CLARENDON – Due to the rapidly escalation of the COVID-19, coronarvirus, the Clarendon Town Offices, Court and Highway Department will be closed to the public until further notice. At this point, the Town Court intends to resume April 30.
Offices will continue to operate but will restrict exposure in order to provide essential government services. If you have questions you may email us or call the appropriate office.
Please deposit any necessary payments/documents in the drop box, located to the west of the Town Clerk Office door. Include your name and phone number so we can contact you if necessary.
We regret this decision. In the best interest of our community it has become necessary to help prevent the spread of the virus. This is a routine precautionary measure and not a cause for panic. Thank you.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Firefighters from Holley and Clarendon served as pall bearers for Jon DeYoung’s funeral today. They are shown placing his coffin in a Clarendon fire truck. A caravan of fire trucks and firefighters then followed from Holley to Mount Albion Cemetery for DeYoung’s burial.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2020 at 11:02 pm
Jon DeYoung led fire company while getting chemo, radiation treatments
Jon DeYoung
HOLLEY – Jon DeYoung’s friends and family, and many local firefighters said goodbye today to the long-time Clarendon volunteer firefighter, who served as fire chief and continued to answer numerous calls while undergoing chemo and radiation.
DeYoung, 55, died on March 10. He fought cancer for seven years.
He inspired many in the community with his dedication to the fire company, and also for his steadfast support of his three sons – Jeremy, Jon Jr. and Tyler – while they played sports at Holley and then when they followed his example in becoming volunteer firefighters in Clarendon.
“Everything in his life had to do with making a real connection to real people,” said the Rev. Aleka Schmidt, who led his service today at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes in Holley.
She praised DeYoung for living out four tenants – courage, honor, commitment and duty.
DeYoung was known by many in the community as a dedicated firefighter. He was also a devoted family man, who loved to hunt, go camping and spend time on the golf course. (He had more fun finding other peoples’ lost golf balls than actually playing the game.)
The ladder trucks from Clarendon and Bergen were extended to make an arch at Mount Albion Cemetery.
When his sons played baseball, DeYoung would take them to the field early and throw them batting practice. He was eager to help the coaches with the team, and offered lots of encouragement to all the players.
His sons also played soccer, basketball and ran cross country. DeYoung would bring a bike to games and meets, and ride along the 3.1 mile cross country course at different check points to cheer on the runners.
He made all the games, while working full-time in Rochester as a tool-and-die designer for Acro Industries, and responding to hundreds of fire and EMS calls.
“He was a superhero, a magician,” said his son Tyler, 25. “I don’t know how he did it.”
His brother Jon Jr., 28, is a captain in the fire company. He said his father had a drive to help other people.
Jeremy, 30, is a life member in the fire company. He said his father enjoyed being a mentor to the firefighters and Holley’s young athletes. He was patient in teaching skills and providing motivation.
The flag was lowered at the Clarendon fire hall in honor of Jon DeYoung, and his helmet and turnout gear were set by a memorial for firefighters.
DeYoung was well regarded among the fire departments in the county, especially in the eastern battalion – Holley, Clarendon, Fancher-Hulberton-Murray and Kendall. DeYoung didn’t see those departments as rivals. He saw them as one unit, said Bob Freida, a past Clarendon fire chief and one of DeYoung’s close friends.
Today at the funeral, firefighters from Holley and Clarendon served as pallbearers. Freida said DeYoung would have appreciated that, without any one department being singled out.
He supported a firefighter youth group for children, with the hope they would eventually join a fire company. That youth group mostly includes students in Clarendon, Holley and FHM fire districts.
Dan Campbell, past fire chief, and another close friend for DeYoung, shared the firefighter’s prayer at the funeral home. Campbell also said DeYoung had a great sense of humor and was a fun person to be with.
“No words can do justice to his sacrifice,” Campbell said during the service today. “We lost one of our bravest. Jon battled this disease the past seven years and never gave up.”
Several fire trucks from the eastern battalion as well as Barre were part of the funeral processional for 10 miles to Mount Albion Cemetery.
DeYoung was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in April 2013. In October 2014, he had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to remove his colon, prostate, bladder and stomach. That kept the cancer away for more than three years. It was back in December 2017.
That meant more chemo and radiation. Through it all, DeYoung kept going to fire calls.
Last April 27, the Fire Company’s Board of Directors presented DeYoung with the Firefighter of the Year award.
At that time, DeYoung was fighting cancer for the fourth time, and continued to put on the turn-out gear and respond to many of the fire calls and accidents. He also attended committee meetings and training sessions.
“Regardless of everything going on he stays very active and is at the fire scenes, the trainings and all the committees,” Freida, president of the fire company, said then. “He is truly doing the job as fire chief. We wanted to recognize him for his determination and fight to continue to give back to his community.”
Despite having a rough day with his illness, DeYoung made sure to attend the banquet last April so he could present the Chief’s Award to his son, Jon DeYoung Jr., who worked three years to get new rescue tools for the fire company.
DeYoung also was able to recognize his other sons for milestone anniversaries of service to the fire company. Jeremy in 2019 reached the 15-year milestone as a volunteer firefighter while Tyler reached 10 years.
“As the Chief and father of these young men I couldn’t have been more proud,” DeYoung posted on his Facebook page after the banquet.
Firefighters including Troy Kingdollar, front left, and Bob Freida, front right, served as pallbearers for DeYoung. They are shown at Mount Albion Cemetery.
Freida was one of the pallbearers at the funeral today. He presented a folded American flag to DeYoung’s wife of 31 years, Brenda, a former EMT.
Freida and DeYoung both have about 35 years as volunteer firefighters. They are buddies and long-time leaders for the fire company. DeYoung was fire chief seven years, and was the deputy chief during Freida’s eight years as chief.
“He was just a good, wholehearted person,” Freida said. “No matter what you threw at Jon, he was always there.”
Freida said the two responded to many difficult calls together – serious car accidents and fires.
Bob Freida has a black stripe on his badge to symbolize the mourning among firefighters at the funeral today.
“I truly consider him a brother,” Freida said.
An Orleans County dispatcher gave the last call for DeYoung today at about 11:30. It was the final call for DeYoung and badge number 171.
“Thank you for 35 years of unwavering dedication to your family and community,” the dispatcher said in a message broadcast at the funeral home. “Your legacy will never be forgotten.”
DeYoung grew up in a firefighting family. His father, the late Richard DeYoung, was a firefighter in Rochester and then joined the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company. His son Jon joined 35 years ago when he was 20.
Jon was the fire chief right up until Jan. 1. He was succeeded by his brother, Jim.
Jon was a long-time leader for the fire company. He could be counted on to do the training needed to respond in many emergency situations, from interior firefighting, motor vehicle accidents and extrications, to medical calls. He knew what to do and kept a calm head.
DeYoung lived on Brown Schoolhouse Road, 2.8 miles away from the fire hall. He was determined to get to as many calls as possible, even when he was camping with his wife Brenda in Byron at Southwoods RV Resort, where he made many friends.
If it was a major holiday, and the family was sitting down for dinner, DeYoung would still respond to the fire call. When his sons became teen-agers and young adults, they joined him on those calls.
He knew all families of firefighters sacrifice when there is training, committee meetings, parades and fire calls.
In one of his last public acts, DeYoung attended the most recent fire company banquet on Feb. 15. This time he was in a wheelchair. He insisted on being there so he could present the Fire Chief’s Award to his wife of 31 years. He wanted to acknowledge Brenda’s support behind the scenes for so many years and for her love and care in his cancer fight.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2020 at 7:59 am
Provided photos
BROCKPORT – Larry Swanger, in blue shirt, was given a surprise party on Saturday at the Tap Room in Brockport for his 30-year career as Clarendon highway superintendent. Swanger retired on Dec. 31.
His wife Brenda planned the party, which was attended by about 75 people. Swanger is pictured with Highway Department employees – Eric Collyer, Danny Scroger, Larry Swanger, Jamie Steffen and Pete Surowy.
The highway crew made Swanger this diorama, which includes the Clarendon water tank. That was built in 1998. The town did a major expansion of public water lines during Swanger’s tenure.
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Photo by Tom Rivers: These town highway superintendents – from left, Larry Swanger of Clarendon, Mike Fuller of Shelby, and Ron Mannella of Gaines – are pictured at Tillman’s Village Inn on Wednesday. They were honored at the monthly meeting of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2019 at 8:45 am
Swanger, Fuller and Mannella led their towns through major waterline expansions
GAINES – Three town highways superintendents in Orleans County are retiring, with the trio serving 106 years combined as highway workers, including 70 years as the highway superintendents.
Larry Swanger of Clarendon, Ron Mannella of Gaines and Mike Fuller of Shelby have each put in many new miles of water districts, in addition to leading their departments in maintaining and plowing roads.
The superintendents were honored on Wednesday at the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association. They received citations from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways. That group’s president, Joel Kie of the Town of Dickinson near Binghamton, attended the meeting and praised the three local highway chiefs for their service.
Larry Swanger, left, is presented with citations for his service by Joel Kie (center), president of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways; and Michael Neidert, Albion town highway superintendent and president of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association.
Swanger is retiring after 30 years as Clarendon’s highway superintendent. When he started, there was one water district in Clarendon, and it was privately owned and served Thomas Estates. Now, Clarendon has 13 water districts spread over 50 miles with 830 customers. About two decades ago, the town built a water tower.
Swanger is the water superintendent, in addition to the highway leader. Mannella and Fuller also serve in both roles.
“I’ve liked the people and the other highway superintendents,” Swanger said. “It’s the people that you get involved with.”
Swanger said the job is more complicated than people realize.
“People don’t see the behind-the-scenes paperwork, the contracts you have to deal with,” he said.
Swanger didn’t seek re-election in November. Tracy Bruce Chalker was elected to the position and starts Jan. 1.
Ron Mannella is presented citations for his service by the president of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways and the president of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association.
Ron Mannella is retiring after 26 years as the Gaines highway superintendent. Before working in Gaines, Mannella was a motor equipment operator for six years with the Town of Albion Highway Department.
When he started with Gaines, the town had 8 miles of waterlines. Now there are more than 50 miles with 750 to 800 water customers. The expansion of public water is a big accomplishment for the town, Mannella said.
Gaines also used a grant to cover most of the costs of a salt storage shed. In 1999, the town highway garage collapsed after a heavy snow storm. A rebuilt garage opened in 2001.
Although Mannella is retiring as the highway superintendent, he will stay in public service as a new member of the Gaines Town Board. He received the most votes in November among four candidates. Mark Radzinski was elected in November to succeed Mannella as the highway superintendent.
“It was a good run,” Mannella said about the 26 years as highway superintendent. “The people of Gaines are really nice.”
Mike Fuller smiles after receiving his citations for a 44-year career with the Town of Shelby Highway Department.
Mike Fuller has worked 44 years with the Town of Shelby Highway Department, starting as a motor equipment operator when he was 21. The past 14 years he has been highway superintendent.
The town built its first water district in 1972 with 125 customers in the hamlet and on South Gravel Road. During Fuller’s career, the town expanded to 12 water districts serving 800 customers. Shelby also built a salt storage shed.
“We put in a lot of waterlines,” Fuller said. “Those are big projects.”
Shelby used to have its town building on Maple Ridge Road, where ALDI is located today. That site had contaminated soil from fuel. Fuller led the effort to have the soil removed from the site and relocated to the town property on Salt Works Road. The town used a bio-cell where micro-organisms improved the soil, which was cleared by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Fuller said that project was an interesting challenge for the Highway Department.
He also is pleased with the town’s efforts in helping to put in infrastructure and clear land for the Medina Business Park. Shelby teamed with the Medina Department of Public Works and Orleans County Highway Department for projects at the Business Park.
Fuller lost a close election last month to Dale Root for highway superintendent. Fuller said he will remain active in the community. He is past chief and current president of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. He also serves with the Knights of Columbus and has a part-time job with Mercy EMS in Batavia.
“I’ve enjoyed serving the people,” he said.
Mike Neidert, president of the Orleans County Town Highway Superintendents Association, is finishing his first four-year term as Albion’s superintendent. He said the local highway leaders embraced him when he started. He urged the group to continue that approach with the three new highway superintendents.
“Everyone took me under their wing and welcomed me in and I encourage everyone to do that with the new guys coming in,” Neidert said.
Joel Kie, president of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, attended the meeting, driving from near Binghamton. He said the town highway departments will need to press the state legislators to maintain funding for road maintenance. Kie said he is concerned about the state funding, especially with the state facing a shortfall.
He urged the highway superintendents to attend lobbying days in Albany on March 3-4.
“This year will be extra tough because of the deficits,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2019 at 4:00 pm
CLARENDON – A mini-mart at 4530 Holley-Byron Rd. will add an auto repair shop, a proposal that has the support of the Orleans County Planning Board.
The county board has recommended the Town of Clarendon approve a special use permit for Jeremy Van Ameron to operate the Van’s Auto Service on the rear side of the store, which includes a gas station.
Van Ameron will have separate parking for the auto repair shop. The hours for the repair shop will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday through Saturday.
The building currently has one bay door for vehicle access. Van Ameron plans to add two additional doors.
He is also buying the property from Vijay Gupta, who has been operating Twin’s Mini Mart at the location. Van Ameron will continue the store and gas station.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2019 at 3:22 pm
Tammi Bale delivered 1,583 pairs to Open Door Mission in 2018
Provided photo: Tammi Bale, left, of Clarendon is pictured on Nov. 26 last year when she delivered 1,583 pairs of new socks to the Open Door Mission in Rochester.
Tammi Bale has kicked off her fourth annual “Just Socks, Ma” program. She collects socks in honor of her late son, Robert, and gives them to a homeless shelter in Rochester.
Last year just after Thanksgiving she delivered 1,583 pairs of new socks to the Open Door Mission in Rochester.
Bale collects the socks in honor of her son, Robert Bale. He had a good job as a HVAC technician, often working 50 hours a week. He also had a secret addiction. He used heroin. His family didn’t know it, nor did his roommate or close friends. On March 10, 2016, he had a fatal overdose at age 28.
Robert was a hard-working young man who didn’t want to burden other people, even at Christmas, his mother said. When Tammi Bale asked her son what he wanted for a present, he responded: “Just socks, Ma.”
She has collection boxes for the socks at several locations in Orleans and Monroe counties.
In Orleans they are at Dustin’s Pizzeria in Holley, Avanti Pizza in Albion and Tim Hortons in Albion.
In Monroe County, the drop-off sites for socks include: Galaxy Auto Parts, 4974 W Ridge Rd., Spencerport; Cam’s Pizzeria, 336 East Ave., Rochester; Snuggery’s, 380 S Union St., Spencerport; and ROCovery Fitness, 1035 Dewey Ave., Rochester.
The boxes will be out until Nov. 19.
Bale will also accept socks at a collection box on her porch at Thomas Estates, 327 Sunset Drive, Clarendon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2019 at 6:51 pm
Photos courtesy of Tina Reed
CLARENDON – The Holley and Clarendon ladder trucks held a giant American flag high on Saturday during the memorial service for Paul Wagner at the Clarendon Fire Department Recreation Building.
Wagner was active in the local fire service for a half century, including 14 years as director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office. He retired on July 18, 2014.
Wagner was 73 when he passed away on June 21.
A contingent of firefighters from the Kendall Fire Department pay their respects to Wagner during the service in Clarendon, where Wagner is a past fire chief. He started as a firefighter in Shelby.
Dale Banker, the current EMO director, praised Wagner for his accomplishments, including his leadership with a $7.1 million overhaul to its emergency radio communications system.
Lynne Johnson, the chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, also commended Wagner for his service as the EMO director.
Wagner handled a high-stress job with his laid-back manner. He didn’t get ruffled and his calm demeanor helped other people keep their cool in some difficult circumstances.
Wagner retired as a chemist from Kodak and then worked full-time as the director of the Emergency Management Office. He joined the Shelby Fire Department when he was 18. When he moved to Clarendon, he joined that department and eventually became Clarendon’s fire chief.
The flag stands tall at the entrance to the Clarendon Fire Department Recreation Building, where firefighters from throughout the county gathered Saturday to honor Wagner.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 June 2019 at 8:18 pm
Vendors will be at Historical Society on Thursdays
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Suzanne Stymus shows of a quart of tomatoes in her booth at the Clarendon Farmers’ Market, which opened for the season on Thursday.
Nyla Gaylord, manager of the Clarendon Farmers’ Market, sits by her banty rooster, which she brought to opening day of the market on Thursday, along with frozen roasting chickens to sell.
CLARENDON – Clarendon Farmers’ Market opened for the season on Thursday afternoon, with a handful of vendors and music by the Fox Den Band from Brockport.
Nyla Gaylord is not only the market manager, but a vendor also. She brought frozen roasting chickens, which she raises.
Opening day saw a few vendors, but Gaylord said it will pick up as the season progresses.
In fact, she was excited about one local grower who said he will have fresh corn on the cob next week.
Big Dog BBQ from Holley was also a nice addition to market, Gaylord said. Owner Ed Rice said this was his first time at the market and he is looking forward to increased participation by vendors and customers.
Suzanne Stymus was doing business selling tomatoes, broccoli, beets and cucumbers. The Barre resident said her family farm, run by her husband Dennis and his father Edward, likes to sell locally.
Gary and Rita Casale of Clarendon had their homemade beef jerky. They heard about the market from the town historian, Melissa Ierlan.
“And we love Nyla and wanted to support the market,” Gary said.
Another vendor was set up with plants and handmade items.
The market will be open at 3:30 p.m. Thursdays throughout the summer at the Clarendon Historical Society at 16385 Church St. next to the Town Hall.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2019 at 5:16 pm
‘He lived and breathed public safety in Orleans County. That was all he thought about.’
Photo by Tom Rivers: Paul Wagner, the former county emergency management director, is shown on May 28, 2014 when the county celebrated a $7.1 million overhaul to its emergency radio communications system. Wagner is pointing to a rack that transmits signals from the radio towers to the consoles and the radios.
CLARENDON – Paul Wagner handled many emergency situations in his career, from major weather events to massive fires.
Wagner did it all in a laid-back manner. He didn’t get ruffled and his calm demeanor helped other people keep their cool in some difficult circumstances.
Wagner, 73, died on June 21. He served as director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office for 14 years, until retiring on July 18, 2014.
“He didn’t get all bent out of shape,” said Pat Eick, who worked as secretary for Wagner in the two-person office on County House Road. “Paul was very calm and easygoing. He was a great man to work for. He was very much respected.”
Wagner spent more than 50 years in the fire service. He started working for the county as a deputy fire coordinator in 1979. He became EMO-1 on July 3, 2000.
The initially was focused on coordinating services and training with fire departments and EMS providers, but grew to emergency preparedness with big weather events and the possibilities of terrorist attacks.
The office also administers the emergency radio communications system. Wagner pushed through a $7.1 million upgrade.
“He was essential with the new emergency communications system,” said Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature. “Public safety was his number one concern. He lived and breathed public safety in Orleans County. That was all he thought about.”
Wagner was highly regarded by firefighters, EMTs and all the first responders in the county, she said.
“He’ll be missed throughout the ranks,” she said. “He had a leadership quality that spanned all the ranks.”
Wagner retired as a chemist from Kodak and then worked full-time as the director of the Emergency Management Office. He joined the Shelby Fire Department when he was 18. When he moved to Clarendon, he joined that department and eventually became Clarendon’s fire chief.
Dale Banker followed Wagner as EMO-1 for the county and has worked in the job for nearly 5 years. Banker said it is a demanding position, with lots of coordinating among local, state and federal agencies.
He praised Wagner for pushing through the $7.1 million upgrade of the radio system.
“That was a monumental task,” Banker said.
The county is working on another $6 million upgrade of the system to improve coverage in the county and have interoperability with neighboring counties.
Wagner also was successful in advancing the county’s fire investigation unit and he established the firefighter accountability system at a fire scene, Banker said. Firefighters’ tags are kept at a fire scene when a firefighter goes inside a structure. Fire officials keep track of who goes in and comes out.
“He was a people-person,” Banker said. “He was very easygoing and he got along with everybody.”
Wagner’s memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on July 6 at the Clarendon Fire Department Recreation Building, 16169 E. Lee Road, Holley.
CLARENDON – The opening of the second season of the Clarendon Farmers’ Market, scheduled for today, has been postponed until next Thursday because of the weather.
The market will now open at 3:30 p.m. on June 27, featuring the Fox Den Bluegrass Band and several new vendors.
The market started last year on the grounds of the Clarendon Historical Society at 16385 Church St. next to the Town Hall.
The market is open from 3:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday with the season expected to continue through the end of October.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 May 2019 at 7:59 am
Photos courtesy of Melissa Ierlan
CLARENDON – The Town of Clarendon installed a new sign for its town park on Thursday. Danny Scroger, a Town Highway Department employee, is shown attaching the sign to the pavilion at the park on Route 237.
This park includes the Clarendon waterfalls. It is just south of Route 31A.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 May 2019 at 4:47 pm
Provided photo: State Assemblyman Steve Hawley presents a citation to Jon DeYoung on April 27 when he was recognized as Clarendon’s “Firefighter of the Year.”
CLARENDON – The Clarendon fire chief, who is fighting cancer for the fourth time, continues to lead the volunteer fire company, responding to most of the fire calls, accidents and attending committee meetings and training sessions.
Jon DeYoung does it while working a full-time job and getting chemo treatments. The Fire Company’s Board of Directors on April 27 honored him as Clarendon’s “Firefighter of the Year.”
“Regardless of everything going on he stays very active and is at the fire scenes, the trainings and all the committees,” said Bob Freida, president of the fire company.
DeYoung, 53, was feeling tired on April 27 from chemo. He had to build up his strength just to get to the banquet. He arrived late with a chemo pump, and was surprised to receive the award.
“He is truly doing the job as fire chief,” Freida said. “We wanted to recognize him for his determination and fight to continue to give back to his community.”
DeYoung said he was determined to attend the banquet to present the Chief’s Award to his son, Jon DeYoung Jr. who worked the past three years to get new rescue tools for the fire company.
He also was able to recognize his other sons for milestone anniversaries of service to the fire company. Jeremy has been a volunteer firefighter for 15 years and Tyler has been for 10 years.
“As the Chief and father of these young men I couldn’t have been more proud,” DeYoung posted on his Facebook page.
After he presented those awards, he said he was “totally shocked” when he was recognized as firefighter of the year. He received a plaque and personally engraved watch as well as citations from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Robert Ortt.
“I could never do this without the support of all of our Line Officers and members,” DeYoung said. “None of it would be possible without the support of my family and number one supporter Brenda DeYoung. Thank you all!!”
The Fire Company also honored Dan Campbell for his service on the Board of Directors, and Troy Kingdollar received the President’s Award.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Jon DeYoung, front center, is pictured on March 24, 2018 in Albion when he was joined by about a dozen friends and family at the Wayne A. Burlison-Colon Cancer Awareness 5K Run and Walk in Albion. DeYoung walked the entire 3.17-mile course with his wife Brenda, son Jon and his wife Jessica, brother Jim and his wife Jackie, and several firefighters. Some of the firefighters wore their turnout gear while walking the course. The group also wore “DeYoung Strong” shirts.
CLARENDON – The Clarendon Historical Society invites you to join them for the start of their 2019 season of talks on Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. when Chad Fabry of Holley will present “Putting Things Together with a Purpose: English Barns.”
Local residents pass by barns every day without realizing that they are engineering marvels with a long history. Here’s a chance to appreciate what makes our local barns so special. One of these is the so-called “English Barn.”
Fabry will show us how these unique structures were designed, constructed and used. He will also go into the history of the techniques used by the carpenters, their tools, and their materials.
Fabry is an old-house enthusiast and historic building expert. He describes himself as a pragmatic preservationist. In addition to restoring his own beautiful Victorian home, he serves as a code enforcement officer and does home inspections.
The Clarendon Historical Society is excited about the rest of 2019. Here is what is planned:
• May 15: Barbara Chapman, Katie Andres and Dick Thomas – The Building Legacy of J.T. Wells and Sons
• June 19: Carol Bailey – The History of the Grange Movement
• July 17: Dee Robinson – Topic to be announced
• Aug. 21: Gina Schelemanow – The Cook Families of Bergen and Clarendon
• Sept. 18: Peter Jablonski – Historical Research and Recovery
• Oct. 18: Bruce Schwendy – The Three Erie Canals: History and Folklore
All programs take place at the Clarendon Historical Society, 16426 Fourth Section Rd., which is the intersection of Route 31A and Church Street in Clarendon. The presentations are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
The museum will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. on the days when there is programming (the 3rd Wednesday of the month beginning in April and going through October.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2019 at 11:33 am
Photos courtesy of Melissa Ierlan
CLARENDON — The first of four new signs for Clarendon pioneer cemeteries was installed this morning by Melissa Ierlan and her husband, Fred Seeman. Ierlan, the town historian and code enforcement officer, secured funding for the signs through the Elizabeth Dye Curtis Foundation in Orleans County. The cast-aluminum signs are made by Sewah Studios in Ohio.
The signs are replacing wooden ones that have become rotted and difficult to read.
Robinson Cemetery is on Route 237 at the intersection of Glidden Road.
The signs include an image of the Clarendon water falls, and they include quotes from David Sturges Copeland, who wrote the History of Clarendon in 1889. “Buried here are those whose labor, energy, spirit and love once lived in Clarendon,” the Robinson sign states. “May they not be forgotten.”
Each of the signs highlight some Clarendon residents buried in the cemeteries. The Robinson Cemetery includes Chauncey Robinson, a veteran of the War of 1812 who was a prominent abolitionist in the community.
Here are images of the other signs that should be installed soon.
Pettengill Cemetery on Hibbard Road is also known as the Christian Graveyard and Manning Cemetery. Clarendon’s founder, Eldredge Farwell, is buried here.
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo shows the wooden sign for Pettengill Cemetery, which is also known as “Christian Graveyard.”
Maplewood Cemetery is on Route 237, south of the Clarendon hamlet and north of Hinds Road.
Root Cemetery, also known as Cook Cemetery, is on Munger Road in Clarendon.
Lemuel Cook is buried at this cemetery. He fought in the American Revolution and died on May 20, 1866, at the age of 107. He was the last living pensioner of the American Revolution. Cook saw action at the Battle of Brandywine and Yorktown and met General George Washington.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2019 at 8:00 am
Photo courtesy of Melissa Ierlan
CLARENDON — The first of four new signs for Clarendon pioneer cemeteries arrived last week and will soon be installed at Robinson Cemetery on Route 237, near Glidden Road.
The town is replacing four wooden signs, which are rotted. Those signs went up in 1982, said Melissa Ierlan, the Clarendon town historian.
The town received a grant from the Elizabeth Dye Curtis Foundation in Orleans County for the new signs. The cast-aluminum signs are made by Sewah Studios in Ohio.
The signs include an image of the Clarendon water falls. They also have a quote from David Sturges Copeland, who wrote the History of Clarendon in 1889. “Buried here are those whose labor, energy, spirit and love once lived in Clarendon. May they not be forgotten.”
The sign for Robinson Cemetery highlights some Clarendon residents buried in the cemetery, including Chauncey Robinson, a veteran of the War of 1812 who was a prominent abolitionist in the community.
Thomas McManners was an escaped slave who served in the American Revolution.
William Lewis was the first sheriff in Orleans County.
Ierlan said there is a chance the sign could be installed this week. She is waiting for the other three signs to arrive from Sewah Studios.
