Health Department teams with Orleans tourism, Genesee chamber for 2-county adventure challenge

Posted 17 June 2026 at 12:21 pm

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Provided photos: Orly the Ox, the Orleans County mascot, went kayaking last year on the Oak Orchard Creek by the Medina waterfalls. Cyclists are shown riding on the Oatka Trail in Genesee County.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), in partnership with Orleans County Tourism and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, are excited to announce the start of the Genesee and Orleans Counties (GO) Adventure Challenge. This new program encourages people to be more active while exploring places across both counties.

The GO Adventure Challenge invites people of all ages to stay active by completing activities and visiting locations in Genesee and Orleans Counties. The goal is to support healthier lifestyles, build stronger community connections, and highlight the many great places in our area.

“This challenge is a fun way for residents to focus on their health while discovering everything our communities have to offer,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We are excited to see participants enjoy local parks, trails, businesses, and public spaces in new ways.”

Participants can join at their own pace and track their progress using an activity log. The challenge includes different levels:

Level 1: Complete 135 hours of physical activity
Level 2: Complete 135 hours of physical activity and visit at least five locations in each county

At the end of the challenge, participants will submit an attestation form to confirm they completed their chosen level. They will also choose whether they would like a patch or sticker to recognize their accomplishment.

“Collaborating with our neighboring counties allows us to better showcase the outdoor experiences available to both visitors and residents,” said Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director. “We’re excited for participants to explore, stay active and find new places to enjoy through the GO Adventure Challenge.”

“We are proud to partner on the GO Adventure Challenge to encourage people to get out and experience the great destinations, scenic views, and local spots throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties,” said Kelly Rapone, Genesee County tourism director.

The GO Adventure Challenge supports ongoing efforts to improve health, prevent illness, and build community connections in Genesee and Orleans Counties. It is also planned to be an annual program.

For more information, including participation materials and submission details, please visit https://www.orleanscountytourism.com/genesee-orleans-go-adventure-challenge.

Hawley reacts to state budget growing another $9 billion from what was approved

Posted 17 June 2026 at 12:05 pm

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is criticizing the state’s enacted budget after updated financial documents revealed total spending is nearly $9 billion higher than the amount originally cited when the budget was approved. The increase pushes total state spending to $277 billion.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t accept this continued overspending of their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Hawley. “New York’s budget has nearly doubled in just 12 years and now exceeds the budgets of Texas and Florida, even though each of those states has a larger population than New York. The budget has also grown nearly $9 billion beyond what was originally presented to taxpayers, even after it was already passed as the largest in state history. Albany has to stop adding costs after the budget is set and start respecting what taxpayers can actually afford.”

Hawley believes these billion-dollar additions are just an example of how the budget process in New York needs serious repairs, especially at a time when residents are trying to save every dollar.

N-O vs. G-R baseball game set for Saturday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 10:04 am

The Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League Senior baseball game has been rescheduled and will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Medina’s Vets Park.

The N-O lineup includes Nate Gibson, Elliott Trapiss, Kaiden Froman and Will Plummer from Albion; Colin Miller and Conlan Luck from Akron; JJ Prynn, Dom Cimato, Carson Marvin, Carson Schwab and Matt Maines from Barker; Vinny Gray and Jimmy Dieter from Medina; Tristan Smith, Noah Orens and Caeleb Rivera from Newfane and Gavin Heideman, Isaac Smith, Sean Mettler, Evan Poeller and Jackson Drees from Roy-Hart.

The G-R roster includes Jake Bailey, Leo Egloff, Nick Marzoff and Colton Smith from Alexander; Hunter Green and Ben Wild from Attica; Liam Boyle from Byron-Bergen; Mark Caparco, Fletcher Norton, Brenden Porey, Nicholas Scott and Bing Zuber from Elba; Nic Cole, Jonny Conte and Vinnie D’Agostino from Kendall; Austin Fonda and Colton Smith from Lyndonville; Eli Grice, Adyn Horzempa and Preston Viele from Notre Dame; Levi Kabel and Hunter Tobolski from Oakfield-Alabama; Anthony Abbatiello, Austin Humphrey and Brayden Lang from Pembroke and Miguel Gonzalez from Wheatland-Chili.

All-Star softball
Six Niagara-Orleans League players will be competing in the Gerry Gentner Senior All-Star softball game at Sweet Home High School at 7 this evening.

The N-O players include Abby Fox and Peyton May from Roy-Hart, Kimberly Schmitt and Gabrielle Ross from Newfane and Abbie Faery and Mackenzie Hardy from Wilson.

Lady Tigers have four G-R softball All-Stars

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 June 2026 at 9:51 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville G-R All-Stars Arnie Sturtevant, left, and Isabella Groves.

Four Lyndonville players have earned spots on the Genesee Region League All-Star softball team.

The Lady Tigers quartet includes sophomore pitcher Arnie Sturtevant, senior first baseman Isabella Groves, junior third baseman Hannah Fox and senior shortstop Brooke Robinson.

Lady Tigers G-R All-Stars Brooke Robinson, left, and Hannah Fox.

Sturtevant, who was named the G-R League’s Player of the Year, registered 124 strikeouts in 104.2 innings of work in the circle and had a 1.228 earned run average. At the plate she hit .506 with 13 doubles, 5 triples, 4 home runs and 35 RBIs.

Groves hit .392 with 5 doubles, 1 triple and 22 RBIs.

Robinson hit .429 with 4 doubles, 4 triples and 20 RBIs.

Fox hit .400 with 4 doubles, 1 triple and 15 RBIs.

Lyndonville also had sophomore catcher Alexa Robinson earn Honorable Mention. She hit .324 and had 12 RBIS.

In addition, Lyndonville mentor Joe Moore was named G-R Coach of the Year.

Lyndonville finished in a tie for the G-R Division 2 title with Oakfield-Alabama at 14-1. Overall the Lady Tigers compiled an 18-2 record.

Oakfield-Alabama, which went on to win the state Class D title, also had four G-R All-Stars including Allison Harkness, Savannnah Durham, Raine Denny and Chloe Lamb.

2 graphic novelists bring a crowd to Medina bookstore

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2026 at 9:05 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Author’s Note, a bookstore on Main Street in Medina, hosted a book talk from two graphic novel authors and illustrators on Tuesday evening.

Graphic novels are the fastest growing segment in market share and popularity among youth literature, said Julie Berry, owner of the bookstore.

Niki Smith is the creator of the book, “Midsummer Sisters.” She flew in from Munich, Germany to attend the book discussion. Smith also said she was visiting friends in Rochester.

Smith presents a stunning story set during a summer of change. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters, Berry said.

Smith also is the author and artist of The Deep & Dark Blue and The Golden Hour.

Katie Risor of Syracuse is author and illustrator of “Welcome to the Forest: The Lake Trip.” The book is the sequel to Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party.

Risor, a Texas native, said her illustrations are inspired from her growing up years in Texas and also her more recent experiences in Syracuse and Upstate New York, especially the lakes, trees and state parks.

The Welcome to the Forest series includes endearing forest friends. Risor’s stories are a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the small wonders of the world.

Julie Berry, owner of Author’s Note, welcomes the two authors and illustrators to the bookstore at 519 Main St. in Medina.

Holley elects Bedard, Moroz as village trustees

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 11:05 pm

HOLLEY – Village of Holley residents elected Brenden Bedard and Rochelle Moroz to four-year terms as village trustees today.

Bedard received the most votes at 137, followed by Moroz at 102. Ron Vendetti was a close third at 93 votes.

Bedard works as assistant director for the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments. His father, Kevin Bedard, has previously served as a Holley village trustee.

Moroz was re-elected to another term. She has been on the board for nearly a decade.

She was the only candidate who waited outside the village office for the votes to be tallied. The results were announced at about 10 p.m., an hour after the polls closed.

“I like to represent the village,” Moroz said.

She takes frequent walks around the community, and enjoys hearing from residents.

She was pleased to see a good turnout today.

Rainey Losee, the Holley village clerk, also said it was a good showing from the village voters.

“I’m proud of our village residents coming out and having their voices be heard,” she said after the results were announced.

Bedard will replace Jim DeFilipps on the board. DeFillipps didn’t seek re-election after 10 years on the board.

The new terms will start on July 1.

Lyndonville’s school budget voted down second time, forcing contingency budget

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 10:54 pm

Voters rejected spending plan 327 to 292; District needs to make $266,495 in reductions

Photo by Tom Rivers: yard signs were out around Lyndonville urging voters to reject the proposed budget, which was the same as the one defeated on May 19.

LYNDONVILLE – In a narrow vote today, Lyndonville school district residents again rejected the proposed budget for 2026-27.

Voters defeated the $19,194,000 budget by 327 no to 292 yes. Lyndonville will now have to adopt a contingency budget that doesn’t increase taxes and needs to reduce spending by $266,495.

The voter turnout was more than double from May 19, when the budget was first rejected with 172 opposed and 129 in favor.

Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent, said she doesn’t anticipate any staff will be laid off as part of the contingency. The district has about 120 total employees serving a student population of 620 in grades prekindergarten to 12.

How the Board of Education and the district leadership will make cuts is to be determined.

Lyon said the district will be limited to spending on only essential items. Lyndonville may have to reduce extracurricular activities and clubs, athletics purchases, student travel, use of school facilities by outside groups, equipment purchases and field trips, she said.

“District leaders will work thoughtfully through this process to minimize the impact on students and provide the best possible educational experience within the constraints of a contingency budget,” she wrote tonight in a message to the community. “Additional information about the contingency budget and any resulting changes will be shared with families, staff and community members as it becomes available.”

Lyon said the district’s administrators and Board of Education worked hard to present a budget with a 2.5 percent tax increase, which was below the district’s allowable tax cap of 4.0 percent.

But some in the community wanted the district to lower the taxes even further. Bill Jurinich, a former board member, told the board during a meeting last week the district should have made some cuts and not presented the same budget as the one that was defeated on May 19.

Medina 8th graders explore history at DC in powerful learning experience

Posted 16 June 2026 at 7:30 pm

Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: A group photo of students and staff are shown on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – From June 3-5, a group of Medina 8th grade students explored Washington, D.C. and its rich history. The trip marks the culmination of a two-year study of United States history, government, and the individuals and events that have shaped our nation.

Throughout the trip, students were able to make meaningful connections to their classroom learning in history, literature, and science while experiencing these topics firsthand. As Kaisen McEwen Miller shared after seeing the Washington Monument,

“Photographs don’t do it justice,” a sentiment echoed by many during the trip.

On Wednesday evening, students embarked on a guided night tour of the monuments and memorials, narrated by 8th grade social studies teacher Joe Byrne. Students also contributed to the experience by sharing research they had completed in their English classes with Mrs. Rosenbeck, adding depth and perspective to each stop. Evalyn Ryan was especially impressed by the Lincoln Memorial, noting, “Seeing it in person is better than pictures and videos.”

Thursday morning began with a powerful visit to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Students observed a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the exact time of the plane’s impact, as the flowing water beneath each of the 184 memorial benches temporarily stopped. This moving tribute left a lasting impression on the group.

Students listen to the story of Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen.

Later that morning, students visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where they had the rare opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen. Students were able to listen to her story and ask questions, making for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Avery Twitchell reflected, “It’s an experience I think everyone should go see and learn about—it’s a big part of history,” adding that her classmates “took their time to take it all in.”

Keegan Farnham noted that his favorite part was the exhibit on Daniel’s Story, which connected directly to a play the class had read earlier in the year.

In the afternoon, students explored several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Despite the 92-degree heat, spirits remained high as students enjoyed some downtime with souvenir shopping, ice cream, and snow cones while taking in the atmosphere of the nation’s capital.

Lily Hungerford shared, “I really liked walking around D.C. and getting to see the city

and people.”

Thursday evening provided a chance for students to relax and celebrate their experiences with a DJ dinner cruise along the Potomac River. Lauren Allis said she “had a lot of fun dancing with friends” and capturing photos on the deck at sunset, calling it “a great way to end the day after going to four museums.”

The trip continued Friday with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where students witnessed the solemn and awe-inspiring Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In addition, from a distance, they observed a traditional military burial complete with a caisson and riderless horse, offering a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.

Before departing for home, students visited the National Zoo, where they were able to see the giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao. Tyler Draper especially enjoyed this stop, noting that “it was great to see all the cool animals that you may not see in zoos near home.”

Overall, the trip provided an invaluable educational experience while creating lasting memories for students and staff alike. The opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences made this journey both meaningful and memorable for all involved.

The trip was made possible through the continued support of Medina parents, teachers, school board, and administrators in conjunction with First Choice Educational Tours in Batavia.

A group photo of students has fun at the Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze statue in Washington D.C.

Local trio picked for Senior All-Star game

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 June 2026 at 2:32 pm

A trio of local high school senior players will be competing in the Chuck Senn Sr. All Star baseball game at 7 this evening at Sweet Home High School.

Medina is represented by Vinny Gray and Roy-Hart by Gavin Heideman and Isaac Smith.

In addition, Roy-Hart mentor Jim Heideman has been selected to be one of the coaches.

NY announces $2 billion in STAR tax relief

Posted 16 June 2026 at 1:17 pm

$350 to $600 for most homeowners with income below $500,000; $700 to $1,500 for most seniors with income below $110,750

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly three million New Yorkers across the state will receive over $2 billion in tax relief this summer and fall through New York’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program.

STAR provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and seniors statewide. While some STAR recipients will receive their benefit in the form of a tax exemption this year, many other recipients will receive a tax credit and will be sent a check in the mail this summer and fall.

“The start of summer is also the start of STAR tax relief season for millions of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “From tax credits and energy rebates to our expanded child tax credit and middle class tax cuts, we’re continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets.”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “At a time when actions in Washington are increasing costs and reducing support for working families, seniors, and homeowners, New York is continuing to put affordability first. The Senate Majority was proud to work with Governor Hochul to include continued funding for the STAR program in this year’s State Budget, delivering meaningful property tax relief to homeowners across our state.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “This $2 billion in tax relief is vital to our families and our seniors. As New Yorkers see the high cost of gas and rising prices, the STAR program will put money back into their pockets. We will continue to work with our partners in government to put New York families first and make our state a more affordable place.”

Most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive a check between $350 and $600. Most seniors eligible for an Enhanced STAR credit will receive a check between $700 and $1,500.

Check deliveries have begun and will continue statewide throughout the summer and fall. STAR recipients can visit ny.gov/STAR to track their check delivery or enroll in direct deposit.

Homeowners who are eligible and registered for the STAR credit program will receive their STAR check before the deadline for their school taxes. Some parts of the state — including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse — have school tax due dates in late June and July and will receive their STAR benefits soon. Benefits across other parts of the state will continue to roll out throughout the summer and fall.

White Birch and Banes score softball wins

Contributed Story Posted 16 June 2026 at 12:28 pm

White Birch and Banes both scored wins in Medina Women’s Softball League action Monday evening.

White Birch 21, Mr. Septic 12
Banging out 20 hits, including home runs by Morgan Ralph and Maddy Boyle, White Birch beat Mr. Septic tonight 21-12

Ella Lewis also had 3 triples for the Birch as Anna Lewis had a triple and 2 singles, Ralph and Kenzie Muck both had a triple and single, Rebecca Hoffee a double and single, Stacy Buckland 2 singles and Boyle, Aubrey Lewis, Brianna Panncia and Mallory Albone each a single.

Mr. Septic had 18 hits including Cathy Schmitt and Cami London both with a home run and a single, Kelsey Soule a triple and 2 singles and Randi Tower a double and 2 singles.

Banes 26, Cafora’s 9
Improving to 3-2, Banes downed Cafora’s 26-9 as Morgan Allis had 5 hits including a triple and 4 RBIs, Jami Chatt 4 hits including a triple and 4 RBIs, Kathy Allen 4 hits, Rileigh McCabe 4 hits including a double, Connie Heschke 3 hits including a double and 3 RBIs, and Patti Page and Krissy Scharlau 3 hits each.

Trailing 5-4, Banes moved on top to stay by scoring 5 runs in the second inning as Heschke, Jami Chatt, Lindsay Chatt and Allen all had RBI singles and Allis an RBI double.

Banes later put a lock on the win by erupting for 11 runs in the fifth inning highlighted by two-run doubles by Allis and Heschke and two-run singles by McCabe and Jami Chatt and a pair of RBI singles by Allen.

Tigers duo earns G-R all-Star honors

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 June 2026 at 9:43 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Genesee Region League All-Stars Austin Fonda, left, and Quincey McClinsey.

Two Lyndonville players – senior second baseman Austin Fonda and junior pitcher/ third baseman Quincey McClinsey – have earned Genesee Region League baseball All-Star honors.

Fonda hit .389 with 1 double, 9 RBIs, 21 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.

McClinsey made 13 starts, pitched 60.1 innings and registered 94 strikeouts. At the plate he hit .319 with 1 double and 13 RBIs.

The Tigers also had senior shortstop Colton Smith earn G-R Honorable Mention. He hit .370 with 5 doubles and 11 RBIs.

3 running for 2 trustee positions in Holley election today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 9:15 am

HOLLEY – It’s election day for the Village of Holley with three candidates on the ballot with two to be elected trustees to four-year terms.

The polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the Holley Village Office, the former high school at 1 Wright St. The new terms start on July 1.

The candidates include:

Brenden Bedard of East Albion Street
Rochelle Moroz of Orchard Street
Ron Vendetti of Ray Street

Current Trustee Jim DeFilipps isn’t seeking another term after 10 years on the board.

Vendetti previously served as a village trustee and also was Holley’s coordinator and DPW superintendent. He said the village taxes and water rates continue to climb putting a strain on property owners. The current village government spends too much time on festivals and parks, and not enough focus on infrastructure and reducing costs.

Mayor Mark Bower, in a letter on the village website on Monday, backed Moroz, a current trustee, and Bedard, who is the assistant director of the Genesee & Orleans Public Health Departments.

Bower praised Moroz for “paying attention to the little things that need work, as well as keeping her eye on the bigger picture.” She works to help the village “in countless ways for which she wants no credit.”

Bedard has deep roots in Holley with his mother a long-time elementary school teacher and his father a former village trustee.

“He has reached out to us on many occasions with opportunities for us to apply for grants,” Bower said about Brenden Bedard. “He will bring a fresh perspective to our board.”

The mayor cited the following accomplishments by the Village Board:

Completed the High Street waterline project coming in under budget.
Used state CHIPS money, along with local funds, and completely redid all of White Street, including curbing and new lights.
Sold the old Village Office on Public Square and used that money with additional local dollars to re-roof the Police Station building.
Replaced the Canal Park Playground with help from the Town of Murray and a grant through the Genesee and Orleans Public Health Departments.
Updated comprehensive plan, which was last done 14 years ago.
Begun the removal of all dead ash trees throughout the village park, waterfalls and trails in a project funded from a grant from Orleans County Soil and Water Department.

Refuge welcomes public to help choose name for eaglet

Posted 16 June 2026 at 8:41 am

The Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge invites the public to pick among three name options for an eaglet that hatched on April 3.

Photo and announcement from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

BASOM – Cayuga and Seneca’s beautiful eaglet is growing strong, and is almost ready to take flight! We’re excited to be launching a small naming fundraiser. Every vote supports the continued protection, monitoring, and storytelling of this remarkable eagle family.

Name choices are Inspired by the Land and Its legacy:

Oneida — Honoring one of the original Haudenosaunee nations, symbolizing unity, endurance, and deep cultural roots.
Casey — A tribute to Casey Road, where the headquarters stands watch over the refuge, grounding the eaglet’s story in the very place that protects it.
Skanon — A Seneca Nation word meaning peace and wellness, reflecting the calm strength and timeless cycle of life carried forward in this nest.

To cast your vote visit our website donation page (click here) make a suggested $5 donation and write your choice for the name into the “specific cause” box.

Together, we honor the land, the culture, and the future, taking wing right before our eyes!

A link to the bald eagle nest camera can be found at the Friends website, FINWR.org.

In 1890s, new Oak Orchard-on-the-Lake community touted for ‘pure air and cool breezes’

Posted 16 June 2026 at 8:13 am

Early appeal of site: ‘No beer or liquors may be sold on any part of this property’

In 2004, the Oak Orchard Harbor Light Committee reprinted the marketing booklet originally produced by the Oak Orchard-on-the-Lake Committee.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 17

CARLTON – “Here we escape the Summer’s heat

And gain new life and strength”

Around the turn of the last century, the lucrative potential of Orleans County’s assets attracted a variety of speculators. In 1911, a group of New York city investors who had incorporated as the Western New York Farm Company, acquired a large swath of swamp land in the southern end of the county and developed it for agricultural purposes.

Prior to that, in 1891, a group of Buffalo area businessmen incorporated as the Oak Orchard-on -the-Lake Company and purchased four hundred acres of land located on the west bank of Oak Orchard Harbor and along the south shore of Lake Ontario.

With a General Office at 39 Chapin Block in Buffalo, the Officers and Directors of the company were: Edwards D. Emerson, President; George T. Wardwell, Vice-President; Frank E. Sickels, Secretary and Charles H. Robinson, Treasurer. Emerson was a Standard Oil manager in Buffalo, Wardwell and Sickels were Buffalo attorneys, while Robinson was chairman of the J.L. Hudson Company, Buffalo clothiers.

As they described it “the land gently slopes toward the lake and for nearly a mile is bounded by a beautiful unbroken sandy beach that allows unobstructed access to the water of the lake.” The property also included water frontage of three quarters of a mile on Oak Orchard Creek “one of the most picturesque streams in Western New York.”

“The lake and creek fronts of this property will be offered for summer homes, while the remaining land will be so worked as to be a never-failing source from which cottagers can draw those necessities which are required for the refreshing of ‘the inner man.’”

The promotional booklet’s flowery prose extols the joys of cottage life, “the unexcelled advantages which it offers for sports, boating and bathing; of the pure air and cool breezes which it furnishes its cottagers; of its healthfulness, freedom from dangers for children; of the social life, refined and yet jolly, which characterizes the place…”

The company had a local office at 2 Swan’s Block in Albion. Dwight C. Beckwith, a wholesale apple shipper and lumber merchant was the local General Manger.

The lake and creek frontage was subdivided into building lots, each with a minimum of fifty feet of frontage. Lot prices ranged from $100 upwards. Generous terms were offered: “We shall be content with a small cash payment and the balance in small weekly or monthly installments.”

Recognizing the desirability of a water view, the company produced a layout which set the streets at right angles from the shoreline. This, combined with a gradual rise from the water’s edge, assured each cottage an unobstructed view.

A promotional article in the Times-Union, May 23, 1892, claimed that “the special feature which will render this a most desirable summer resort is that no beer or liquors may be sold on any part of this property.” In the summer of 1897, the Buffalo News reported that the cottages at Oak Orchard-on-the-Lake are filled to overflowing.”