By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 17 May 2015 at 12:00 am
This image shows the storefront of F. H. Lattin & Company in Chicago, Ill. Although this is not an image of a building in Orleans County, Frank Haak Lattin of Gaines operated this store as one of several specializing in the sale of natural specimens, instruments and supplies.
Graduating from the Albion High School in 1882, Lattin would spend several years teaching in Gaines. Lattin recognized the rich geological nature of the Orleans County region and collected a number of specimens from neighboring sandstone and limestone quarries.
In his earliest years as a collector he focused his attention strictly on birds’ eggs and started a publication called the “Oologist” in 1884. That collection of eggs became so extensive that it occupied two warehouses and at one time pieces of the collection were placed on exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago.
By the time of his retirement in 1896, he was regarded as one of the most well known dealers of his kind in the United States. He would later attend the University of Buffalo, graduating from the medical department in 1899.
Lattin also became a well-respected fruit grower throughout New York State with over 200 acres of land dedicated to the growing of pears, cherries, peaches, plums and apples in both Orleans and Oswego counties.
At the time of this photograph, Lattin was heavily engaged in the wholesale and retail business, selling specimens, instruments, supplies and publications for the naturalist. The careful eye can catch a glimpse of the variety of specimens within the storefront.
In the window to the left is the nose extension of a sawfish. In the window to the right you can see an alligator lying across the length of the window and the mounted head of a red fox. Frank Lattin is standing on the left.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Walter Jakubowski of Albion is pictured with some of the photographs he has featured in an exhibit about the Pratt Opera House and the restorative efforts from 2013 to 2015.
ALBION – One photo from 10 years ago shows former Congressman John LaFalce and former Albion Mayor Ed Salvatore in the Pratt Opera House. The floor is covered in pigeon droppings and pigeon carcasses.
More recent photos show the same stage in the Pratt Opera House cleaned, sanded and refinished.
Walter Jakubowski, an Albion photographer, has been taking photos in the Pratt since 2013. He documented some of the restorative efforts by Michael Bonafede and his wife Judith Koehler.
About 20 of those photos will be on display in an exhibit opening Saturday at Salih Studio at 24 East Bank St. There will be an opening reception from 2 to 5 p.m. The exhibit runs until June 20, and will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays.
One of Jakubowski’s photos shows a ticket from a performance at the Pratt Theatre.
The exhibit also includes old seating charts and some historic photos of the Pratt, where construction on the third floor building started in 1890.
The opera house seated 400 and hosted numerous plays, theater events and other live performances. By World War II, the opera house was largely dormant and its chairs removed so the steel could be salvaged during the scrap metal drives.
The opera house would spend about 70 years pretty much out of the public eye. The site was falling in disrepair when Bonafede and Koehler purchased it in 2005.
The couple was on the tour with LaFalce and Salvatore. The former mayor asked the Bonafede family to take on the project, seeing a restored opera house as a major draw for Albion.
The family has done extensive work on the opera house and the entire building. The opera house has more work to be done. It doesn’t yet have a certificate of occupancy.
Jakubowski has many photos of the interior of the Pratt following an extensive cleanup effort and restorative work.
The first and second floors on the building on North Main Street are home to 11 tenants, up from two when the Bonafede family acquired the property.
“We feel like we’ve salvaged the building,” Michael Bonafede said today. “We didn’t achieve our dreams but we’re ready for someone to take it to the next level.”
Bonafede and Koehler said they would consider an offer for the property from “someone with the right vision.”
Jakubowski wanted to document the efforts by Bonafede and Koehler, and also highlight an important building in Albion’s history.
“People used to have rocking times up there,” he said. “It’s part of the cultural history of the area.”
Jakubowski said generations of people have been driving by the building without seeing or appreciating the opera house. He wanted them to get a glimpse of the grandeur.
“I think a lot of people aren’t aware of what’s up there,” he said today while hanging his photos at Salih Studio. “It’s tucked up on the third floor and people don’t see it or think about it.”
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 9 May 2015 at 12:00 am
GAINES – On June 1, 1980 the Cobblestone Society formally dedicated the newly relocated Farmer’s Hall situated on Route 98 just south of Route 104.
The occasion was marked by a farmers’ parade from Gaines to Childs, which ended at Tillman’s Village Inn. Following the dedication ceremony in front of the Hall, attendees enjoyed a little fun and fellowship at the museum.
This picture shows Charlie and Jean Shervin “cuttin’ the rug” at the festivities following the dedication. The photo was taken in front of Radzinski’s H&A located where Crosby’s gas station currently sits.
The brick building in the background was part of the brick house that now serves as the Cobblestone Museum’s resource center. This portion of the building and the old liquor store attached to the front of the house were both removed after the museum purchased the building in 1998.
In its 55th year, the Cobblestone Museum will open this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a fantastic opportunity to tour seven historic buildings, including the Farmer’s Hall, which celebrates its 160th birthday this year!
File photo by Tom Rivers – The Farmer’s Hall (the yellow building) is pictured with other historic buildings – the harness and print shops – this past February.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
