County officials praise Lattin for dedicated career as historian

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin, center, was recognized today during the final Orleans County Legislature meeting of 2014. Lattin is retiring on Dec. 31.

Legislature Chairman David Callard, left, presented Lattin with a “Special Recognition Award” for his 36 years as county historian. Resident Al Capurso, right, presented Lattin with a model of a log cabin that Capurso made.

“Bill has been extraordinary,” Callard said. “He has gone above and beyond to promote our county history by teaching, lecturing to our community members and our visitors from near and far about the strong history and heritage we have here in our county.”

Lattin also served as curator of the Cobblestone Museum for nearly 40 years and was influential in many of the museum’s acquisitions. He also coordinated the relocation of several of the buildings at the museum complex near the corner of routes 98 and 104 in the Town of Gaines.

Outhouses, a print shop, blacksmith shop and Farmer’s Museum were all moved to the museum complex to be preserved.

Callard praised Lattin for his “extreme professionalism” and efforts on many fronts in preserving local history.

Capurso said Lattin is a long-time friend. The historian also worked with former Albion Mayor Donna Rodden, Capurso’s late mother in law, to have several sites in Albion – Mount Albion Cemetery, the Courthouse Square and Downtown Albion – listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Capurso worked for a month to create a model of pioneer log cabin for Lattin.

“It’s a drop in the bucket for what Bill has given of himself for the county and historic preservation,” Capurso said. “He doesn’t seek recognition. That’s not what drives him.”

The Legislature expects to appoint a new historian in early 2015.