!
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 2 --This is the 14th in a series
of contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County
Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
Thank
you, DIANA ROBINSON
New York State Fire Academy Librarian DIANA ROBINSON gave a very interesting
& informative presentation on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 focused
on the history of the Fire Academy structure and then gave a tour of the
facility to those in attendance. Although the audience was small in number,
the presentation was a grand and well-prepared talk which illustrated
the years 1858 (the year the cornerstone was laid), the "People's
College (1864-1866?), a Masonic Orphanage (1868-1870?), COOK ACADEMY (1870-1943?),
St. John's of the Atonement Seminary (1948-1968) and now
the New York State Fire Academy (1971-1974) and re-dedicated as the Senator
Frederick
L. Warder Academy of Fire Science on October 25, 1980.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
JOHN MAGEE continued..... information from
the book "In Memoriam -- JOHN MAGEE" by Reverend F.S. Howe,
Pastor, Presbyterian Church, Watkins Glen, NY 1870
On January 6, 1820 JOHN MAGEE married SARAH MC BURNEY (daughter of the
then County Judge). "This devoted wife was removed by death, on the
fifteenth of May, 1828, leaving no children." His second marriage
took place in Washington, D.C., when he married ARABELLA STEUART on February
22, 1831 --- a union that would last for the next thirty-three years until
her death by sudden heart disease on May 16, 1864 in Watkins. Together
they had ten children -- six of whom predeceased ARABELLA.
In
the year of 1831 JOHN MAGEE (pictured at right) was selected
to be the 1st President of the newly-formed Steuben County Bank. He held
the position until he moved from Steuben County, yet continued the principal
oversight of the bank until his death thirty-seven years later. Living
in Bath, NY, MR. MAGEE was quite actively involved in the New York &
Erie Railroad and he also constructed the roadway between Binghamton and
Hornellsville and from Hornellsville to Genesee (over 140 miles). He was
also instrumental in the building of the Cohocton Valley Railroad (from
Corning to Buffalo). Additionally he was involved with the Blossburg &
Corning Railroad. Expanding his interests he opened coal mines at Fall
Brook in 1859 and even laid out the Village of Fall Brook
.
In 1864 JOHN MAGEE moved from Bath to Watkins and purchased extensive
acreage (for trestle works, coal shipment & delivery, homes for his
employees, his own home and many other reasons). He eagerly contributed
to the erection of county buildings, cemetery grounds, and new streets
and highways. He donated $30,000 to help erect a new Presbyterian Church
and parsonage in the Village of Watkins and when building costs soared
beyond that he committed additional funds as well. In 1867 he was selected
to be a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of the State of New
York -- his last public service as his health was rapidly declining. His
death came on April 5, 1868. Pall bearers for JOHN MAGEE were: JOHN ARNOT
of Elmira, ASHER TYLER of Elmira, JAMES. R. WILSON of Mansfield, Pa.,
THOMAS A. JOHNSON of Corning, GEORGE B. GUINNIP of Watkins, GEORGE G.
FREER of Watkins, WILLIAM HARING of Watkins and DANIEL JACKSON of Watkins.
Burial took place in Glenwood Cemetery -- a large Italian marble monument
marks his final resting place.
................thank you KEN WILSON for the loan of Reverend Howe's book!
Photo in text: John
Magee
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Historic Roadside Markers continued...
Roadside sign in front of the Cayuta Town Hall:
"Cayuta Originally Organized in March 24, 1824
Cayuta Festival 1984 160 Year Celebration"
Note: The Cayuta Town Hall structure was originally a
school house built in 1902.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Oral History Project...
Students from both the Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen Central School
Districts are spearheading an "Oral History" project to interview
long-time residents from our communities asking them to share their memories
on particular topics of interest (i.e. "Flood of 1935", etc.)
The Historical Society's Vice President JERRY SMYDER is leading this project
and coordinating the particulars with PAT WOOD from the Odessa-Montour
High School and CATHY MANGUS from Watkins Glen Middle School. Although
plans are being finalized now, the intent is to have members of the school's
Junior National Honor Societies contact those to be interviewed and ask
for their assistance in compiling some first-hand knowledge which will
then be produced on DVD's for preservation. If you or someone you know
is contacted in the very near future to participate in this project, please
consider participating as the Historical Society seeks to "discover"
and preserve more of Schuyler County history! (More on this important
project in next month's column!)
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 1 --This is the 13th in a series
of monthly contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler
County Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
Historic
Roadside Markers (continued from last month)...
As you drive out of Montour Falls on Route 14, you will find the following
historical markers:
* (on the right hand side of the highway at the intersection of Havana
Glen Road and Route 14)
-- SITE OF CATHARINE'S TOWN Destroyed in 1779 by General
Sullivan
Indian Name "CHEQUAGA" After Catharine Montour, A Seneca Queen
*( a little bit farther South and to your left at the intersection
of Route 14 and Jackson Hill Road is the following...)
-- FIRST ROAD
In Schuyler County Built June, 1799 from Present Owego Street Bridge to
Spenser
Known as the Cath.Spenser Turnpike
*
(a little farther South in the rest area, you'll find one Historic Road
Marker and two granite monuments)
-- historic road marker:
SULLIVAN TRAIL
COLONIES WAR WITH SIX INDIAN NATIONS
-- granite monuments:
#1 - Side 1
Route of the Armies of General John Sullivan and General James Clinton
1779.
An Expedition Against the Hostile Indian Nations Which Checked the Aggression
of the English and Indians on the Frontiers of New York and Pennsylvania,
Extending Westward the Dominion of the United States.
Erected by .State of New York 1929
(this brass plate also includes a 'relief' of each General and a map
of the entire campaign)
#1 - Side 2
CATHARINE'S TOWN
A Village of the Senecas Destroyed by a Continental Army Under General
John Sullivan
British and Indians Defeated at the Battle of Newtown August 29, 1779
Retreated to this Place
When a Two Day's War Council Resulted in Abandonment of their Villages,
Orchards and Crops
and Further Retreat to the Protection of the British at Fort Niagara the
Home of Catharine Montour
Sister of Queen Esther Montour of Wyoming Notoriety and Reputed Grand-Daughter
of Madame
Montour Interpretess for the Colony of New York in Early 18th Century
Erected by State of New York 1929
#2
Route Between Lakes
Sullivan Expedition 1779
This Campaign Severed the English-Indian Alliance and Checked English
Aggression
on our Western Frontier
Erected by She-Qua-Gah Chapter D.A.R.
June 14, 1922
(this brass plate also depicts a 'relief' of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes
with Indian Towns and Camp Sites named on Sullivan's Line of March)
* (Another historic road sign worthy of mention is found just North
of Watkins Glen on Route 14 near the bridge by what many remember as Gabriel's
Junction)
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Luther Cleveland and Wife Sheltered Fugitive Slaves Here and Helped Them
on Their Way to Canada
(our entire area was known as a major station area as part of the Underground
Railroad for slaves escaping from the South prior to and during the Civil
War)
... there is sure quite a "HISTORY" to be found in our area
--- you only have to look for it! If you know of other historic road markers
not mentioned here this month or last month, please let me know and I'll
feature them in October (send me an e-mail at bodonnell@stny.rr.com)
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
In Memoriam --- JOHN MAGEE by Reverend F.S. Howe, Pastor,
Presbyterian Church, Watkins, N.Y. 1870...
KEN WILSON recently was given a first-run copy of Rev. Howe's book --
"a sketch of his life (JOHN MAGEE)" and shared it with me so
I could share it with you. This book -- for many years -- was in the personal
library of SIMEON L. ROOD, the 1st Judge of Schuyler County. JUDGE ROOD
was born in Vermont March 19, 1804, was County Clerk in Chemung County
in the 1840s and was appointed Judge of Chemung County in 1836. He became
Schuyler County's 1st Judge on January 1, 1854. Judge Rood died on August
17, 1892.
From Reverend Howe's forward:
"It has been the aim of this Memorial to conform, at least in a reasonable
degree, to its subject. .... The incidents of such a life as his, have
their own intrinsic interest and need no embellishment."
JOHN MAGEE
-- born at the Irish settlement, near Easton (Northcumberland County),
Pennsylvania September 3, 1794
-- family moved to Groveland (Livingston County) New York in 1805, the
same year his mother died (in Groveland) ; in 1808 the family moved near
Detroit, Michigan;
-- in 1812, John enlisted in the Army (Rifle Company of Captain A. DeQuendra)
and immediately saw active service in several battles with the Indians;
-- captured shortly thereafter, he was a "prisoner on parole"
until 1813; captured a second time (June 1813), he escaped and then was
appointed as a messenger to carry dispatches between Fort Niagara and
Washington;
-- in the spring of 1816, he settled in Bath, N.Y. to begin his life's
work (as Reverend Howe so ably puts it -- "It had been the result
of the removals of his father's family, the want of schools, and other
privations met in the newly-settled state of the country, that he had
entered upon the work of life almost destitude of education.")
-- he tried farming, then was elected to the post of "Constable &
Collector"; in 1819 he became DeputySheriff and in 1820 was appointed
Marshall for Steuben County (to take the census). In 1821 he was appointed/elected
to the office of High Sheriff (serving until 1826). In 1826 he was elected
to the U.S. Congress (and re-elected in 1828). During this period of time
in Washington, D.C. he became friend and confidant to President Andrew
Jackson (rejecting the offer of a Cabinet position, opting for more "freedom
of action" and business pursuits.) .................................................
(this story will continue in this column for October and will include
his marriages, his business ventures, his arrival in Watkins and his death
on April 5, 1868)...
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
See you in October!
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, July 27 --This is the 12th in a series
of monthly contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler
County Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
New York State Historical Road Marker Program:
As promised in my last article, I want to bring you some information pertaining
to those Historic Road Signs you all see along our roads throughout New
York State.
The STATE HISTORIC MARKER Program was begun in 1926 by the
State Education to commemorate the Sequicentennial of our American Revolution.
During 1926-1939 more than 2,800 small, cast-iron site
markers were erected statewide. Due to the loss of public funding, this
initiative to identify and note local historical sites stalled until the
1960s. At that time a new State Historic Marker Program was established
with restored public funding ... but with the ever changing nature of
automobile travel (high speed cars and increased traffic on our roads),
it was no longer considered safe to erect small historic signs along the
edge of our highways. Slowing
down or stopping to read them could be risky business.
In the 1960s it was determined that available funding would only be applied
to much larger, more detailed signs erected in established "rest
areas" where drivers could pull off the highway to read them in relative
safety. This led to another concern, however. By placing such historic
markers ONLY in established "rest areas," historians could no
longer identify exact sites in the manner the smaller roadside signs had
done decades before. Descriptions had to be more broadly written -- often
referring to places/events miles away from the actual signage. Again,
inconsistent funding also led to the demise of this program.
New York State now leaves the care, maintenance and creation of any new
signs to local communities. In some areas of our State various community
organizations and/or Historical Societies have taken on the responsibility
of caring for current signs and erecting any new ones, and as always --
especially with the economic times of today -- funding remains the number
one concern.
Driving the roads/highways throughout Schuyler County, you will encounter
dozens of these Historic Markers. Driving North on Route 414 on the east
side of Seneca Lake between Clute Park and Valois, you will find the following
(with apologies for any I may have missed, or those claimed by "Mother
Nature" -- hidden by summer shrubs/bushes, or those simply rusted
away and/or removed for whatever reason):
* (right near Hector Falls/Chalet Leon -
about 2.6 miles from Clute Park on the left hand side of the road):
-- WOOLEN MILL: Samuel A. Seely Erected a Woolen Mill at This Place in
1801
-- the First in Schuyler County
-- WAREHOUSE On this Site in 1823; a Vessel Loaded 70 Tons of Wheat and
Reached Port of New York Through the Erie Canal
* (in the area between 4 and 8 miles from
Clute Park on both sides of the highway):
-- MILITARY ROUTE Of the Sullivan-Clinton Army on its Campaign Against
the British & Indians of Western New York in 1779
-- EPISCOPAL PARISH Consecrated Here in 1830 by Bishop Hobart Church;
Building and Support of Rector Made Possible Through Gifts of Elizabeth
Woodward
-- EARLY SETTLER: State Survey 1790 Locates Here Cabin One, MASTERS, With
Twenty Acres Cleared Land
*(returning back toward Watkins Glen from
Valois -- all on right side of the highway):
-- CON-DAW-HAW: Site of Iroquois Village Consisting of Cornfields, Long
House and Cabins -- Destroyed Sept. 4, 1779 by General Sullivan's Troops
(just across from Seneca Union Cemetery in Valois)
* through Hector and toward Watkins Glen:
-- FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Organized 1809; Present Edifice Built 1818;
Sunday School Held Continuously Since 1813
-- PEACH ORCHARD (GA DI-ODJI-YA-DA): Site of Iriquois Village; General
Sullivan Camped Here September 3, 1779
-- CAMP SITE: Gen. Hand's Light Corps Camp Extending West Here -- Sullivan-Clinton
Campaign, September 3, 1779
-- SAW MILL CREEK: First Saw Mill Built in Section Located Here; Built
By Reuben Smith
-- SULLIVAN TRAIL: Colonies War With Six Indian Nations
-- SITE OF CABIN of William Wickham, First Settler in Town of Hector 1791;
Direct Descendent of Earl of Wyk ham
* In next month's article I'll present those Historic Road Markers found
going along Route 14 South of Watkins Glen.....
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
More "Did You Know" from LOUISE
STILLMAN'S book, "Schuyler -- Around and
About":
* the 1st Post Office -- named Catharinestown -- was established in Schuyler
County at Mills Landing (now Montour Falls) in 1802 -- the 1st Postmaster
was GEORGE MILLS -- his 1st quarterly report revealed an income of $.37
* CHARLES COOK (sometimes called the "Father of Schuyler County")
came to Havana (Montour Falls) in 1829, became the Canal Commissioner
for the Chemung Canal and built a Bank (1851), a Church (1853), the Montour
House (his home and a hotel) in 1854, a County Court House, a County Clerk's
Building, a Sheriff's Building, etc.
* Montour Falls: known as Mills Landing (1802) Catharine's Landing (1824)
Havana (1828) and Montour Falls (1895)
* Glen Springs Sanitarium, later Padua -- now gone completely -- was established
in 1890 by WILLIAM E. LEFFINGWELL and became world famous as a health
resort & mecca for tourists;
* in 1929 Shepard Niles Company bought and gave to the Town of Montour
much of the Havana Glen area (to save its beauty for the public); an unusual
plant , "the Walking Fern" grows in Havana Glen and its name
was used as the title of the school newspaper for Cook Academy;
* the Chemung Canal -- connecting Elmira and Watkins Glen and the Erie
Canal -- was 23 miles long, 42 feet wide, 5 feet deep and had 45 locks
north of Montour Falls and 5 more locks to the Chemung River;
* COOK ACADEMY opened in 1873 and closed in 1943; ST. JOHN'S of the ATONEMENT
SEMINARY opened in 1949 on the same site and in 1970 the NEW YORK STATE
WARDER ACADEMY OF FIRE SCIENCE opened on the same site;
* COOK ACADEMY -- Baptist oriented -- had compulsory military training
(believed to provide good discipline for boys)
* at the Indian Well named CHEQUAGAH FALLS (means "Roaring Waters"),
the famous Senecan Chief RED JACKET -- one of the outstanding orators
of his day -- practiced his oratorical skills amid the roaring of the
water falls while visiting here as a young boy;
* the FREER HOUSE (124 E. Fourth St., Watkins Glen) was built about 1830.
JUDGE FREER came to Watkins Glen to defend the will of DR. SAMUEL WATKINS
-- the Village founder -- and ended up marrying Dr. Watkins' widow CYNTHIA
ANN CASS, who died a year later, leaving him the wealthiest person in
the Village in 1853.
.....again my thanks to LOUISE V. STILLMAN for her love of history and
skill at recording that history -- much of what I have been able to bring
to you these past months!
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, July 5 --This is the 11th in a series
of monthly contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler
County Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
BOOK
SIGNING & LEE SCHOOL Open House -- July 11th
Six area authors -- BARBARA BELL, VIRGINIA BRUCKNER, GARY EMERSON, CAROL
FAGNAN, TONY INGRAHAM & FRANK STEBER -- will be available to chat
and the LEE SCHOOL will be open to tour on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This is your opportunity to purchase some of the
written history of Schuyler County from several dedicated authors and
to tour a one-room schoolhouse as well. The LEE SCHOOL is located on State
Route 14 in Montour Falls. For more information, please call: 535-9741
or e-mail: info@schuylerhistory.org
*******************************************************************
FREEMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION New York Regional
History Competition for the Watkins Glen Middle School.....
The winners of this competition, sponsored by the Historical Society,
are:
* Gr. 5 and Gr. 6:
1st place: MEGAN HOY - $175.00 cash prize - for her project: "Watkins
Glen State Park"
2nd place: BROOKE SHAFFER - $75.00 cash prize - for her project: "Big
Gully"
* Gr. 7 and Gr. 8:
1st place: SARAH HAZLITT - $175.00 cash prize - for her project: "Lehigh
Valley Culvert"
2nd place: CHELSEA KENNARD - $75.00 cash award - for her project: "Ernie
Davis"
* The winning projects will be on display at the Historical Society Gray
Brick Museum all during the month of July - please stop in and see these
wonderful projects!
********************************************************************
DID YOU KNOW? (A selection of facts from
LOUISE STILLMAN's book "Schuyler - Around and About ")
..... 'the Town of Hector was formed from Ovid (Seneca County) March 3,
1802 - the 1st settlement in 1791 was made by WILLIAM WICKHAM & JOHN
LIVINGSTON; from Connecticut came the families of REUBEN SMITH, RICHARD
ELY, GROVER SMITH & DANIEL EVERTS '
.....'the Town of Montour was formed from Catharine; Havana was incorporated
May 13, 1836; at the time Havana was a station on the old Chemung Canal
and also on the railroad; Montour contained three churches, two flour
mills, two foundries, a woolen factory, a plaster mill, extensive stoneware
works, a planing mill, a spoke & hub factory, and had a population
of about 1500'
.....'the Nick Carter detective stories - today rare collectibles - were
written by a Watkins Glen native - VAN RENSALEAR DEY - the son of a Seneca
Lake steamboat captain'
.....'in 1891 Cook Academy (the Montour Falls high school and a Boys'
Boarding School) -- now the NYS Fire Academy -- had tuition rates of $50.00
per year, $9.00 annually for fuel; cost of a room was $12.00 per year;
food costs were $3.00 per week'
.....'Watkins Glen was incorporated as a Village named JEFFERSON in 1842
then changed to WATKINS in 1852 and to WATKINS GLEN in 1926; Montour Falls
was incorporated under the name of HAVANA in 1836, with name changed to
MONTOUR FALLS in 1895; Odessa was first incorporated in 1903 (first name
for the Village was CATLIN MILLS); and Vilage of Burdett was incorporated
in 1903 (first name for the Village was HAMBURG)'
.....some famous names (in brief)
*JAMES SHEPARD - from Montour Falls - started a shop near the Main Street
bridge that grew into the Shepard Niles Crane & Hoist Company, producer
of the world's largest cranes';
* 'Two brothers - JOHN A. CLUTE & WARREN W. CLUTE -organized the Watkins
Salt Company';
* 'JOSEPH VICKIO had the 1st wall phone (later dial phone) in Schuyler
County (1940)';
* 'JOHN J. THOMPSON - following in the footsteps of his grandfather and
his father - at the time of his retirement -completed a total of 120 years
of family Pharmaceutical service to Schuyler County';
* 'Schuyler County is named for PHILIP SCHUYLER, a Continental Army General
during the American Revolutionary War - he was also a Member of the Continental
Congress and a Senator from the State of New York';
* 'DR. SAMUEL WATKINS, founder of Watkins Glen, came here in 1825; he
laid out the streets, mapped the Village, built several stores, mills
and homes and also built the Jefferson House (now the site of GMI Villager)
- Dr. Watkins named this new town "Salubria" ';
* 'EARL W. VEDDER was the 1st commander of American Legion Montour Post
882 (Chartered on March 26, 1920); HAROLD CASSIDY was 1st Post commander
for the "William Coon" Post , VFW #2674 (1st meeting was held
on December 9, 1932); WILLIS GLOVER was 1st Post commander for the Meade-Price
Post #1208 of Wayne; the Watkins Glen Seneca Post 555 of the American
Legion originated on October 17, 1919 due mainly to the influence of L.W.
ARGETSINGER, and the 1st commander was WILLIAM M. LAFFINGWELL';
*' DR. ARTHUR H. JACKSON, SR., practiced medicine in Schuyler County for
more than 50 years starting in 1906 and assisted at the delivery of more
than 4,000 babies;
* CLAUDIUS TOWNSEND, CONSIDER B. EVANS, JONAS BLOWER & DORA BENSON
were among the first settlers in the Village of Townsend';
* 'the EBENEZER PERRY family were the 1st settlers in Beaver Dams';
* 'JOHN A. DIX had the Town of Dix named for him; it was formed from Catlin
(Chemung County) April 17, 1835';
******************************************************************
Watch in August for more historical nuggets "From the Pen of Louise
V. Stillman" and some pictures and information pertaining to historical
road markers in Schuyler County!
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, June 8--This is the 10th in a series
of monthly contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler
County Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
SCHUYLER
COUNTY HALL OF FAME
As we gear up for another Schuyler County HALL OF FAME Induction Ceremony,
already scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.,
at SENECA LODGE in Watkins Glen, I'm happy to report that the "Hall
of Fame" plaques/pictures from the Class of 1995-1996-1997-2000 and
2007 will soon once again be gracing the walls of the newly-renovated
Schuyler County Office Building in Watkins Glen (where they have been
on display for a number of years now).
During the past several months -- since November of 2008 (while the County
Building renovation took place) -- the "Hall of Fame" plaques/pictures
have been on display throughout Schuyler County (in the Montour Falls
Memorial Library thanks to LUKE RONDINARO, Library Director); the Watkins
Glen Public Library (thanks to HARRIET L. EISMAN, Library Director); the
Watkins Glen High School (thanks to Principal DAVID WARREN), the Schuyler
County Historical Society (thanks to ANDREW E. TOMPKINS, Museum Director);
the Howard Hanlon Elementary School in Odessa (thanks to Principal TIM
YOUNG), and the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library in Odessa (thanks
to GAYLE GREUBER). The 2008 honorees -- KEN WILSON, JIM WILSON & ARTHUR
RICHARDS -- will remain on display at the Watkins Glen Public Library
until the Class of 2009 inductees are honored.
********************************************************************
NEW BOOK ABOUT WATKINS GLEN
GORDON COOPER, (WG High School Class of 1983 - currently living in California)
has written "WATKINS GLEN TOUR GUIDE," 320 pages in full color
with lots of pictures and maps. GORDON'S book has about 90 pages of local
history, 30 pages of a "walking tour" through the Village of
Watkins Glen, about 130 pages of very detailed information on Watkins
Glen's "gorge trail" and about 16 pages each on the "old"
Race Course, local wineries and the Finger Lakes Trail. The cost for this
outstanding book is just $29.95 with the release/availability date scheduled
for early-to-mid August. Some sample pages of this book may be found at:
http://www.prestonwoods.com/TourGuide.html
*********************************************************************
MEET LOUISE V. STILLMAN
For the past several months I've been taking information from MRS. STILLMAN'S
book, "Schuyler - Around and About -- from the pen of Louise V. Stillman"
and presenting it here to note many of the historic individuals from our
area who are well known as part of Schuyler County history.
This month I want to have you "meet" LOUISE STILLMAN herself.
On September 15, 1995 I hand-delivered a letter to Mrs. Stillman informing
her that the Schuyler County HALL OF FAME Advisory Committee had selected
her to be one of the inaugural members of the HALL OF FAME. That letter
went on to state, "Your selection is reflective of dedicated years
of service which have brought distinction to you along with reflected
prestige upon Schuyler County." She was gracious and humble and almost
speechless with that news. A few days later I received a lovely note from
her which read, "You sure know how to brighten up a day!"
From her "Hall of Fame" plaque, we find the following achievements:
* Librarian at the Watkins Glen High School 1940-1943 and 1947-1972
* Researched & chronicled much of the Watkins Glen District History
through 1972
* Author of "Schuyler -- Around and About" (29 historical essays
illustrating County history & lore)
* Historian for Town of Montour & Village of Montour Falls and Deputy
County Historian
* Named "MRS. MONTOUR FALLS" May 4, 1991 at May Day Fest in
Montour Falls
* Member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Finger
Lakes Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission
In addition, LOUISE served on the Boards of the Schuyler County Mental
Health Society, the Disabilities Admissions Committee of ARC, the Senior
Falls Business Association, and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 882,
for which she was a Past President. She served on the Montour Falls Board
of Appeals, was Past Chairman for the Schuyler County Democratic Committee
and was a Member of the Democratic National Committee and the NYS Democratic
Committee. She also was Past President & Trustee of the Schuyler County
Historical Society.
Born on August 13, 1913 at Montour Falls and a graduate of Cook Academy,
she also graduated from Marquette University and received her MLS Degree
from SUNY at Geneseo. Following her 30-year teaching career, she was the
founder and President for the Schuyler County Association of Retired Teachers.
From an article written by Karey Solomon for the Elmira Star Gazette,
"Stillman met her husband (George) -- and partner in preservation
-- in the Montour Falls Library when they were children. They later opened
Stillman's Greenhouse on Route 14. "He was always in the library
when I was there, " Stillman said. "I never figured he was the
one I was going to be married to. It was the best thing I ever did when
I married him."
A great deal of what we know about Schuyler County history comes from
the efforts and passion of Louise V. Stillman. After a long life devoted
to historical pursuits, Louise died on September 18, 2000 at the age of
87. Her wit and wisdom are missed, but her legacy lives on!
**********************************************************************
HISTORICAL SOCIETY FORMS NEW EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The Vice President for the Trustees of the Historical Society, JERRY SMYDER,
hosted a meeting on June 11th to form a new Education Committee to foster
a stronger relationship with Schuyler County Schools. Attending this inaugural
meeting were PAT WOOD (Odessa-Montour History Teacher), MAGGIE EDGLEY
(WG High School Librarian) and CRAIG CHEPLICK (WG HS History Teacher),
along with ANDREW TOMPKINS (Museum Director) and myself. Many other representatives
from Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford schools were unavailable
for this meeting but remain interested and want to participate in future
meetings and planning.
Discussion at this meeting centered around what currently
is in place for students in our communities and what short-term and long-term
projects may be possible beginning with the 2009-2010 school year. We
talked about tours of the Gray Brick Museum & the Lee School, developing
Oral Histories on key topics (Flood of 1935, the Great Depression, the
1960's, etc.), historical exhibits/displays in each of the schools, the
creation of informational packets/brochures for the public, creation of
a multi-media DVD of facilities/resources, and service projects to include
restoration of the Wedgwood School. A follow-up meeting is planned for
early August to finalize some of the ideas.
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, May 5--This is the ninth in a series
of monthly contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler
County Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
*
VICTORIAN TEA 2009 -- Saturday, May 9th 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m....
Reminder that the annual VICTORIAN TEA is this Saturday, May 9 -- please
call ahead for reservations (535-9741)...
ANDREW E. TOMPKINS
* Congratulations to Museum Director ANDREW E. TOMPKINS upon his graduation
on 4/30/09 from "Leadership Schuyler"; for 150 graduates over
the past eight years, this valuable training program has provided leadership
skills and networking opportunities which are designed to strengthen the
organizations the graduates represent.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY WEBSITE
* to note some of that leadership in action, we are indebted to Andrew
for designing and maintaining our website; on that site
you will read of the following:
-- the BRICK TAVERN MUSEUM (108 N. Catharine St., Montour Falls, NY 14865)
-- built in 1828 -- is the oldest brick structure in all of Schuyler County
and began as a tavern on a stagecoach route;
-- Historical Society collections include Cook Academy, Watkins Glen,
Odessa-Montour and Padua yearbooks and other publications, vintage maps
& County & Town records, and many Family Genealogies;
-- current exhibits include Victorian furniture & china, paintings
& musical instruments, tools of all kinds, clothes, toys and many
artifacts of all kinds;
-- recent donations include a 10" by 16" leather-bound book
listing the members of the D.W. Washburn Post #515, Grand Army of the
Republic, Watkins Glen, NY (Civil War soldiers) given by Frank Luppino
from Glenview, Illinois;
-- the Lee School (an 1884 wooden one-room schoolhouse) is furnished as
it was in the early 20th Century, containing original desks, early textbooks
and other artifacts;
-- geneaology (research room has numerous birth-marriage-death records
along with a variety of publications which may be researched)
MEMBERSHIP
Beginning in 2010 -- the 50th year of the Historical Society's existence
-- membership will run in the regular calendar year (currently it is May
through December). Membership includes FREE and unlimited use of our research
materials. Members also receive the publication "The Journal."
An Abbreviated History - The Town of Dix
Town of Dix Historian MARIAN MOREHOUSE BOYCE notes that Dix was formed
from Catlin (in Chemung County) on April 17, 1835. As early as 1800 families
settled there (Mills and Miller families); in 1810 the Cleveland family
arrived; in 1816 the Nichols family came; in 1818 the Hackett, Crout,
Haskins, Palmer & Perry families settled there; the Pipers & Hitchcocks
arrived in 1820; and in 1823 the Lane, Easting, Frost, Cornell, Bronson,
Royce, Crawford & Townsend families arrived; and from 1824-1835 the
Bennett, Eddy, Phelps, Lee, Evans, Cole, Rood, Sanford, Gano, Tracey,
Lybolt, Hughey & Wedgwood families arrived.
The five major areas in the Town of Dix were Beaver Dams, Moreland, Moreland
Station, Townsend and Wedgwood Station.
The Village of Watkins Glen (known as Salubria, Jefferson, Watkins and
now Watkins Glen) is largely within the Town of Dix and is the County
Seat for Schuyler County.
The Village of Watkins Glen was established by people like John W. Watkins
and Dr. Samuel Watkins from New York City and a Mr. Dow from Connecticut.
Known widely for tourism, Watkins Glen is also famous for the Gorge and
also as the birthplace of Road Racing (1948) and the home for years of
the United States Grand Prix.
MARIAN BOYCE has become a virtual expert on the history of the Town of
Dix and remains a very contributing member of our community today. Thank
you, Marian.
ROGER E. REINHART remembered...
On Kentucky Derby Day (this past Saturday), a large number of family and
friends of ROGER E. REINHART gathered at the Watkins Glen Golf Course
to say a final goodbye to a man widely known throughout our County, remembered
by so many for his great smile and laugh and his very positive involvement
in our community. A veteran of World War II (Europe, Africa, China, Alaska
& Cuba), Roger was a radio operator and gunner credited with 50 combat
missions on a B-17 in 1943 alone. He also flew on many missions during
the Berlin Airlift. He received many decorations, including a Purple Heart
and four Battle Stars. From 1954-1987, along with Malcolm Currie, he operated
the Watkins Review, Express and Daily News. He was very active in our
community as one of the founding members of the Schuyler County Chamber
of Commerce, was a long-time member of the Rotary, the Moose and Lions,
a Director of the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Corp., and the Public Information
Director of Schuyler Hospital. Though he may be gone, he will not be forgotten!
He remains a great example of the men and women who truly are a major
part of the history and tradition that is Schuyler County.
Meet JANE ARMINDA DELANO -- Red Cross Nurse
Taking another look at LOUISE STILLMAN's book, "Schuyler -- Around
and About," we find another local hero, who became well known to
the world at large.
Jane Arminda Delano was born March 13, 1862 in the Town of Dix in Townsend
at the home of her grandfather (The Reverend Daniel Delano, the Baptist
Minister). Jane's father George (married to Mary Ann Wright) became a
1st Lieutenant with the Union Army during the Civil War (he died in 1864
in Louisiana from yellow fever.) Mary Ann Delano remarried a few years
later to Samuel Thompson (the only father Jane ever really knew).
Jane attended country school and graduated from Cook Academy and became
a teacher for a time, then decided she wanted to be a nurse and entered
Nursing School at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. In 1888 she answered
the call from CLARA BARTON for nurses to go to Florida during an epidemic
of yellow fever and was placed n charge on Sands Hill Hospital in Jacksonville.
She later established a private hospital at Bisbee, Arizona for a typhoid-ridden
mining company. In 1891 she became Superintendent of Nurse's Training
at the University of Pennsylvania, then returned to Montour Falls in 1896
to work in private practice and become involved in many charitable works.
However, Jane didn't remain long in Montour Falls as the call to New York
City was too great and she returned there as the Head of the House of
Refuge on Randall Island (a home for wayward girls). From there she answered
the call to become Superintendent of the Bellevue Training School for
Nurses, and in 1909 Jane was the first Chair of the National Committee
on the Red Cross Nursing Service (a Reserve of the Amry Nurse Corps).
She then became Superintendent of the Army Nurse Corps (serving in the
Philippines, China, Japan and Hawaii). That was followed by service as
Head of the Red Cross Nursing Service.
When World War I began in 1914, Jane directed Red Cross Nurses at home
and abroad. She was able to recruit more than 30,000 nurses, with 19,877
assigned to active service (of those, 296 died in service). At the War's
end in 1918, while touring Europe to make recommendations for improved
services, working incredibly long hours in all kinds of inclement weather,
Jane Delano fell ill and died in France on April 15, 1919. She is buried
in Arlington National Cemetery. In 1934, the American Red Cross placed
a statue beside its headquarters in Washington, D.C. in her honor. Schuyler
County honored her by placing a plaque on the steps of the Townsend Grange
which reads:
"In memory of Jane A. Delano, Founder of the American Red Cross Nursing,
1909, born in Townsend, March 13, 1862."
Schuyler County's own JANE ARMINDA DELANO was truly an "Angel of
Mercy."
(Again, my thanks to LOUISE STILLMAN for bringing this outstanding lady's
story to life for us!)
Next month, be surprised by reading of another Schuyler County treasure!
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, April 8--This is the eighth in a series
of monthly contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler
County Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
*
ANDREW E. TOMPKINS: Museum
Director
* Board of Trustees:
-- President: NANCY WHIPPLE
-- Vice President: JERRY SMYDER
-- Treasurer: JEAN HUBSCH
-- Secretary: DON RILEY
* The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd
at the Human Services Complex (former Jamesway) on Route 14 in Montour
Falls beginning at 7:00 p.m.
* included on the agenda are the following:
-- discussion of the 2008 year's events & achievements;
-- proposed revisions to the Society's Constitution
-- planning for the future
-- presentation by local historian/teacher/author GARY EMERSON on the
Magee Family of Watkins Glen. (The Magee family was a very wealthy &
influential family connected to the national political scene of the times.
They owned railroads and the Fallbrook Coal Company. Their home, the Magee
Manor (also known as Glenfield) was built in 1869 and was "state
of the art" with running hot water, gas lights and even a bowling
alley. The property included horse stables, and a greenhouse. Glenfield
was unfortunately demolished in 1960 due to disrepair.)
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK
-- April 19-25th
As with any organization, the true lifeblood and heartbeat of the Historical
Society is found in the many volunteers who contribute so much of their
time and talent to the operation of the Society itself. In addition to
a very active Board of Trustees, the following were cited in the Volume
2 Issue 1 April 2009 of the Society's newsletter, The Vista:
- SHIRLEY SHAFFER - JOANN DE LEURY - BARBARA BERGHOFF - GINNY BRUCKNER
- NELLIE MUNROE - EDYTH JONES
BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THE MUSEUM...
In the April newsletter, several BOOKS available at the Museum were featured:
-- Schuyler County Days Bygone by: BARBARA H. BELL $24.00
-- The Montour Falls Business District: West Main Street's Proud Past
& Hopeful Future by: VIRGINIA STEIL BRUCKNER $20.00
-- Schuyler County New York: History and Families edited by:
JOHN POTTER $50.00
-- Seneca Dawn: The Pioneer Journey of John Dow by: FRANK STEBER
$15.00
-- A Walk Through Watkins Glen: Water's Sculpture in Stone by:
TONY INGRAHAM $23.00
VICTORIAN TEA SCHEDULED
Annual VICTORIAN TEA -- May 9th (two seatings: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
-- price per person is $12.00
-- ages 10 and under are $6.00
-- PLEASE call ahead for reservations
-- groups of 6 or more are asked to pay in advance
-- a variety of teas and light refreshments will be served
FOSSENVUE QUILT on display...
The Fossenvue Quilt -- utilizing a design by CATHERINE PRATT of Montour
Falls, and completed by eight women working over a three-year period of
time -- is a "memory" quilt honoring Fossenvue, a summer camp
located on Seneca Lake just north of Valois, founded in 1875. The quilt
is on display in the Museum during this month of April.
Meet DR. CHARLES D. CLAWSON
DR. CHARLES DELAND CLAWSON -- one of the true pioneer doctors in our County
-- was born in Lodi on May 17, 1838. (He was the grandfather of the late
CHARLES LATTIN). He began the study of medicine under the direction of
DR. JAMES FLOOD, a prominent Lodi physician, and in 1858 entered Medical
College at the University of Michigan. He received his medical degree
in 1861 from the University of Buffalo Medical College and began his first
practice in Canoga in Seneca County. In 1862 he married LORETTA L'AMOREAUX
of Lodi and he & his wife had eight children -- four of whom survived
to adulthood: MRS. JOHN QUIRK (Watkins Glen), MRS. CHARLES LATTIN (Elmira),
CARRIE (Montour Falls) and MONROE SCHUYLER (Newark, New Jersey). The heavy
demands of a 20-year medical practice took its toll, so DR. CLAWSON decided
to open a Sanitarium (whereby patients would come to him rather than he
having to travel long distances in all kinds of weather to his patients).
DR. CLAWSON purchased what was then known as Cole's Magnetic Springs in
Havana (Montour Falls) -- a large structure near Clawson Blvd. and Catharine
Street. For the next 40 years DR. CLAWSON and his wife operated a 50-bed
hospital and federally-approved Nursing Home. DR. CLAWSON became very
active in community affairs:
-- one of the first incorporators of the Elmira & Seneca Lake Railroad
-- Director of the Havana Bridge Works (which later became Shepard Niles
Crain & Hoist Company)
-- Trustee for Cook Academy
DR. CLAWSON died at age 79, with his funeral being conducted at his home
-- known as "The Brick House" (present site for the Schuyler
County Historical Society). During his lifetime DR. CLAWSON invented several
types of surgical scissors (today's instruments are little changed from
those original designs) and those, plus his trusty medical bag and related
papers & books, may be viewed today at the Historical Society's Gray
Brick Tavern Museum on N. Catharine Street.
(* Once again, my thanks & appreciation to LOUISE V. STILLMAN
for the above information found in her book "Schuyler - Around and
About.")
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Next month meet JANE ARMINDA DELANO (1862-1919) famous Red Cross Nurse
and "one of the most striking and valuable figures in the entire
history of the Red Cross."
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, March 8--This is the seventh in a series
of monthly contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler
County Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
The
Schuyler County Historical Society "Gray Brick Tavern" Museum
will reopen on Tuesday, March 31st; hours of operation are:
--Tuesdays through Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
--Saturday hours Noon - 4:00 (April - September)
Improvements to the Museum over this past winter include:
-- a microfilm viewing machine with rolls of film from local newspapers
dated 1870's-early 1900's;
-- reorganized subject filing cabinets, made more user friendly;
-- improved signage for the various exhibits
.............................................................................................
"BACKBONE RIDGE" Documentation
Project
"Backbone Ridge History Group: searching for people with records
from families who once lived in the "Backbone Ridge" (communities
and lands in and around the area now known as the Finger Lakes National
Forest in both Seneca & Schuyler Counties).
The group is searching for diaries, photographs, ledgers,
family histories, organizational records, bills and anything that can
help with understanding the people who once lived on the "Hector
Backbone."
"The 'history' of this particular area represents
a microcosm of the larger economic, social and political transformations
that have taken place in American society since 1900." (Walt Gable,
Seneca County Historian wgable@co.seneca.ny.us )
If you have any information and/or historical documents
that can help document this important area, please contact Mr. Gable (via
e-mail listed above) or our own Executive Director ANDREW TOMPKINS (info@schuylerhistory.org
)
..............................................................................................`
"Schuyler County Rural Schools ---
Ring, Bells, Ring"
by: MARIAN MOREHOUSE BOYCE,
WGHS Class of 1943 & Member, Board of Trustees, Historical Society...
* Toll House School, Cayuta School, Jackson Hollow School, & Varney
Hill School; and many more (with thanks to JOYCE HILL)
* Catharine-Hector, Catharine-Montour & Catharine-Alpine as "joint
school districts" plus so many others (with thanks to CAROL FAGNAN)
* Baker Hill, Buck Settlement, Wedgewood, Glen Creek, Price Road, Roloson
Hollow, North Beaver Dams & more (thanks to MARIAN)
* Carmen Road, Quaker, Guinea, McIntyre Settlement, Round School House,
Smith Valley and more (thanks to DORIS PIKE)
* Lee School, Stone, Mills Road and others (thanks to SHIRLEY CRAVER);
* Cross District, North Reading, Corbett Point, Hall's Corners and more
(thanks to BARBARA BELL);
* Switzer Hill, Six Nations, Flat Iron, Goble Hill and others (thanks
to JOANNE RANDALL); and
* Parks, Pine Grove, Wayne (2-room), Weston and others (thanks to HAZEL
RAPLEE).
The above are just some of the rural one- or two-room school houses in
Schuyler County and are reflective of a great deal of research by MARIAN
and the various Town & County Historians. You can read more about
them and others and learn how these early schools operated by reading
MARIAN's article in the "Watkins Glen Central School District --
A History 1853-2008" available now from the WGHS Student Council
(call 535-3210 for information -- deadline for orders is March 23rd!)
Read about many interesting facts including the following:
-- Bible reading in the classroom;
-- Teacher salaries of $20.00 per week in the longer winter term; $13.00
per week in the shorter summer term;
-- recitation of The Lord's Prayer
-- games played such as "Red Rover," "Ante," "Red
Light" and "Fox & Geese"
-- Teachers were also janitors, record-keepers, cooks and nurses for their
students
-- no tenure for teachers; hired year to year; "boarding around";
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. school day & so much more.....
..............................................................................................
SPECIAL THANKS is extended to all who attended the benefit-breakfast at
the Montour MOOSE on Sunday, February 15th... we appreciate your support!
...............................................................................................
WATCH for information pertaining to a special Chicken BBQ to be held in
April!
................................................................................................
(Again sharing historical information from the pen of LOUISE V. STILLMAN
and her highly informative book, "Schuyler -- Around and About,"
meet.....
GOVERNOR DAVID BENNETT HILL (1843-1910)
* Schuyler County native, born in Havana (now called Montour Falls) on
August 29, 1843
* his home still stands -- 115 S. Genesee Street in the Village of Montour
Falls
* David was the youngest of five children and was educated in district
schools; he also attended the Select School (housed in the current Historical
Society's "Gray Brick Tavern" Museum);
* early interest in Law as a profession led him to work for Attorney Marcus
Crawford
* moved to Elmira at the age of 20 and continued his study of Law and
was admitted to the Bar in 1864 and became very involved in the Democratic
Party;
* Member of the NYS Assembly in 1870 (re-elected in 1872) and great friends
with Samuel J. Tilden
* elected Mayor of Elmira in 1882 and in September of that same year was
elected as Lieutenant Governor of New York State with Grover Cleveland
as Governor
* succeeded to unexpired term of Cleveland when he was elected as President
of the United States; was elected Governor on his own in 1885 (3 year
terms then) and again in 1888;
* elected United States Senator in 1891 and was well known as a Conservative
Democrat;
* totally consumed by his political life, Governor Hill never married;
he retired to Albany, NY following service in the U.S. Senate and died
there on October 26, 1910; his body was returned to Montour Falls and
is buried in the Montour Falls Cemetery;
* the epitaph written on his gravestone reads as follows:
"The fault of the brothers we write upon the
sands, their virtues on the tablets of memory."
...............................................................................................
Coming up in April:
* Chicken BBQ information
* Meet DR. CHARLES D. CLAWSON
* Learn more about Schuyler County
From the Historical
Society ...
MONTOUR FALLS, Feb. 5 --This is the sixth in a series
of monthly contributions from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler
County Historical Society's activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
* Note: The Historical Society Museum is officially closed
until March 2nd (possibly beyond then, depending upon the harshness of
this winter season), but anyone wishing to do research and/or purchase
any materials may do so by calling Museum Director ANDREW TOMPKINS at
535-9741 to arrange for a mutually-agreeable time.
*
2009 activities/events:
BENEFIT BREAKFAST
* Sunday, February 15th
* 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
* at the Montour Falls MOOSE CLUB
* tickets: $6.00 adults
$3.00 children 12 and under
FREE children age 5 and under
* a 50/50 RAFFLE will also be held.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
(Thank you, LOUISE STILLMAN. In 1994 Mrs. Stillman published "Schuyler--Around
and About," a book of selected historically significant articles,
many originally published in the Watkins Review & Express. For this
month we are again "borrowing" from Louise to introduce you
to another of Schuyler County's "founding citizens".....
Meet: THE HONORABLE CHARLES COOK (1800-1866)
* born in Springfield, NY November 20, 1800; his father was a blacksmith
who died in the War of 1812, leaving Charles as the sole support for his
family;
* at the age of 12 he worked on a farm earning $.12 per day; later on
he worked in a country store buying and selling goods;
* Charles moved to Montour Falls (then known as Havana after earlier being
named "Mills Landing" after George Mills and then Catharinestown
after Queen Catharine Moutour) at the age of 29 after working as a laborer
building railroads & canals in New York, New Jersey &
Pennsylvania
* working on the Chemung Canal was what brought him to our area; this
Canal connected Seneca Lake to the Chemung River;
* he remained in Havana (Montour Falls) for the next 37 years, becoming
involved in every facet of community & civic life;
* he became a builder -- saw mills, flour mills, yeast mills, glass works,
iron works, plaster mill, and hotels (one still standing today -- The
Montour House);
* he donated the land on which the County Court House (now the present
Village Hall) and County Clerk's Office (Argetsinger Law Office) were
built. Montour Falls used to be the County Seat -- it was transferred
to Watkins Glen after Mr. Cook's death;
* he entered politics and was quite successful as a NY State Senator and
as a U.S. Congressman; he held other local offices as well during his
lifetime;
* he was highly supportive of education and built the People's College
(Cook Academy -- now the NYS Fire Academy);
* he built St. Paul's Episcopal Church, laying the cornerstone on August
22, 1853; he died unexpectedly on a trip to Auburn, NY in 1866 and his
remains were brought back on the famous boat "D.S. MAGEE"; he
lay in state at the Montour House, had a funeral at St. Paul's Episcopal
Church and is buried in St. Paul's Cemetery
* a bust of CHARLES COOK is on display in the Montour Memorial Library.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
STEAMBOAT HISTORY DISPLAY
As a follow-up to Barbara Bell's presentation of "Steamboats on Seneca"
given last fall, there is a very entertaining & informational display
in a display case in the Watkins Glen High School main lobby near the
school auditorium.
The centerpiece of this display is two framed prints donated
to the Historical Society by the family of ARTHUR RICHARDS. Additionally
you'll find pictures of various steamboats that travelled Seneca Lake
from Geneva to Watkins Glen (and all points in-between). Accompanying
this display is a good deal of narrative tracing the history of steamboat
transportation (people and goods) on Seneca Lake during the 19th Century.
Some of the interesting information includes the following:
* the role steamboats played in transporting soldiers during the Civil
War;
* the risks/dangers these boats faced on the very unpredictable waters
of Seneca Lake;
* what happened to those steamboats -- worn out after years of positive
service (explosions -- some planned as real social events) -- unexpected
sinkings, and the use of workable parts from old/worn out boats in some
of the newer ones.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
COMING UP IN MARCH:
-- Will we offically open the Museum on March 2nd or will
"old-man winter" put that off for awhile?
-- Meet DAVID BENNETT HILL (1843-1910), Lieutenant Governor with Grover
Cleveland as Governor, then NYS Governor himself, then U.S. Senator;
-- More nuggets of Schuyler County history...
From the Historical
Society ...
This is the fifth in a series of monthly contributions
from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County Historical Society's
activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865; phone:
607-535-9741; www.schuylerhistory.org OR info@schuylerhistory.org)
________________________________________________
Although
the Historical Society is "officially" closed from December
20 to at least March 2nd (possibly a bit longer throughout the month of
March if we are experiencing a particularly rough winter season), anyone
wishing to do research and/or purchase any books may do so by calling
Museum Director ANDREW TOMPKINS at 535-9741 to arrange for a mutually
agreeable time frame.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
MISS ABIGAIL O'DANIELS...
.....from the files of Doris Pike (Board Member -- Town of Hector) comes
the following interesting information pertaining to MISS ABIGAIL O'DANIELS
)...
.....from her Valedictory Address at the Watkins High School (Class of
1911): "To you my classmates I would express the
farewell which lies like a pall upon every heart and tongue. The years
we have lingered here together have been pleasant indeed, and we are loathe
to pass over that invisible barrier which separates us from our Alma Mater.
But the future calls us forth and we must depart each to his own work.
From this time our paths diverge and we must each face the world alone.
To each is left the attainment of his ambitions and in the struggle which
follows remember that 'The aim, if reached or not, makes great the life.'
Face life with a brave heart and pleasant smile, remembering that your
attitude toward the world is the world's attitude toward you, and if you
do nothing more than to lighten the load of one of your fellow men, your
life will not have been lived in vain. Ever in accordance with the motto
we all hold so dear 'aspire to the nobelest' and work untiringly towards
the goal you have marked out, never swerving from your course. But the
time grows short and ere we pass out into that world we will say once
more to our Alma Mater with its teachers and students, 'Fare thee well
forever and if still forever, Fare thee well.' "
(* Note: Miss O'Daniels taught piano lessons for many years and served
the Presbyterian Church as organist. for more than fifty years. She could
be seen riding her bicycle to Church each Sunday dressed in her Sunday
best.)
What a wonderful way with words and what a powerful message, true then
and true today as well!
...fast forward to the year 2007 and the Valedictory address of MISS
MARGARET BALL...
"To my classmates: I believe that experience is
the best teacher, so I truly feel no more qualified to make this speech
than any of you. Every one of us has known both successes and disappointments.
We have all felt joy, confidence, pride, fear, embarassment, anger, sorrow
and love. Think about your own experiences: they make
your life unique. They are the strongest resource you will ever have.
You are now the only person responsible for your choices. Only you can
determine how to live your life. Do your best. I know that you are all
up to the challenge. The author Wendell Berry said, 'To treat life as
less than a miracle is to give up on it.' Life is a miracle that we only
have a short time to enjoy...so as it continues, search for the magic
in each moment, each star, each sunrise and each smile. Remember to appreciate
the small and beautiful things in life and to share your joys with the
people you love."
Two Valedictory Addresses almost 100 years apart yet strikingly similar
in message and direction beyond high school.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
2009 Activities/Events:
For the New Year of 2009 to help you with your planning,
the Historical Society has planned the following events for the first
third of the New Year of 2009:
* February 15th: there will be a fund-raising Breakfast
(8:00/11:00 a.m.) at the Montour Falls Moose Club
* April 18th: a Chicken Bar-B-Que is planned; location
and time to be announced;
* April 22nd: Annual Meeting; presentation by GARY EMERSON
on the Magee Family; 7:00 p.m., at the Schuyler County Human Services
Building in the "Silver Spoon Cafe"
* May 9th: annual Victorian Tea at the Brick Tavern Museum
with two seatings: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
As we get closer to each event, more details will be made public.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Long-term Planning: Operations & Growth!
* The Schuyler County Historical Society -- as with all museums, libraries
and not-for-profit institutions -- is struggling to meet expenses, maintain
facilities and provide on-going services & programs during these most
difficult economic times. The Board of Trustees has worked very hard (and
continues to do so) to develop & implement a STRATEGIC PLAN with a
formal "Mission & Objectives" statement along with specific
"Goals & Strategies" to meet both short-term and long-term
operation and growth.
One example of that growth is to bring the recently-acquired (offered
to the Society by the Town of Dix) WEDGWOOD SCHOOL up to "open-to-the-public/operational
status" in 2009. It is our hope that various exhibits illustrating
farming implements & tools and much more will be moved to the Wedgwood
School during the months ahead so this "history" may be shared
with our communities.
While additional discussion and direction will take place in the months
ahead, it is anticipated that a formal/large-scale fundraising effort
will commence during 2009 in time for the 50th year celebration scheduled
in 2010. In conjunction with this campaign we will be looking for state
& federal grants, and grants from major foundations as well. We are
asking that business and community organizations keep us in mind as they
plan for the New Year -- we ask that you watch for our formal "Campaign
for Our Future" and consider responding as generously as possible.
Specific information pertaining to the Campaign will be made known in
the months ahead.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
(Thank you LOUISE VICKIO STILLMAN -- in 1994 Mrs. Stillman published,
"Schuyler -- Around and About" -- a book of selected historically
significant articles, many originally published in the Watkins Review
& Express. One of her many essays was dedicated to "Queen
Catharine Montour," and so to paraphrase from that essay.....
Meet Queen Catharine Montour
* Queen of the Indian Village of Sheaquaga, called Catharinestown and
destroyed by General Sullivan's army in 1779; the Village consisted of
30-40 log houses built along the hillside south of Montour Falls on both
sides of Catharine Creek;
* Queen Catharine was the great-granddaughter of a French Officer named
Montour, whose wife was a Huron Indian; her grandmother
(Catharine Madam Montour) married an Oneida Chief; her
mother Margaret married a Mohawk; Catharine Montour --
born in 1710 -- spoke both English & French and married a Seneca Chief
(Telenemut);
* Catharine became Queen on the death of her husband around 1760 and ruled
with "power & dignity" and in a fearless but just manner.
She made her home in Catharinestown or "Chequegah";
* In 1779 General Sullivan, in his expedition against the Six Nations
of the Iroquois, came down the Catharine Creek Valley and burned all the
orchards and corn fields and all the Indian cabins and houses. After that,
Queen Catharine became an interpreter for the English in disputes with
other Indians;
* after the Revolutionary War she continued as an interpreter (for the
Americans) and assisted with treaties and boundary disputes;
she often accompanied the Chiefs of the Six Nations to Philadelphia (then
the Nation's Capital) when treaties were being drawn up and approved;
* early records denote that Queen Catharine died on February 20, 1804
at Catharinestown, with her grave being "east of and a short distance
from the Charles Cook monument."
* the name of Queen Catharine Montour has a prominent place in local history
and is perpetuated in many ways: the naming of the Towns
of Catharine and Montour, the Village of Montour Falls, the Valley where
she was once Queen (Catharine Valley) and in the creek that flows through
that Valley (Catharine Creek); many buildings and even
streets bear her name also.
* Note: Again, my thanks to Louise Vickio Stillman for
this valuable information.
From the Historical
Society ...
This is the fourth in a series of monthly contributions
from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County Historical Society's
activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
________________________________________________
This year's Holiday OPEN HOUSE at the Schuyler County Historical Society
(108 N. Catharine Street, Montour Falls, NY) will be held on Sunday, December
14th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
A trimmed tree and light refreshments will greet visitors as two authors
will be in attendance to sign their recently released books. Come meet
BARBARA BELL & GINNY BRUCKNER!
The festivities are FREE and we hope to see you all there!
...............................................................................................................
WINTER Schedule for Historical Society released...
The Schuyler County Historical Society will be CLOSED from December 20th
to at least March 2nd (possibly throughout the month of March if it's
a particularly rough winter season). Research may still be conducted at
the Museum by calling Museum Director ANDREW TOMPKINS at 535-9741 to arrange
for a specific time frame. Mr. Tompkins will be at the Museum working
his regular schedule during the period of time the Museum is closed.
.................................................................................................................
Special THANKS for Recent Donations...
LAURA WALLENBACK recently donated genealogies of the AGARD, WOODFORD and
HIBBARD families.
The Yates County Historical Society donated two Civil War
era letters written by Union Soldier Hiram Denning to his cousin Otis
Corbett of Watkins Glen.
CLAYTON RICHARDS (son of new Schuyler County Hall of Fame
Member ARTHUR H. RICHARDS) donated a number of framed lithographs including
some on Seneca steamboats, a Currier & Ives print of Watkins Glen
and a Seneca steamboat line advertisement poster.
.................................................................................................................
THANK YOU, BARBARA BELL
ON Wednesday, November 19th, Schuyler County Historian BARBARA BELL gave
a presentation on the steamboats of Seneca Lake. The presentation was
well attended (more than
50 people present) and very interesting & educational. Thank you Barbara
for all you do for the Historical Society and for our County.
50th ANNIVERSARY & MEMBERSHIP
Throughout the coming year of 2009, plans will be made for the 50th anniversary
celebration of the Schuyler County Historical Society in 2010. There is
no better time than now to become an
official member of the Historical Society and be a part of this wonderful
celebration.
Like so many organizations, membership is the lifeblood for continuing
operation and offerings to the public and we sincerely appreciate the
generosity & interests of our members, with thanks
for continued support in the years ahead. New members are always welcomed
& appreciated also.
Dues paid now are good through December 31, 2009 and bring you the following:
-- subscription to our 16-page Journal and newsletter, "The Vista"
-- FREE usage of the Research Library
-- invitations to special programs & events
-- full VOTING privileges to help shape the Society's future
-- opportunity to help preserve Schuyler County history
Levels of annual Membership are as follow:
1) Individual $20.00 2) Couple $25.00
3) Organization $40.00 4) Business/Patron $50.00
5) Benefactor $100.00 6) Donor $250.00
7) Student (age 18 & under) $5.00
You may stop in the Historical Society to join or mail your dues to Schuyler
County Historical Society, P.O. Box 651, Montour Falls, NY 14865. Please
include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address and let
us know if you'd like to become actively involved as a volunteer. PLEASE
consider inviting a friend, neighbor or other family member to join too!
..................................................................................................................
MEET FREDERICK DAVIS, JR.
Thanks to the wonderful efforts of retired English Teacher (Watkins Glen
High School) and noted writer & author FRANK W. STEBER, we know of
one of Schuyler County's finest citizens -- FREDERICK DAVIS, JR. In June
of 1995 Frank sent me a letter containing a wealth of information about
Mr. Davis and his contributions to our County: According to Frank, Mr.
Davis came to Watkins Glen in 1857 and "for the next half century
was its leading citizen."
Among Mr. Davis' accomplishments were the following:
* opened general store in the Freer Block (now Subway)
which he operated for many years;
* built malt house near present Cargill site which he successfully operated
for many years; he sold it, and built a new one on present site of Watkins
Glen power plant;
* was chiefly responsible for reorganization of St. James Episcopal Church
in Watkins Glen, working to build the present Church building and serving
as a lay reader for more than 50 years;
* was also responsible for introducing gas lighting in Village of Watkins
Glen;
* initiated plans for constructing Village reservoir and a system of running
water for use in fire-fighting as well as for use in homes and businesses;
* as a member of the Board of Health he supervised clean-up of alleys
behind businesses to eliminate conditions that often led to illnesses
and even epidemics;
* served on the Watkins Board of Education for many years, often as President,
and was a Charter Member of the Watkins Academy Board;
* served often with Schuyler County Agricultural Society and the Schuyler
County Fair committee;
* often hosted visiting dignitaries in his home (today the Elks Lodge);
* helped reorganize the Watkins Library, serving as volunteer librarian
during his later years.
The Historical Society does currently have two copies left -- for sale
-- of Frank's book "Seneca Sunrise: The Life & Times of Frederick
Davis, Jr." (Preston Woods Publishing, 134 pages, 2002) cost: $12.00
per copy.
.....From the Archives
History of Schuyler Schools Re-Visited:
On November 17, 2005 a distinguished panel of historians presented a wealth
of information on the educational institutions in Schuyler County. At
a two hour + session held in front of a large audience at the Rural Urbal
Center, the following spoke:
-- LISA MILLER (a 10-year veteran "home schooling" Mom)
-- CAROL FAGNAN (Town of Catharine Historian)
-- EDWARD COON (involved with old Civilian Conservation Corps
& former teacher in a one-room schoolhouse)
-- WILLIAM & DAVID WICKHAM (brothers from Hector -- former
students in Hector Schoolhouse #126)
-- MARIAN BOYCE (Town of Dix Clerk & Historian)
-- SANDY BRADFORD (Town of Hector Historian talking about the
41 schoolhouses formerly in Hector)
-- BARBARA BELL (Schuyler County Historian)
-- BRIAN J. O'DONNELL (History of the Watkins Glen Central
School District)
From the Historical
Society ...
This is the third in a series of monthly contributions
from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County Historical Society's
activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
________________________________________________
***
UPCOMING EVENTS ***
November 19th: Barbara
Bell presentation: "STEAMBOATS ON SENECA"; 7:00 p.m. Human Resources
Building, Main Conference Room. The Arthur Richards family, through son
Clayton, recently donated some historical articles and pictures on this
topic which will be on display that evening.
December 14th: Holiday OPEN
HOUSE at the "Gray Brick Tavern Museum (108 N. Catharine Street,
Montour Falls)
_________________________________________________
The Schuyler County "Hall of Fame" induction
ceremony was held on Thursday afternoon, October 23rd at Seneca Lodge.
At that ceremony, the three newest honorees were inducted:
-- Arthur H. Richards
-- James T. Wilson
-- Kenneth J. Wilson
Each honoree was presented by a special member of our community, someone
who knew the honoree well and had the opportunity to work with him over
the years. Those wonderful presenters were:
-- Rick Hughey (for Art Richards)
-- Margaret Cook (for Jim Wilson)
-- The Honorable William N. Ellison (for Ken Wilson)
As many of you already know, the Schuyler County Hall of Fame -- housed
in the County Office Building in the 1st floor hallway -- has moved to
temporary quarters at the "Gray Brick Tavern Museum" at 108
N. Catharine Street in Montour Falls. Although all Hall of Fame pictures/plaques
cannot be displayed at one time, a number will be on display -- on a rotating
basis -- so the public may view them. Currently on display are the pictures/plaques
of:
-- CAMERON ARGETSINGER
-- DON BRUBAKER, SR.
-- WILLIAM N. ELLISON
-- GILBERT H. HILLERMAN
-- BARBARA BELL
-- STEWART COATS
-- D. LLOYD COTTON
Planning is underway to possibly display additional "Hall of Fame"
pictures/plaques in Schuyler County schools and public libraries throughout
the next several months.
The Schuyler County Hall of Fame is sponsored by Schuyler County and the
Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce.
Some insights into ARTHUR H. RICHARDS, one
of the newest Hall of Fame honorees:
-- from JIM WHITING
"I thank him for introducing me to New Yorker cartoonist SAM COBEAN,
who advised me to go to Art school. Shortly after I met Sam, Art wrote
in the Star Gazette, "Striving to gain recognition in the cartooning
field, James (Jimmy) Whiting spends a great deal of his spare time drawing
in his South Monroe Street garret. Thus far, the struggling artist has
discovered that the world of cartooning is a tough nut to crack."
I did go to Art school. It would be more than a year before I sold my
first cartoon to Vets Magazine in Chicago. So you see, because of ARTHUR
H. RICHARDS, before I was even published, I was a 'famous' cartoonist
-- at least on South Monroe Street."
Jim goes on to remember: "ARTHUR RICHARDS here." Spoken somberly,
with authority, those were the words of numerous radio reports delivered
on WGMF in Watkins Glen (by Art). Jim also fondly recalls posing for a
group picture (either for a school play or perhaps for a basketball team
picture) in what is now the Middle School gymnasium. Art took picture
after picture, each of which was followed by his "slinging the spent
flash bulb from his camera skittering across the entire length of the
gymnasium floor" (there were trash bins available). Jim figured the
reason for this was strictly for PR (perpetuating reputation!).
Sandra Richards Goodine (Art's daughter) remembers:
"He didn't want to be called father, or dad, or grandpa, or sir --
he wanted to be called ARTHUR and that's what we all called him, down
to the smallest grandchild ... Being Arthur's daughter was fun -- it meant
I got to go to a lot of places with him -- I got to know what was going
on all over the country -- he taught me about writing and about photography
and he taught me to love newspapers and the printed word. The lessons
we learned really took -- I have been a writer and a reader all my life
and my younger brother Clay graduated from journalism school and has made
a career out of his writing, at UPI, Long Island News Day, and now at
Quinnipac University. Only my brother Arthur Richards III escaped the
family tradition ... distinguishing himself by earning
our immediate family's only PhD (in Chemical Engineering) and rising to
the top echelons of the New York State Health Department."
Sandra also remembers the "characters" in Arthur's life -- the
personalities that paraded through their home and their lives. "The
locals: Dutton Peterson, Sr., Dr. Fritz Landsberg &
his lovely wife Lisbeth, Bill Kelly (always a constant presence), war
hero Jack Hamilton, Frank Richardson, the Fathers from Padua, Lester Smalley,
Jim & Bernita Whiting, artist Mary Robinson, Jean & Cam Argetsinger,
Mary Cobean & the Brubaker clan, Father Stivers, Nick McKinney and
others...and the 'exotics' from out of town: Sam Cobean,
New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addams, the Englishman Charles Deans --
who helped start Summer Theatre in Watkins Glen"... and
so many more...
Additional memories include "The Schuyler County Gourmet Club with
Sheriff Maurice Dean and others; the time he and a group of neighborhood
children went searching for a gold mine (Charles Roberts, Frank Basset,
Anny Werman, Art III and Sandra, Nancy (Miller) Callahan and anyone else
around)..... collecting scrap towards the end of World War II, handing
out silver dollars on the dog's birthday, 'dinner on a loaf,' the great
stories, 'How the Pussy Willows Came to Watkins Glen," "How
the Teddy Bear Got His Pug Nose," "Old Scarhead" (a giant
rainbow trout), "The Deer in the Glen" and others... that green
polyester leisure suit complete with color-coordinated light green shirt,
the huge hat collection, jump suits in red and gold, and his beret...
the dark & wavy hair of his youth and the blindingly white hair of
old age."
Sandra summed up her thoughts this way, "I loved being Art's daughter.
I loved him. And I still miss him, as old as I am. I wonder what he would
have thought of Watkins Glen and Schuyler County as it is now. I like
to think he would have approved."
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
From the Historical
Society ...
This is the second in a series of monthly contributions
from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County Historical Society's
activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
________________________________________________
***
UPCOMING EVENTS ***
November 19th: Barbara
Bell presentation: "STEAMBOATS ON SENECA"; 7:00 p.m. Human Resources
Building, Main Conference Room.
December 14th: Holiday OPEN
HOUSE --- Times to be announced.
_________________________________________________
The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave...
One of the first items you encounter when you come in the front door of
the Historical Society is a beautiful display of U.S. Flags in a glass
case just to the right of the entrance. In this very patriotic display
you'll see:
U.S. Flag 1861-1863 -- a 34-star flag during the presidency
of James Buchanan & Abraham Lincoln
U.S. Flag 1863-1865 -- a 35-star flag during the presidency
of Abraham Lincoln
U.S. Flag 1877-1890 -- a 38-star flag flown during the
presidencies of President Rutherford B. Hayes to William McKinley
U.S. Flag 1891-1896 --- a 44-star flag
U.S. Flag 1912-1959 -- a 48-star flag flown during the
presidencies of William Howard Taft through Dwight D. Eisenhower
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Nothing Really Has Value Unless It Is Shared..."
One of the wonderful features about history is that even though we may
not have lived it, we are fortunate that we can purchase it (thanks to
the hard work and efforts of those who wrote it down for us). A number
of very informative and interesting books and pamphlets are available
for sale at the Historical Society. Among them are the following:
"Diaries of Truman G. Beecher 1862-1887" edited
by Patricia J. Beecher (432 pages; first published in 2003). In the editor's
own words:
"Nothing really has value unless it is shared, and certainly this
intimate picture of a rural community of the 1800's is meant to be read
and re-read."
Mr. Beecher was actively involved in the founding and early growth of
Beaver Dams. (Cost: $10.00)
For others interested in a more novel look at American History there is
"The Ballad of Bertie: From His Journal" by
Barbara Bell, first published in 1966. You'll enjoy meeting 12-year-old
Bertie Caldwell and his family who move from Burdett to Kansas in 1880
to obtain land under the Homestead Act. His diary was written at a time
when folklore was enjoying a revival. (Cost: $3.00)
Local author Frank W. Steber, retired English teacher at the Watkins Glen
High School and writer of the highly popular "Seneca Spectator"
series, offers a couple of outstanding books:
"Seneca Sunrise: The Life & Times of Frederick Davis,
Jr." (134 pages, published in 2002, cost: $12.00)
and "Seneca Dawn: The Pioneer Journey of John Dow"
(published in 2007 cost: $12.00)
Another fairly new offering --- which will become a local favorite ---
is "The Montour Falls Business District: West Main Street's
Proud Past and Hopeful Future" by Virginia Steil Bruckner.
This book (172 pages, published in 2008, cost: $20.00),
dedicated in memory of NANCY L. MUSSER who had the idea for it, is an
outstanding account in words and pictures of Main Street businesses and
residences.
Numerous other books (many of which I will highlight in future columns)
are available for sale and include the following:
"A Link in the Great Chain: A History of the Chemung
Canal," by Gary Emerson (cost: $12.00)
"Boyhood Memories of Bolton Brown by Bolton
Coit
Brown 1864-1936" by: Marian S. Sweeney (cost: $5.00)
"Letters to Suzanna: The First Twenty Years"
by
Barbara Bell (cost: $20.00)
"Town of Catharine History" by Carol Tetz Fagnan
(cost: $40.00)
... and many, many more.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Meet the Board of Trustees for the Schuyler
County Historical Society...
President Nancy Whipple; Vice President Jerry Smyder;
Treasurer Jean Hubsch; Secretary
Don Riley
Legislative Representative Doris Karius, Past-President Thomas Viglione
Board Members:
Barbara Bell -- County Historian
Jane Marshall -- Town of Catharine
Bonnie Schweizer -- Town off Cayuta
Marian M. Boyce -- Town of Dix
Doris Pike -- Town of Hector
Shirley Craver -- Town of Montour
Robert Everett -- Town of Reading
Nancy Whipple represents the Town of Orange and
Jean Hubsch represents the Town of Tyrone
Andrew E. Tompkins is Museum Director, Shirley Shaffer is Museum Aide,
and Glenda Gephart is Journal Editor.
The facilities of the Schuyler County Historical Society include the Gray
Brick Tavern Museum (108 North Catharine Street, Montour Falls), the Lee
School House and the Wedgwood Schoolhouse.
The history of the Historical Society dates back to 1960, when it was
formed as a non-profit public-service organization by a group of 32 local
residents, led by Charles Harrington, who were interested in preserving
the history and legacy of Schuyler County. A vast wealth of information
is available to the public.
From the Historical
Society ...
This is the first in a series of monthly contributions
from Brian J. O'Donnell pertaining to the Schuyler County Historical Society's
activities.
By: Brian J. O'Donnell
"A Proud Past --- A Promising Future!"
This is the first in what will be a continuing series to
highlight the richness and diversity of resources which comprise the Schuyler
County Historical Society, dedicated to collecting and prerserving and
sharing the resources which contribute to who we are today!
In this first column, I want to present two informational current events
of interest and the connection one of these events has to a well-known
and talented artist of our past named Ellen Parker.
*
First of all, since the County building is undergoing extensive renovation,
the Schuyler County Hall of Fame has set up "temporary" quarters
in the Schuyler County Historical Society (108 N. Catherine St., Montour
Falls, NY 14865); for the next several months the plaques of the members
of the Hall of Fame will be featured on the wall of the stairway between
the first and second floor of the building. Dating back to 1995, there
are currently 32 individuals honored in the Hall of Fame, with three more
to be enshrined this October; plaques will be displayed (7-10 at a time)
and rotated every few months so all are able to be on display; the plaques
will be on display soon -- a follow-up article will note which plaques
are on display;
* A wonderful watercolor titled "Hibiscus" -- by Ellen Parker
-- is currently on display at the Historical Society and available for
"bid" until awarded to the high bidder on October 18th; please
stop into the Society to view the beautiful painting and make your bid;
many people in our area communities have and treasure watercolors by Miss
Parker, and "Hibiscus" would be a wonderful addition to anyone's
home.
* Meet ELLEN PARKER...
Miss Parker was born October 30, 1896 in Franklinville, N.Y. She attended
school in Franklinville and graduated in 1913 from Ten Broeck Academy
with a "Classical" diploma. She then successfully completed
Training Class in 1914-1915 in Delevan, NY and Normal School at Buffalo
State in 1918-1919, teaching both before and after Buffalo State in Franklinville
for a total of 8 years.
Always a believer in higher education, Miss Parker attended Greenville
College in Greenville, Illinois (1924-1925) and Syracuse University (summers
from 1926-1934). She received her B.S. degree from Syracuse University
in 1934.
Ellen Parker came to Watkins Glen as an Art Teacher in 1926 for the annual
salary of $1,300 She remained in the Watkins Glen District until the 1950s,
completing a more than 35-year career in public education. Never married,
she was devoted to her teaching and artistic endeavors, creating literally
hundreds of beautiful watercolors (many of which are displayed in local
homes today). Coming from a large family, she had many nieces and nephews
whom she cherished and visited with often.
Rosanne Doane, Deputy Treasurer for the Watkins Glen School District,
remembers growing up as a young girl living next door to Miss Parker.
She fondly recalled how Miss Parker "adopted" her and her siblings
and brought a love of education and the Arts to them, too. Rosanne has
a "Parker" adorning her wall in her high school office. Rosanne
also told me that Miss Parker was working late in the old High School
(current Middle School in Watkins Glen) on the night of the horrific fire
which burned the structure to the ground. The janitor came to her classroom
to tell her she must leave the premises immediately as a fire had broken
out elsewhere in the building. When Miss Parker balked a bit, wanting
to get all of her paintings and supplies out too, the janitor insisted
she leave without them as the fire was out of control and spreading quickly.
They got out, but the facility was lost to the fire in a matter of hours.
Many local residents fondly remember Miss Parker as their Art Teacher.
She was not one to tolerate any nonsense/misbehavior nor lack of talent
in her classroom, and she did work hard to bring out the very best in
everyone.
Photo in text: The
Schuyler County Historical Society Museum in Montour Falls.
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