local history

Park cleanup shows signs of former grand estate

Posted 4 May 2015 at 12:00 am

Golden Hill is looking for original photos of residence

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – This photo shows a long section of the Drake estate wall facing west.

By Cheryl Wertman

BARKER – A camping visit to one of our state parks is always a fun occasion and sometimes provides a pleasant and interesting surprise, and that was certainly the case on Saturday.

This weekend while camping at Golden Hill State Park near Barker, we took part in the New York State Park’s “I Love My Park Day.”

Several projects were available to work on and the one we chose was to help clean up a section of the Drake House ruins.

This photo shows a corner of the wall with a fancy curve section. A portion of the wall has broke apart revealing how it was constructed.

We have camped at Golden Hill for many years but had not heard of the ruins of the former Drake estate which are located at the extreme east end of the state park property along County Line Road.

We did not know what to expect but were really surprised with what we found. While the house no longer exits large sections of the very elaborately decorated walls which surrounded a large section the property still exits as does a brick patio area, fish pond and large stone barbecue feature.

A view of the wall from the curved corner looking east.

The accompanying photos show sections of the wall that include colorful inlaid mosaic tiles as well as brick and stone design features including an anchor and a horseshoe.

According to a pamphlet published by Town of Somerset Historian Lorraine Wayner, the estate’s house was constructed in the 1850s by Aaron Drake. Interestingly, one of the later owners was Robert Newell of Medina who owned the Newell Shirt factory.

Historian Wayner notes that the Newells, who owned the property in the 1930s, “restored the house, built a tea room and the fish pond was an added attraction.” She adds that in the following years the property was owned for a time by a religious group, the Bethesda Gospel Tabernacle.

Here is a close up view of a section of the wall showing several of the colorful mosaic tiles and a cross detail made of brick.

Historian Wayner notes that the property was “very much run down when Dr. Harry Parker, from Buffalo bought the property. He restored it to a point but the family didn’t live there long. Finally in 1962 New York State acquired the land as part of the development of Golden Hill State Park. Historian Wayner notes that ‘the house was demolished.’ The only thing left was the crumbling walls.”

It is those historic and intricately decorated estate walks that park officials are now looking to try to make a more active part of the park for visitors to enjoy, possibly including a picnic area.

The park welcomes any historic photos that show the original building. For more information on Golden Hill State Park, click here.

A close up section of the wall appears showing the inlaid anchor detail in stone.

Here is a section of the wall showing a cross and horseshoe details in brick and stone.

Here is a view of the patio with a large section of the estate wall.

The large stone barbecue feature was part of the Drake Estate.

The property includes this fish pond.

About 100 Brockville students were educated in 4-room schoolhouse

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 2 May 2015 at 12:00 am

MURRAY – This image taken in the late 1920s shows the interior of a classroom at the Murray District No. 6 School located on the corner of West Brockville and Fancher roads. Unlike other rural schoolhouses in the area, this building had four classrooms used to teach over 100 students enrolled in the district.

This particular school was constructed in 1911 and was likely built to accommodate the Italian families living in the area. Guy D’Amico served as the first teacher and instructed all eight grades in three of the classrooms. Mabel Brockway and Ella Clark were the last two teachers to serve the district.

The school was closed in 1947 and in 1955 the district allowed the Fancher Legion Post to use the building following a devastating fire that burned their former post building the previous year. When the Fancher Post disbanded in 1971, a heated debate over ownership ensued.

Per terms of the original use agreement, ownership would revert to District No. 6 should the Fancher Post cease to use the building. Instead, Jewell Buckman Post of Holley claimed ownership and razed the building in 1972, claiming the building was dilapidated and a safety hazard to the community.

Row 1 (near door): Kathryn Vendetta, Roger Valentine, Nello Seusoli and Laurence Passarell.

Row 2: Billy Bower, Henry Paduano, Edwin Bower, Camille Monacelli, Antonette Colucci, Fern Napoleon and Arthur Monacelli.

Row 3: Louis Monacelli, Lena Mele, Gordon Valentine, James Bell, Clara DePalma, Richard Vendetta and Myron Converse.

Row 4: Floyd Valentine, Seymour Clark, Ronald Hilfiker, Verna Presutti, Iola Valentine and Otta Nenni.

Three students – Norma DiLaura, Ettore D’Amico and Lorraine Monacelli – were absent from class the day this photograph was taken.

Shelby was home to historic Indian fort

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
SHELBY – Shelby, long before it was officially the Town of Shelby, was once home to the only double palisaded fort in New York State.

The Neuter Indians built the fort with two walls in the 14th Century on Salt Works Road, south of Route 31 near Blair Road.

There is a historical marker by the property that was put up in 1932 by the NYS Department of Education. The sign says the fort was destroyed by the Iroquois Indians in 1650. This area is an ancient Indian archeological site.

I’m going to see if I can find out more about it.

Polish community built new church in Medina in 1910

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 26 April 2015 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – This image depicts the original Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church in Medina, located at the corner of Ann Street and High Street.

The children of the parish are seen gathering on the front steps of the church and the appearance of white dresses suggests that it was a First Holy Communion celebration. It appears as though the priest is standing on the porch of the house, which served as his living quarters.

The original parish was established under the pastorate of Ks. Tomasz Gwodz who arrived in 1910, appointed by Bishop Charles Colton on February 1st of that year. Prior to the arrival of a resident priest, the Polish community of Medina was served periodically by Ks. Stanislaw Bubacz who was rector at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Albion. Construction of this wood frame structure began in the spring of 1910 and the first Mass was celebrated on August 7, 1910.

In October of 1910, the church was formally dedicated by Msgr. Nelson Baker, who attended in place of Bishop Colton. Ks. Jan Pitass of Buffalo, the father of Buffalo’s Polish community, celebrated the Mass following the dedication ceremonies. Ks. Wojcik, Ks. Burtkowski, Ks. Bubacz, Ks. Gwodz, Rev. O’Brien, and Rev. Malloy were also present.

The choir from St. Mary’s in Albion sang the Mass and men from the St. Joseph’s and St. Stanislaus Societies were also present for the program. A large delegation of men, accompanied by two bands, escorted the officiating clergy to the church where hundreds of people crammed into the new edifice. Those who could not fit into the church participated in the service from the front lawn of the property.

The earliest members of the congregation, if they were still with us today, would recall the makeshift altar, wooden benches, and the Round Oak stove used to heat the new church. The building was covered in brick shortly after 1925, during which time the church was expanded, a school built for the children, a home purchased for the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, and the rectory enlarged.

Medina dedicates historical marker for Frederick Douglass

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 April 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Orleans Renaissance Group and students from Oak Orchard Elementary School joined with other community members to dedicate a historical marker today for Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist who visited the area several times in the mid-1800s.

Douglass lived in Rochester and was a powerful orator and newspaper editor. The historical marker unveiled today on Main Street in Medina highlights two speeches he gave in Medina.

Chris Busch, on platform, is chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group, which secured the funding and worked out the details for the marker.

In 1849, Douglass delivered a speech in Medina at the former Methodist Episcopal Church on Main Street (the current Fuller block, home of Main Street Appliance). He also visited Medina in 1869 and gave a celebratory address for Emancipation entitled “We are not yet quite free.” That event on Aug. 3 was attended by African-Americans from throughout the state.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Michael Kracker, district director for U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, both addressed a crowd of more than 100 people at the dedication, praising the Medina community for honoring Douglass.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley addresses the group of students and other community members on Main Street.

Hawley said Douglass deserves the praise and the permanent marker “for all of the work that he did for all of mankind.”

The dedication has been timed with the Civil Encampment organized by Genesee Community College. Medina is hosting that event on the 150th anniversary of the final year of the Civil War. The Encampment continues until Sunday. For a schedule of events, visit https://civilwaratgcc.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/encampment-schedule_2015_final.pdf.

David Kreutz, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, helps dedicate the historical marker. Ed Brodbeck, who portrays General Ulysses Grant, is at right.

Several community members donated to the marker, including Judge James Punch, Gabrielle and Andina Barone, Medina Sandstone Society, David and Gail Miller, Wilson Southworth, Nunzio Maiorana, Katherine Bogan, Bill Hungerford, Mark Kruzynski, Chris and Cynthia Busch and an anonymous donor.

Busch addressed the group with these closing comments:

“Let these words here, cast in iron, now and for all time, give us pause to remember our intrepid and beloved countryman, Frederick Douglass, and our forebears who stood with him in the cause of freedom and emancipation, in dark and dangerous times, when few had the courage to do so. Let us with this marker never forget their courage, and solemnly pledge to preserve their legacy for all generations.”

Carlton resident leads local genealogical and preservation efforts

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am

Heritage Hero: Holly Ricci-Canham

Photo by Tom Rivers – Holly Ricci-Canham is pictured with two books she has written, including “Carlton and Point Breeze” with Avis Townsend and “Legendary Locals of Orleans County.” She is working on a new book about local farms.

Provided photo – Holley Ricci-Canham, back row third from left, is pictured with people on an orphan train re-enactment in April 2004. The group includes, front row: Danielle Ricci, Elizabeth Furmanski and Charlie Ricci. Back row: Cathie Bary, Holly Ricci-Canham and Holly’s mother “Mike” Ricci.

Holley Ricci-Canham is pictured in the Local History Room at the Hoag Library, where she spends a lot of time looking through local records and newspapers.

Provided photo – These orphans, headed to Father Baker’s Home in Lackawanna, are pictured in an undated photo.

Editor’s note: Ricci-Canham also wants to include pictures of children on toy pedal tractors in her upcoming farm book. This picture shows her as a girl on a pedal tractor. For more information about sharing a childhood photo, email Ricci-Canham at HollisCan@aol.com.

CARLTON – It’s a story that moved Holly Ricci-Canham, and sent her searching through Census records and old newspapers for more information.

Thousands of children from 1853 to 1929 were part of the “orphan train” movement. Their parents may have died, been incarcerated or institutionalized. The children boarded trains and typically headed west, with many welcomed to a home for children in Lackawanna run by Father Nelson Baker. Many others found new homes in farming communities, which were perceived as being “healthy” for the children.

Ricci-Canham was so moved by the story that she organized an orphan train re-enactment in Medina in April 2004. About 500 rode the train, including five original riders on an Orphan Train. Many of the riders have been successful in tracking down their family history.

“We wanted to educate the public about genealogy,” said Ricci-Canham, president of the Orleans County Genealogy Society. “If they could trace their genealogy, any of us can.”

That effort would ramp up Ricci-Canham’s interest and leadership in the local genealogical efforts and also in chronicling local history.

She co-wrote “Carlton and Point Breeze” with Avis Townsend in 2006, a book that is a photographic history of the community.

Ricci-Canham also wrote “Legendary Locals of Orleans County” in 2012, highlighting prominent residents who excelled in civic affairs, business, agriculture, sports, politics and the arts. “We have a lot to crow about,” she said.

Ricci-Canham is interviewing local farmers for a new book about farm families in the county. She has completed 100 oral history interviews as part of that effort.

“The farmers and their families want to tell their stories and share their pictures,” she said. “This book has taken on a life of its own.”

Her book projects are used as fund-raisers for the Orleans County Genealogical Society.

Ricci-Canham has been named one of four “Heritage Heroes” in Orleans County and the group of honorees will be recognized at 7 p.m. Friday as part of the Civil War Encampment at the Medina GCC Campus Center.

Ricci-Canham grew up on a farm in Kenyonville run by her parents, Pete and “Mike” Ricci. They would relocate the fruit and vegetable farm to West Avenue in Albion. Her upbringing on the farm made her what to tell the stories of local “Mom and Pop” farms. She is working to have the book out in the fall during harvest season.

“I’m incurably sentimental and so are all of the people I’ve interviewed,” she said.

Ricci-Canham was nominated for the Heritage Hero award by Matthew Ballard, an award-winner last year and the Orleans County historian.

Ballard said Canham’s efforts with genealogy, helping so many people trace their ancestry, has eased that pressure from local historians. She is president of the Genealogical Society which has 200 members.

“There is no greater puzzle on earth than genealogy,” she said. “We might all be related. The fun is knowing how.”

Ballard also said Ricci-Canham has been an active member of the Daghters of the American Revolution and did most of the work in getting the DAR House on North Main Street listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

“The building is often referred to as the Patriot House, a name established by her,” Ballard said in his nomination letter for Ricci-Canham.

Ricci-Canham continues to travel around the state giving lectures to school children and other groups about the Orphan Train movement. She often brings along costumes and will draft kids into role playing.

Ballard said Ricci-Canham has made many meaningful contributions to preserving local history and honoring many residents who have contributed to the county.

“There are very few people amongst our ranks who can claim such numerous and significant contributions to the betterment of the community and protection of its culture and heritage,” Ballard said. “Without her energy, passion and selfless dedication, I doubt that any of this, that I have mentioned, could come to fruition.”

Drawing of historic church in Clarendon given to Historical Society

Staff Reports Posted 20 April 2015 at 12:00 am

Provided photos
CLARENDON – Georgia Thomas, left, and her sister Joycelyn Jennings, right, present a drawing by Arthur Barnes of the former Universalist Church in Clarendon to Historical Society President Melissa Ierlan.

The two sisters purchased the drawing at an estate sale. They framed it and wanted to give it to the Historical Society.

The church was demolished a few years ago. It was built on Route 31A, just east of Route 237, in 1837 on land donated by Eldredge Farwell, the town’s first pioneer settler.

Gaines Town Historian Dee Robinson spoke last Wednesday to the Historical Society about Clarendon native Dr. Gertrude A Farwell, granddaughter of Clarendon’s founder.

Dr. Farwell received her doctorate degree in 1874 and she worked in New York City and later in Holley. Robinson has done extensive research on notable women and their contributions to Orleans County in the 1800s.

Founder of Santa Claus School also was a farmer

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 18 April 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – This photograph shows Charles W. Howard playing an unusual role; that of the secretary of the Orleans County Fair Association.

Taken sometime in the late 1910s, Charlie is shown standing on the race track of the old county fairgrounds in Albion. A number of men are lined up in the background, sitting atop the fence.

Born and raised at the family homestead on the corner of Route 31 and Gaines Basin Road, his earliest years were spent partaking in household chores and working the family farm. He was active in local agricultural societies and the Orleans County Fair Association for many years.

In 1926 Howard suffered injuries to his legs after falling from the top of a silo, 20 feet to the cement ground. After taking the plunge, he was rushed to the local hospital where it was discovered that he had broken his leg and broken bones in the other foot.

Around 10 years later, he suffered another fall, this time from atop a loaded hay wagon. After resting for four days, he returned to work performing his usual farm jobs. It was nearly three weeks later that he traveled to Rochester for x-rays, only to have the doctor exclaim, “My gosh, man, you’ve got a broken neck!” His neck was placed in a cast and he quickly returned to laboring on his farm.

Both injuries would have a lasting physical effect on Charlie. Despite this, he still went on to establish his famed Santa Claus School in 1937, operate his beloved Christmas Park, and enjoy the distinction of being one of the most adored men in the world. Howard has been an inspiration for many; a man of love, charity, and kindness – a true local legend.

Marker for famed abolitionist will be unveiled next week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2015 at 12:00 am

Provided images from Orleans Renaissance Group – Frederick Douglass spoke at the Methodist Episcopal Church, shown at right, on Aug. 3, 1869. This church burned in 1874. Looking south, you can see the Bent’s Opera House and the old spire of the First Presbyterian Church before the spire was removed.

MEDINA – The “Citizens of Medina” will dedicate a historical marker next Friday (April 24) in honor of Frederick Douglass and the two speeches he gave in the village.

Douglass, a Rochester newspaper editor and leading abolitionist, visited Medina and Orleans County on several occasions.

A new historical marker will highlight those visits by Douglass. The Orleans Renaissance Group has lined up the donations for the historical marker. It will be dedicated at 9 a.m. next Friday at 430 Main St.

The dedication has been timed with the Civil Encampment organized by Genesee Community College. Medina is hosting that event on the 150th anniversary of the final year of the Civil War.

A Frederick Douglass re-enactor is expected to be part of the marker’s dedication and will also meet with schoolchildren as part of educational outreach programs with the Civil War Re-enactment.

Douglass found a like-minded audience when he visited Orleans County. Local historian Dee Robinson found reports of a meeting in 1850 at the Orleans County Courthouse in Albion. Congress had just passed the Fugitive Slave Act, saying runaway slaves needed to be returned, but Orleans residents voted to not enforce the law locally.

“The fact that the Village of Medina and Douglass are intertwined is a tremendous point of pride and should stand as an inspiration to current and future generations,” said Chris Busch, ORG vice chairman.

Albion brothers made ultimate sacrifice during first World War

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 12 April 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Pictured here is the family of John Galashan Sheret, Sr. of Albion. An immigrant from Newhills, Scotland, John came to Albion where he was employed as a block breaker. He later served as Secretary of the International Union of Paving Cutters of the United States and Canada.

Pictured in this photo (standing left to right) are John Jr., James, and Egbert. Seated, left to right: John Sr., Andrew, Marian, Anna, and Elsie. The photograph was taken circa 1906.

Egbert served with the Machine Gun Battalions, known as “Suicide Squads” during the Punitive Expedition in Mexico. Immediately following his return to New York City in 1917, he requested a transfer to the 3rd NY National Guard, Company F in Medina to serve with his brothers James and Andrew.

On Sept. 29, 1918, the 27th Division of the American Expeditionary Forces, containing the 108th Infantry and Company F, led a courageous charge on German defenses at the Hindenburg Line. Both Sgt. James Sheret and Pvt. Egbert Sheret were killed on that day. Andrew, the company’s bugler, was severely wounded during the engagement.

Sgt. Sheret was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery and his hometown paid tribute to him in naming the Albion Legion Post in his honor. Sheret Post #35 is regarded as one of the oldest American Legion Posts in Western New York, founded under the direction of Judge Bernard Ryan.

It should be noted that the 108th Infantry and the men of Company F, Orleans County’s own, were the only men to break the Hindenburg Line that fateful day.

4 picked as ‘Heritage Heroes’ in Orleans County

Posted 8 April 2015 at 12:00 am

Winners will be recognized at Civil War Encampment in Medina

Press Release, Genesee Community College

MEDINA – The renaissance mayor of Medina, a benevolent author who’s chronicled veterans’ oral histories, a tireless educator who restored a cemetery and a founding member of the Medina Sandstone Society have been selected for recognition with the second annual Orleans County Heritage Heroes Awards.

These awards honor the time and investment of individuals who are tireless advocates in preserving Orleans County history. The awards will be presented on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. under the central tent at the Civil War Encampment hosted by GCC’s Medina Campus Center. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

“It’s a true pleasure to shine a spotlight on these individuals who rarely receive recognition for all they do to preserve local history,” said Derek Maxfield, GCC assistant professor of history and coordinator of GCC’s Civil War Initiative.

The recipients of the second Heritage Heroes Awards include:

Holly Ricci-Canham – One of the founders of the Orleans County Genealogical Society, Holly has served as the president of the organization and spearheaded the effort to educate the public about the Orphan Train Movement. This led to a reenactment at the Medina Railroad Museum and the discovery of several area residents who were brought to Orleans County by an Orphan Train.

For many years now Holly has also spent many hours recording and transcribing oral histories of veterans for permanent preservation by the Library of Congress.

Somehow in the midst of these many efforts, Holly has published a number of books including “Legendary Locals of Orleans County,” and a book about the history of Carlton and Point Breeze for the “Images of America Series.” Holly has donated the proceeds of these works to the Orleans County Genealogical Society.

Susan Starkweather Miller – A longtime leader of student learning projects, Susan has taken on heritage initiatives time and again. The most ambitious of these was the effort to clean up and restore a cemetery at the former County Alms House on West Countyhouse Road. Working with 175 seventh-graders, their teachers and local historians, she researched the people buried in the cemetery for the county’s poor residents, reset headstones and erected a historical marker at the site. Later Susan would work with students on a booklet highlighting the cemetery and the efforts to restore it.

Susan also serves as one of the coordinators of the popular annual ghost walk at Mount Albion Cemetery and also works with students on projects that connect them with local senior citizens.

Andrew W. Meier – Currently mayor of Medina, Andrew has long been an advocate for the preservation of historic buildings. Beginning with his effort to preserve the Newell Building, he has been a leader of the movement to save the Bent’s Opera Hall and other buildings in historic downtown Medina.

Opened in 1875, the Newell building was purchased by Andrew about six years ago. Since that time he has created the Shirt Factory Café and renovated the building for apartments and a boutique hotel.

The Bent’s Hall opened in February 1865 and was dedicated near the end of the Civil War. The Orleans Renaissance Group was formed to salvage and restore the building. Andrew has served on the board of directors and served as treasurer and counsel. He also takes his message beyond the limits of Medina, speaking about preservation and revitalization wherever he can find an audience.

Andrew’s interest in preservation extends beyond buildings to include pipe organs as well. At one time Medina could boast seven such instruments. Today there are efforts to restore two organs. Andrew is leading the charge to install a rescued Holtcamp organ at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In 2012, Andrew’s preservation efforts were recognized by Business First in an extensive article that spotlighted the renaissance of downtown Medina.

William A. Menz – Dating back to 1977 and earlier, William Menz demonstrated his passion for historic preservation and celebration of local heritage. Beginning with the formation of the Armory Action Committee, William led efforts to find a civic purpose for the sandstone armory building and its maintenance. Eventually, the Medina Sandstone Society was born from these efforts with William a founding member.

More recently William formed the Company F Monument Committee to find a way to commemorate the armory’s military past and to honor the many war veterans from the area. This effort was very personal for William and he immersed himself in the planning, research, fundraising and even the construction of the monument itself!

Many days were spent choosing the stone, grinding and milling it to perfection. And he did not stop there. Working with the scouts and others, he planned a little memorial park around the monument with flag poles and plants and shrubbery. A monumental effort indeed!

Those selected as Heritage Heroes could be of any age but had to be living residents of Orleans County. No posthumous nominations were accepted. History professionals and GCC employees were also not eligible for the award, nor were those serving on the awards selection committees. The selection committees were made up of staff and students of Genesee Community College, community members and history professionals.

The Civil War Encampment at the Medina Campus Center includes a wide range of activities on April 25-26. Saturday’s planned activities include Prof. Maxfield narrating the retreat of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army and subsequent surrender at Appomattox Court House.

The event begins with a lively skirmish at State Street Park. Troops will then advance into downtown Medina where Generals Lee and Grant will meet, and a sandstone plaque will be dedicated at Bent’s Opera Hall followed by a flag-raising and the playing of “Taps.”

For the latest information about the Encampment visit https://civilwaratgcc.wordpress.com, or contact assistant professor Derek Maxfield at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6288 or ddmaxfield@genesee.edu. GCC’s Medina Campus Center is located at 11470 Maple Ridge Rd.

Students at Clarendon school pictured in 1902

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 4 April 2015 at 12:00 am

CLARENDON – This photograph taken June 2, 1902 at the Root Schoolhouse in Clarendon shows Miss Edith McCormick, age 22, with her students. Hanging in the window is a 45-star flag.

The school was located on the northwest corner of Munger Road and Cook Road (now Merrill Road). The Cook Cemetery is located across the road to the south.

1902 marked the conclusion of Miss McCormick’s third year of teaching. A party was held on the lawn of Mrs. Mary Cook where Adah Laskey, on behalf of the entire class, presented Miss McCormick with a “nice toilet case.”

Pictured left to right, back row: George Eggers, Jamie Andrews Bird, Bertha Cook Eular, Adah Laskey Russell, Lillian Robinson Carlson, Myrtle Maxon Heise, George Whipple, Earl Laskey.

Middle row: Otis Cook, Frank Ritz, Daisy Andrews, Genie Eggers, May Cook Johnson, Mabel Maxon Greenache, Carrie Eggers Eular, Nellie Chugg.

Front row: Eddie Eggers, Harvey Whipple, Clark Maxon, Guy Pridmore, Howard Cook.

Adah Laskey Russell is the great-great-grandmother of Ballard.

New historian’s debut column features Albion’s Polish Band

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 28 March 2015 at 12:00 am

The Polish Band from St. Mary’s Assumption Parish is pictured in 1904 or 1905 and includes, front row: Alexander Rytlewski, Frank Kwiatkowski, John Jasniewski, Frank Jaworski, John Nayman, James Kaniecki, D. Jaworski, Frank Smith, Frank Furmanski, Stanley Rice and Ignatius Rice. Middle: Joseph Zwiefka, Joseph Rytlewski, Reynolds (Bandmaster), August Mager and Stanley Rutkowski. Back: Max Waclawski, C. Kaminski, ? Kaminski, John Gurzinski and Stephen Cichocki.

ALBION – While addressing the first meeting of the Orleans County Pioneer Association more than 150 years ago, Arad Thomas remarked, “we shall teach our children the story of their labors and success, as examples to be imitated”

Of course Thomas was referring to the men and women who journeyed hundreds of miles into the wildness that was Orleans County, risking their lives to start a new life.

When Theta Hakes Brown assumed the role of Orleans County Historian in 1938, she worked diligently to preserve the accomplishments of our forefathers and set in stone the importance of local history. Some 45 years later, C. W. Lattin continued that legacy of education and historic preservation for 35 years.

It is a remarkable feeling to receive the honor of serving as the next Orleans County Historian, a responsibility that is often overshadowed or taken for granted within our communities. Our county has a long, rich, and expansive history that has been overlooked outside our boundaries and it is my goal to continue to share that history within our community and with others across the State of New York.

This image shows the band standing at the intersection of Brown and Moore Streets. Looking north, you can see several people standing along the bridge crossing the west branch of Sandy Creek. Also visible on the southwest corner at the intersection of Caroline and Brown Streets was a saloon owned and operated by Frank Majewski. The house, second from the right, was razed several years ago. The center of the Polish community and Albion existed at this intersection and many of these houses were home to multiple immigrant families during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Local history has been a deep-rooted passion of mine since I was all but 12 years old; I suppose you can say that I’ve dedicated more than half my life to the history of this area. That interest is what inspired me to study history at the College at Brockport and my passion for research and education is what drove me to pursue a degree in Library Science from the University at Buffalo.

I can think of no better way to start a weekly column than to share two of my favorite photographs. This is a two-for-one special to start! This image on top shows the Polish Band from St. Mary’s Assumption Parish in Albion standing on the front steps of the church at Brown and Moore Streets, taken sometime around 1904 or 1905.

Led by Bandmaster Reynolds (believed to be Cassius M.C. Reynolds) of Albion, the young men wore dark green uniforms lined with gold braiding and performed at ceremonies and parades throughout the area.

Preservationists want to save old cobblestone school

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – This former one-room schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, just north of the Erie Canal, has been largely abandoned since decentralization in the mid-1940s. A Gaines resident would like to see the building be saved and preserved for years to come.

GAINES – A building that has been vacant since about World War II could get new life through the efforts of local preservationists.

Gaines resident Al Capurso is leading the effort to save, stabilize and seek resources for a former cobblestone schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, just north of the Erie Canal.

The Orleans County Historical Association will discuss efforts to preserve Gaines Basin District No. 2. The association meets 2 p.m. Thursday at Hoag Library. The public is welcome to attend and share ideas for the building.

“It is sitting there, just waiting for us to take care of it,” Capurso said about the building.

The schoolhouse was built in 1832. A log cabin schoolhouse preceded that structure at the site. Capurso said some of the early pioneers in the Albion and Gaines area attended the school. Caroline Phipps was one of the teachers at the log cabin. It’s where she got her start as a teacher.

She would later start a women’s academy, the Phipps Union Seminary, in Albion. That school was located where the County Clerk’s Building now stands next to the courthouse.

There is an effort to have a historical marker outside the building and also to get the site listed on the state and national registers of historic places.

Capurso would like to have a historical marker by the cobblestone building that notes the significance of the site as a school. He wants the Orleans County Historical Association, where he is a member, to apply for a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation for the marker. That foundation funded a marker in Clarendon for Hillside Cemetery last year.

Capurso has also recruited help from Melissa Ierlan and Erin Anheier, members of the Clarendon Historical Society, to help get the cobblestone schoolhouse on the state and national registers of historic places. Anheier wrote successful applications for several sites in Clarendon and in the Brockport area, helping the properties to be listed and making them eligible for tax credits for renovations and preservation efforts.

Capurso said community members will also be needed to help with some of the work to make the building usable as a possible museum, display area and meeting place, perhaps for the Orleans County Historical Association.

“Saving the building will be a longer term effort with human power,” Capurso said.

Students make a stop on Underground Railroad

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2015 at 12:00 am

Niagara farm still has below-ground concealed chamber used to hide runaway slaves

Photos by Tom Rivers
BURT – Albion students in the multicultural clubs at the elementary and high schools visited Murphy Orchards last Friday. The Niagara County farm on McClew Road was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

The students are shown entering the barn at Murphy Orchards, which owner Xander Murphy said is largely unchanged from the Underground Railroad era in 1850 to 1861.

A concealed chamber in the barn remains. A ladder leads to a room that is 12 feet below ground.

The Murphy family and historians are unsure if the concealed room was originally built to hide people escaping slavery or for McClew family members to hide from invading British soldiers or hostile Native Americans. An archeological investigation is underway to help solve that mystery.

Charles and Anna Maria McClew were active in humanitarian work along the Underground Railroad from 1850 to 1861. After the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1850 (when Buffalo native Millard Fillmore was president), the federal government allowed bounty hunters to track down runaway slaves in the North and return them to their owners in the South.

If the runaway slaves could make it to Canada, they would be free. Orleans and Niagara counties were a popular route along the Underground Railroad, as runaway slaves, often led by Harriet Tubman and other conductors, travelled along the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario shoreline, working their way to Canada, Murphy told the students.

The farm in Burt was a popular spot on the Underground Railroad. It was out in the country and people could move at night, less likely to be detected by the bounty hunters.

Murphy said some farmers would transport escaped slaves in horse-drawn wagons. Some of the farmers and other residents opened up their homes and barns for the runaway slaves, feeding them and giving them a place to rest before the next stop on their journey.

“People like the McClews stood up to bullies,” Murphy told the students in the multicultural clubs. “If we could all stand up to injustice, the world would be a better place.”

Students walk from a barn through an orchard to reach Hopkins Creek, a popular route used by runaway slaves about 160 years ago.

There were 21 students from Albion on the tour on Friday, as well as parent chaperones and the club advisors, Carmen Rose Brittan in the elementary school and Della Morales in the high school.

Xander Murphy, right, leads the students to Hopkins Creek. Escaped slaves would likely follow the creek to the Lake Ontario shoreline and then head west to Niagara Falls.

Murphy said many of the runaway slaves only had their feet covered in cloths or they were barefoot. Often they travelled at night, walking through streams as they moved closer to Canada.

Jeremiah Knight provides a steady hand to an Albion student who wanted to touch the water in Hopkins Creek.

Murphy said students were walking on the same ground, seeing the same stones and much of the same landscape as the runaway slaves.

Murphy Orchards is part of the New York State Underground Railroad Heritage Trail.

For more information about Murphy Orchards, click here.