Holley/Murray

New book honors 8 men from Holley who died in Vietnam War

Photo by Tom Rivers: Michael T. Keene, the author of a new book on the eight young men from Holley who died in the Vietnam War is pictured on Friday at Hillside Cemetery. Keene said he wanted to honor the sacrifice of the men, their families and the Holley community by writing Vietnam Reflections: The Untold Story of the Holley Boys.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2016 at 9:42 am

HOLLEY – Michael Keene, a Vietnam War veteran, was paying his respects at the Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial about three years ago.

The memorial includes pedestals for each of the 280 soldiers who died in Vietnam from the Rochester area. Those pedestals include plaques that lists the soldiers’ names, when they were born and when they died. It also lists their high schools.

Keene kept seeing Holley. As he walked through the memorial, he saw Holley listed eight times for the soldiers’ high school. He thought that was a staggering loss for such a small town.

“I was struck by how many boys went to Holley,” Keene said. “It had to have a tremendous impact.”

Keene, an author from Pittsford, has written books about the Erie Canal, famous crimes in Western New York and insane asylums. He is retired after a career as a financial advisor.

He wanted to find out about the soldiers from Holley, and how the town persevered with such a profound loss – one of the highest per capita casualty rates in the country.

Keene has just released his seventh book, profiling the eight Holley graduates who died in Vietnam. Keene interviewed family members, best friends and war buddies.

“Vietnam Reflections: The Untold Story of the Holley Boys” is available at local book stores – The Book Shoppe in Medina, Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport, and the Holley village office. Keene will have a book discussion and book signing on Jan. 14 at the American Legion in Holley at 2 p.m. The book will soon be in wider distribution.

He decided to write about the “Holley boys” while passing through Clarendon and seeing a sign pointing to Holley, 3 miles away. He remembered Holley from the Vietnam War Memorial. He wanted to see the town.

He drove towards Holley and realized just how small it was. The village has about 1,800 residents. The school graduates less than 100 students a year.

Keene wondered how a community would hold up, losing eight men in a protracted way. Keene thinks it might be easier on a community to suffer a one-time event, rather than a series of deaths over five years.

“It was traumatic for Holley,” Keene said about the Vietnam War deaths. “It wasn’t a moment in time. It was a slow, unfolding tragedy.”

The community came together in its grief over the losses of Gary E. Bullock, Howard L. Bowen, David D. Case, John P. Davis, George W. Fischer Jr., Paul S. Mandraccia, Ronald P. Sisson and Gary L. Stymus.

Keene spoke with their loved ones. About 50 years after the soldiers’ deaths, the pain endures for their families and friends.

“I hope people here enjoy the book and feel a sense of pride,” Keene said on Friday during an interview at Sam’s Diner in Holley. “I hope they feel their loss is acknowledged.”

Keene said he could relate to the Holley soldiers. Like them, he played Little League, was active in Boy Scouts, and went to sock-hops and drove cars too fast.

‘I hope people here enjoy the book and feel a sense of pride. I hope they feel their loss is acknowledged.’

Collectively, the eight soldiers were awarded 40 medals for combat and valor, including seven Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, Silver Star and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry.

Keene in the nearly 250-page book gives background on the Vietnam War, and life in Holley. A recurring theme in his interviews was the pride in the community for the school’s marching band that was led by Ray Shahin in the 1950s and early ’60s. The band won six state championships and some of the “Holley Boys” were proud members of the band.

“Ray Shahin was an amazing character with the sheer breadth of his career,” Keene said. “He is extremely integral to the story.”

The soldiers grew up with parents who worked on a muck farm and at the Duffy Motts plant. Keene said duty and hard work were valued.

Keene interviewed 35 people for the book. He thanked Marsha DeFilipps, the Holley and Murray historian, for helping to connect him to the soldiers’ families and friends.

Keene dedicates the book to David States, another solider from Holley who died in Vietnam. In his case, he lived in the community briefly and didn’t graduate from Holley, but his loss was another painful burden to bear.

“I feel connected to this little town,” Keene said. “This book is really a tribute to the men who died and to Holley.”

The fallen:

John P. Davis, 30, was killed in action on July 21, 1965

David Duane Case, 20, was killed in action on September 16, 1965

Ronald P. Sisson, 23, killed in action on Dec. 16, 1965

Howard L. Bowen, 20, when killed in action on Nov. 8, 1966

Gary E. Bullock, 24, when he was killed in action on Jan. 31, 1967

Gary Lee Stymus, 26, was killed in action on May 25, 1967

George Warren Fischer Jr., 23, was killed in action on August 3, 1968

Paul Scott Mandracchia, 18, was killed in action on April 16, 1970

For more on Keene and his books, click here.

Holley students offer treats, music at Dessert Concert

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 November 2016 at 9:53 am

HOLLEY – Sweet treats and good music were enjoyed by those attending the Dessert Concert on Wednesday evening at Holley Middle School/High School. This photo shows the Concert Choir singing “Take Me Home” by Pentatonix.

The evening featured an array of desserts and nearly 30 performances by students. Teacher/Concert Choir director Kelly Marzano noted here was a “nice variety” of musical selections and that many new singers were performing for the first time.

“The students get to chose what (musical piece) interests them,” Marzano said.

The concert was presented by the Holley Music Department and students and their families brought items for the dessert portion of the evening.

Glenn Thrower (left) and Nick Schutz teamed up for two duets. Here they perform “The Greasy Spoon” from Sponge Bob Square Pants. Their second selection was “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” by John Mayer.

Jessica Mandigo (left) and Makenzie Ferranti perform “Some Things are Meant to Be” from Little Women.

Kayla Thrower performed “Nothing” from A Chorus Line.

Matt Skehan performed classic Sinatra – “The Way You Look Tonight”

Alexis Penna played acoustic guitar and sang “All I Can Do Is Write About It” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

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Holley students stage presidential debates with a final showdown on Nov. 1

Provided photos: These Holley students have been doing mock presidential debates with another one scheduled for Nov. 1. The students include from left: Alex Mounts (Gary Johnson), Kayla Thrower (Hillary Clinton) and Glenn Thrower (Donald Trump).

Posted 28 October 2016 at 12:50 pm

Press Release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – The Holley Current Events class invites the public to a mock presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School Auditorium. This debate is the final debate in a series of three that students Kayla Thrower (as Democrat Hillary Clinton), Glenn Thrower (as Republican Donald Trump) and Alex Mounts (as Libertarian Gary Johnson) competed in during October.

Alex Mounts portrays Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party candidate.

The entire Current Events class will be available at the end of the final debate to conduct a Q&A session with the audience.

During the series of mock presidential debates, Current Events students were assigned the roles of presidential candidates, presidential advisors or moderators. The candidates worked with their advisors to prepare for each debate. MS/HS students, staff and faculty were invited to attend the debates at the end of the day on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26 in the MS/HS Auditorium. The audience completed ballots to determine the winner of each debate. A panel of six teachers and three moderators also completed ballots after each debate.

Current Events Teacher Nick D’Amuro was pleased with the support from the audience.

“I am so happy to hear from teachers and students that they are excited about these debates and the election,” said D’Amuro. “I am so excited that our students are going above and beyond to discuss the current political climate.”

Glenn Thrower portrays Republican Donald Trump.

District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo agrees.

“Nick and his students did an outstanding job with each and every debate,” said D’Angelo. “I was very proud to attend them and was impressed with the number of students and staff in the audience each time. This activity was a perfect example of authentic instruction and learning. I am confident that our students’ knowledge of both the political issues surrounding this presidential election as well as our political process have been greatly enhanced by these debates.”

The students prepared for five weeks to impersonate the candidates, adopting much of their personas and mannerisms. They debated issues such as immigration, terrorism, war, gun laws, health care, free trade, jobs and taxes.

Moderators were senior McKenzie Hendrickson and juniors Jessica Sedore and Hanna Waterman. These students kept the candidates on task while D’Amuro kept track of time. Because students were instructed to vote for the candidate who had the best argument at each debate, the results varied.

Kayla Thrower makes a point as Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party candidate.

After the first debate, Alex (as Johnson) was the winner of the popular vote with 75 votes, while Kayla (Clinton) was the winner of the panel vote with seven votes. After the second debate, Glenn (Trump) was the winner of the popular vote with 61 votes and Alex (Johnson) was the winner of the panel vote with four votes.

“The students in our district tend to lean towards the ideals of Trump on several subjects,” said D’Amuro. “However, the other candidates did such an excellent job with their arguments that I think students, along with teachers, really kept an open mind. In our political system, many voters make up their minds before November rolls around, based on their own opinions, so to see teachers and students really thinking about their choices was excellent.”

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Holley elementary students turn pumpkins into children’s book characters

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 October 2016 at 11:10 pm

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – Averie Johnson, a kindergarten at Holley Elementary School, decorated this pumpkin to look like a character from Pinkalicious.

The library at Holley Elementary School is once again filled with colorful characters from children’s books. It’s the third annual Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

Entries are being judged this week and winners will be awarded on Monday, which is Halloween. Julie Bader, Holley Elementary School Library Media Specialist, says the event is a time for students to remember favorite characters from beloved children’s books and to “introduce them to new characters they can read about.”

Here, a big orange pumpkin is transformed into “Clifford the Big Red Dog” by kindergartener Jack Breuilly.

Second-grader Aiden Kelley chose Ralph the mouse from The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Note the drawing of the motorcycle behind the pumpkin.

Second-grader Cayden Cook used felt to turn a pumpkin into a plump guinea pig.

This Fifth Grade entry is a strikingly realistic interpretation of the dog in Max…..

Second-grader Aubrey Hazard chose to make a llama from the Llama Llama Time to Share book.

A pumpkin becomes Pete the Cat with his magic sunglasses and skateboard in this kindergarten entry.

Pikachu by kindergartener Cameron Kelley.

A metallic blue Sonic the Hedgehog by a second-grader.

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New sign promotes Holley Business Park

Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Holley and Orleans County officials are pictured by the new sign for the Holley Business Park on Route 31 near the east side of the village. Pictured, include, from left: Don Wharram of the Holley Municipal Electric Department; Matt Campbell, superintendent of the Holley Municipal Electric and Water Department; Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty; and Orleans County Legislators Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps pose next to the recently installed Holley Business Park sign.

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 23 October 2016 at 9:37 am

HOLLEY – There is a new sign promoting the Holley Business Park, a site off Route 31 that has low-cost electricity for companies.

The design, funding and installment of the sign was a collaborative effort among the village and the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

The Orleans EDA owns the business park. The new sign was installed by Holley’s municipal electric and Department of Public Works. The village crew also removed the former sign.

“We spent a year and a half designing the new sign,” said Jim Whipple, executive director of the Orleans EDA. “It is the same as the one in Medina and was budgeted ($10,000) for this year.”

The sign was made by Takeform Architectural Graphics in Medina. Whipple credits Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps, who serve on the EDA board of directors, along with County Legislature Chairman David Callard for assuring that funding for the sign was provided at the county level.

The sign, “provides a professional entrance to the park,” Whipple said. “That is how we want to portray our properties in the county.”

The sign is illuminated at night, and Campbell says landscaping will be installed in the spring.

Mayor Sorochty says he appreciates the efforts of the EDA and Orleans County in making the new sign a reality.

“It is a nice addition to the business park and shows the county’s commitment to filling the park,” he said.

Legislator DeFilipps added that the sign also demonstrates the county’s “commitment to marketing the park,” and the efforts of the county, the village and the Town of Murray to work together on the project.

Legislator DeRoller said the Business Park encompasses 45 acres and noted the sign will help to “incentivize anyone who has an interest in coming to Holley.” He said Holley has much to offer businesses including municipal power and water.

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Board of Education members thanked for service at Holley

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 18 October 2016 at 9:08 am

Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Members of the Holley Central School Board of Education include, seated, from left: Sal DeLuca, Jr., John Heise and Mark Porter. Standing: Melissa Ierlan, Anne Winkley, President Brenda Swanger, and Vice President Robin Silvis.

HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Central School Board of Education were recognized during their regular meeting Monday evening as part of the upcoming observance of School Board Recognition Week, which begins Oct. 24.

District Clerk Connie Nenni presented members with gift cards and thanked them for their hard work.

“They do not get the recognition they should,” Nenni explained. “They work for free, some for many years, and we really appreciate everything they do.”

During the meeting, school attorney Jeff Martin reported on a question Assistant Superintendent for Business Sharon Zacher had asked at the September meeting, regarding the PILOT agreement for the Holley Save-A-Lot grocery store, which closed recently.

Martin said a PILOT was granted to the property owner in 2013 and runs through 2023. The Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement phased in property taxes over that 10-year period and Martin explained if the PILOT continues, the property owner will be obligated to make the required payment which goes to 40 percent of assessed valuation next year. If the PILOT agreement is terminated, the property owner will have to pay property taxes in full. Martin noted the building is currently assessed at $300,000.

Superintendent Robert D’Angelo reported that he will join school principals soon to begin making classroom visitations as part of the district’s ongoing effort to improve scores on assessment tests and classroom instruction. D’Angelo said he looks forward to the visits which will start now that the first several weeks of the school year are complete.

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Holley applies for $2.2 million grant for sidewalks

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 13 October 2016 at 9:44 am

File photo by Tom Rivers: Holley’s Parade of Lights passes through the Public Square in this photo from December 2013. The village is seeking community volunteers to help bring back the event, and work on the June-Fest.

HOLLEY –Village of Holley leaders say they are making progress to improve sidewalks in the village.

The Board of Trustees on Tuesday evening approved applying for a $2.2 million TAP grant which would help to repair approximately 25,000 linear feet of sidewalks in the village.

Mayor Brian Sorochty said areas targeted for repair encompass both sides of Route 237, Geddes Street from Van Buren to the Public Square, and the northeast quadrant of the village (from Rt. 237 to the lift bridge).

In September, Holley held an informational meeting regarding the grant for residents, who were encouraged to show their support for the effort through letters.

The TAP – Transportation Alternatives Grant – is an 80/20 federal matching grant. Trustees have discussed the possibility that the village’s 20 percent ($455,000) could come from in-kind services from the Department of Public Works.

During the September informational meeting, Tom Lajewski of O’Connell Associates said that if the village is awarded the grant, it could be a couple of years before construction begins.

Meeting today to plan for upcoming community events

Additionally, Mayor Brian Sorochty told Orleans Hub, that the village is hosting a meeting at 6:30 p.m. today at the Village Offices, 72 Public Square, regarding the upcoming “Festival of Lights” and “June-Fest” events.

Sorochty said village leaders are looking for community participation and hope to form a committee to assist with organizing the events. June-Fest was not held this past June, giving the village time to re-organize the event.

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Murray and Holley each chip in to help local museum

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 13 October 2016 at 9:31 am

Photo by Kristina Gabalski: The Murray-Holley Historical Society operates this museum, a former train depot, on Geddes Street Extension.

HOLLEY – The Murray-Holley Historical Society has received an increase in funding from the Town of Murray under to 2017 tentative budget, which was approved Tuesday evening by the Town Board.

Town Supervisor John Morriss said the budget contains $1,000 for the historical society.

“That’s good for us to know,” said John Kenney Jr., historical society member and former Holley mayor. “It’s definitely needed. Business costs don’t go down, they continually go up.”

Kenney addressed Town Board members regarding the support the historical society receives from the town. He provided the board with financial information from the past 10 years and discussed utility costs for the society’s museum and garage which are located on Geddes Street Extension in the village.

Kenney explained that the village recently provided slightly more than $860 in support to help cover costs.

File photo by Tom Rivers: The museum includes many local artifacts including the church bell from the former United Methodist Church that was in the Public Square. The church closed when the congregation moved to Route 237 in Clarendon.

“Maintenance is a major problem for us,” he said, and explained that he joined the historical society when he was serving as mayor.

“I encourage you to join the historical society,” Kenney told members of the Town Board. “It will enable you to have a good insight about what is going on and what the needs are.”

Kenney also provided details about the historical society’s fundraising efforts. He said a pulled-pork dinner is planned this Saturday at the American Legion in Holley.

“The money raised is used to cover the cost of utilities and maintenance of the buildings,” Kenney said. “The financial burden is too much, a lot comes out of our own pockets.”

He said the Murray/Holley Historical Society participated in the Orleans County Heritage Day held in September and emphasized the historical society is a valuable part of the community.

As an example he discussed a cross-state bicycle trip that stops in Holley. The trip brings people from across the country and the world to Holley and historical society members provide a respite and refreshments for participants.

“I hope it is something we all a take pride in,” he said of the historical society and its museum.

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Murray bans parking on Lynch Road near school

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 12 October 2016 at 9:52 am

MURRAY – Members of the Murray Town Board on Tuesday evening adopted two local laws: Local Law No. 3 of 2016 which regulates stopping, standing and parking of motor vehicles on Lynch Road, and Local Law No. 4 of 2016 which repeals a 2007 local law regulating the outside storage of unlicensed vehicles.

Only the north side of Lynch Road from Route 237 west to the culvert is affected by the parking ban. Town Supervisor John Morriss stated that the law was the result of concerns expressed by residents over parking along the roadside during events at the Holley Middle School/High School.

“People have been parking on lawns,” Morriss said.

Residents have also stated they are concerned about safety along the roadway when the parking occurs.

During a public hearing on the law, one resident of Lynch Road noted speed zones along that area are not well marked.

“It’s a very dangerous situation,” he said, and explained that some motorists leaving the school grounds do speed along that section of Lynch Road.

Local Law No. 4 was adopted to “remove an unenforceable local law from the books,” town attorney Jeff Martin explained. The law repeals an earlier statute regarding the outside storage of unlicensed vehicles which is no longer effective due to a new state law – the international property maintenance code – which became fully effective Oct. 3.

During the public comment opportunity near the end of the agenda, resident Joe Sidonio requested that Town Board members reconsider the town’s bulk water policies.

Sidonio said he is concerned over water being used from fire hydrants and the “safety of the public fresh water supply.” He requested that the town take immediate action to “discontinue the business of the honor system with bulk water users…. the safety of drinking water is of paramount concern,” Sidonio said.

He noted that the town was cited last year for E. coli in the water. Additionally, Sidonio said violations are pending for not sufficiently protecting the public water supply regarding the connection recently of a fire hose to a hydrant.

Town Highway/Water Superintendent Ed Morgan was not in attendance at Tuesday evening’s meeting to respond to Sidonio.

Supervisor John Morriss told Sidonio the town planned to discuss the bulk water issue at an upcoming work session on Oct. 26, but that discussion will be re-scheduled allowing all interested parties to be present.

“Who knows what we will do in the future?” Morriss said regarding the town’s policy for bulk water usage. He said farmers would be upset if it was changed, however, he noted, “water is very important to people in the town. You are right,” he told Sidonio. “We need to protect it.”

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KeyBank changes take effect in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2016 at 6:32 pm

Bank closes First Niagara branch in Holley

HOLLEY – First Niagara Bank is no more in Orleans County.

In Albion, the First Niagara site became a KeyBank operation on Saturday, with the new sign unveiled after being hidden under a temporary covering.

In Holley, the First Niagara site closed after Friday and won’t reopen. (The photo above shows the site in Holley on Friday, the last day it was open.)

KeyBank acquired First Niagara in a $4.1 billion deal. On Tuesday morning, 304 First Niagara locations will reopen as Key sites, including the one in Albion.

KeyBank has been working over the long holiday weekend to prepare the First Niagara branches for the first business day as KeyBank on Tuesday.

In Holley, the bank posted a notice on the window that the the First Niagara accounts were transferred to the Brockport branch at 4707 Lake Rd.

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Marker unveiled for local soldier who died in Battle at Gettysburg

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2016 at 11:06 am

HOLLEY – A new historical marker for Herbert Charles Taylor, the only Orleans County resident believed to have been killed in the Battle at Gettysburg, was unveiled on Saturday at Hillside Cemetery.

The local Honor Guard is pictured in the background of this photo. Taylor is buried in the older section of Hillside Cemetery, a historic site in the Town of Clarendon, just south of the Village of Holley.

Tim Archer, the service learning teacher for Albion Central School, welcomes people to the marker’s dedication. Archer and his students wanted to honor Taylor for his sacrifice in the battle that helped turned the tide for the Union. Gettysburg was the Civil War’s deadliest battle with about 23,000 Union casualties and about 28,000 killed from the Confederacy.

Taylor, a member of the 140th N.Y. Infantry, was with his regiment at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863 and repulsed the attack on Little Round Top.

Civil War re-enactors from the NY 140th, the group where Taylor served, attended the dedication. The re-enactors are led by David George, left, of Churchill. He visited Archer’s class recently to talk with students about the 140th.

Emily Mergler, an eighth-grader, is dressed as President Abraham Lincoln. She recited a portion of the Gettysburg Address. Eighth-grader Leeanna Montanarella is in back. She also spoke at the ceremony.

Gary Befus, a member of the American Legion in Albion, holds the flag during the ceremony in the rain. He is joined by Andy Eibl, member of the Legion in Holley. The chapel of the cemetery is in back.

Archer said the Civil War soldiers had to endure rain, cold and difficult living conditions.

Al Capurso, the Gaines town historian, leads the crowd in singing, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Matt Ballard, the county historian, speaks at the podium during the dedication program at Hillside.

Taylor’s grave includes an American flag and Civil War marker.

Re-enactors from the 140th stopped by Taylor’s grave to pay their respects.

The re-enactors also paid their respects at the graves of Corporal Francis Balcom, 151st NY, who was killed at age 39 in the Battle of Mine Run at Locust Grove, Va. On Nov. 27, 1863

The re-enactors also stopped at the grave of A.J. Seeley, who died at age 36 at Andersonville Prison on Sept. 15, 1864. Andersonville was a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the final 12 months of the Civil War.

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School spirit celebrated at Holley Homecoming parade

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 October 2016 at 8:22 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – These members of the Holley youth football program pass out candy as they head down Geddes Street at the beginning of the Holley Homecoming parade on Friday evening.

Holley pride was on display for the annual parade featuring class floats, sports teams and the band. Parents and community members lined the streets to show their support for the students.

The parade started on Geddes Street with the Holley police leading the processional. Holley cheerleaders were the first students in the parade.

Members of the band play for the crowd in the Public Square.

The Freshmen Class put together a float with a theme from the movie, “Frozen.”

Sophomores created a Safari-themed display.

Sophomores dressed out as animals and tossed candy for people along the parade route.

Students were joyful participants in the parade.

Juniors created floats and costumes with an underwater theme. One student dressed as the cartoon character, SpongeBob Square Pants.

There were plenty of mermaids and other sea creatures in the Junior Class float.

Juniors head down Route 31. The parade continued to the old bus garage near the Holley soccer field.

Claudia Dreschel, a senior at Holley, is dressed as a butterfly for the Senior Class’s “Rainforest” float.

Students are dressed as characters in a rainforest, including a banana at left.

Students put a lot of energy into creating their costumes and floats for the parade. Homecoming continues today at Holley with several sporting events.

Local soldier gave the ultimate sacrifice at Gettysburg

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 1 October 2016 at 7:39 am

“Overlooked Orleans” – Volume 2, Issue 40

HOLLEY – It was nearly one year ago that this piece was first published. Although I do not fancy reproducing work in such a rapid fashion, I thought it was fitting that this short story of the 140^th New York Infantry at Gettysburg should yet again be featured as part of my weekly column.

Photos by Matt Ballard: The monument to Col. Patrick Henry O’Rorke features a bas-relief set in granite. Standing over eight feet tall, the marker rests atop the spot where O’Rorke was killed. His nose is polished as a result of visitors rubbing it for good luck, although he had little luck himself that day.

Saturday, October 8^th at 11 a.m., students from the Albion Middle School will dedicate an historic marker to the memory of Pvt. Herbert Charles Taylor of Clarendon who was killed on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg. It is rare to experience such a profound and symbolic gesture that will bring attention to the sacrifice of not only Taylor but of other men who gave their lives during the Civil War.

Upon Little Round Top rests a large monument dedicated to Col. Patrick O’Rorke, the site where New York’s 140th Volunteer Infantry made a valiant and daring charge down upon Hood’s Texans. Gen. Gouverneur Warren is often regarded as the “Hero of Little Round Top,” but one might argue that Col. O’Rorke and the 140th are the unsung heroes of Little Round Top.

At this point in time, we know of several soldiers from Orleans County who were with Col. O’Rorke on July 2nd at Gettysburg. Herbert Charles Taylor, one of those men, is believed to be the only county resident to die during that battle.

As the regiment of New York men marched towards Sickle’s 3rd Corps, Gen. Warren intercepted the 140th in a desperate effort to defend Little Round Top. Knowing O’Rorke, Warren shouted, “Paddy, give me a regiment!”

With no time to dress the regimental line, O’Rorke led his men including Taylor and Graham Reed Scott of Orleans County to the top of the hill. Reaching the precipice O’Rorke dismounted his horse, threw his reins aside and shouted, “Down this way, boys.”

The 4th and 5th Texans released a volley of fire, sending bullets into the 140th, including a bullet that pierced O’Rorke’s neck killing him instantly. With every step, the men stumbled and tripped along the face of the rocky hill. Coming within close distance of the enemy line, many Confederates chose to surrender rather risk the possibility of death from Union gunfire and bayonet. The sudden fury of Union bayonets halted the Texans dead in their tracks.

Looking down towards Devil’s Den from the summit of Little Round Top. Pvt. Herbert Taylor and the men of the 140th would have experienced this view as they reached the peak of Little Round Top. Without hesitation they advanced upon the Confederates with great fury and bravery.

O’Rorke’s death and the subsequent attack made by the 140th New York upon the advancing Confederates was regarded as one of the most daring acts of bravery during the entire battle. Surely without the aid of the exhausted and winded men of New York, the outcome of July 2nd could have been far different. It was during this act of bravery that Pvt. Taylor of Holley was killed.

Upon his death, Joseph Gile of Holley wrote a piece for the local papers:

“Oh, that is ever a cruel blow,

However it falls in the strife,

Which stops the beat of a manly heart.

And the hopes of an honest life.”

He concluded with, “few who have fallen in the cause of the Union will be more sincerely regretted.” Dying on “the field of victory” at Gettysburg, Taylor’s body was returned to Holley and interred at Hillside Cemetery.

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Holley community sees plans to renovate old high school

A rendering shows what the restored and revitalized former Holley High School in the village will look like after its conversion to senior housing and village office/meeting space. Note the portico with columns and pediment will be restored to the facade.

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 28 September 2016 at 8:33 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty speaks during an informational meeting Tuesday evening at the Holley Middle School/High School on development restoration plans for the old Holley High School. The Neo-Classical building was constructed in 1931 and was last used as a school in the mid-1970s.

HOLLEY – Members of the Holley community got a first glimpse Tuesday evening of what the old Holley High School will look like when an extensive proposed restoration/development project is completed.

Developers, architects and engineers presented initial plans and answered questions during a meeting at the Holley Middle School/High School auditorium regarding their efforts to restore the building to its former glory for use as mixed income senior housing with the village office and meeting space.

“Stay positive, support the project and be patient,” Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty told those in attendance.

He said the project is important for the village, the Town of Murray, surrounding communities and Orleans County.

Home Leasing is in the process of acquiring the school – located at the intersection of routes 31 and 237 in the center of the village. Officials said Orleans County has agreed to foreclose on the property, allowing it to be sold. Home Leasing is working along with Edgemere Development, Glasow Simmons Architecture L.L.P. and Marathon Engineering – all Rochester based firms – on the project, and officials from all stakeholders attended the meeting.

Also in attendance was Landmark Society of Western New York Executive Director Wayne Goodman. In 2013, the old Holley High School was part of the first-ever “Five to Revive” list compiled by the Landmark Society of significant historical structures in need of saving, partly because of their architectural/historical value and partly because of their, “latent opportunistic value,” Goodman said.

He said the Holley school merited making the list due to its Neo-Classical architectural style, the fact it was once the center of civic life in Holley, and because of, “what it could be….. I love your village,” Goodman said, noting the village park system and walkability.

Wayne Goodman, executive director of the Landmark Society of Western New York speaks during Tuesday’s information meeting. Village officials said the Landmark Society’s 2013 designation of the old Holley High School as one of the first Five to Revive historic buildings attracted a development team to work on plans to restore and convert the building to mixed senior housing and village office and meeting space. Another building on the 2013 Five to Revive List – the Eastman Dental Dispensary – has recently been restored by the same developer – Home Leasing – for senior housing. Goodman said a ribbon cutting at that site is planned today.

He explained that the village, town, county and developers have “moved mountains to get this far…. I have full confidence in the development team.”

Home Leasing Chair/CEO Nelson Leenhouts said it was the Landmark Society’s Five to Revive designation that brought him and John Oster of Edgemere Development out to Holley to see the school.

“I can’t recall ever being more welcomed,” he said. “We’ve asked for an awful lot and made a lot of progress.”

He said developers will work to secure financing over the winter and perhaps start construction next summer. Plans call for 41 units of senior housing. Village office space would be located on the main floor and the auditorium would be saved and restored for use as meeting space.

“We are honored to have this opportunity,” Leenhouts said. “I wake up every morning more excited than the day before.”

Charlie Oster of Edgemere Development explained the challenges of financing historic preservation/conversion projects including design standards necessary for tax credits, environmental challenges and market size.

He explained that with a small village like Holley, it is important for developers to “be sensitive to the needs of the community. To move forward this project is dependent on unshakable community support,” Oster said.

Architect Jason Simmons of Glasow Simmons Architecture, said former classrooms work very well for apartments. Existing width and height of corridors will be maintained, and restoration of woodwork and reestablishment of stairwells are also part of the plans. He also explained the name of the project – “Holley Gardens,” saying developers want to “provide an area for residents to grow their own garden.”

Developers presented a proposed site plan which includes parking to be owned and maintained by the Village of Holley. Mayor Brian Sorochty said there will be spaces for residents and unused spaces will be available for public use. Note the short driveway and parking off Main Street towards the front of the building for the village offices which will be housed in the front of the school.

Home Leasing executive vice-president Kim Russell said that the building will have onsite management and maintenance and the Orleans County Office for the Aging will provide support for residents who are in need of a little extra help.

Other details explained by the development team include 72 parking spaces – the village will own and maintain the parking lots – and there will be parking off Main Street for access to village offices. An interior elevator will be installed and there will be handicapped access at the rear of the building.

The columns on the facade of the school will also be restored. Rents are expected to be in the $400-$800/unit range. Developers also explained that it is likely a PILOT program will be requested, providing developers will tax breaks while still providing municipalities with tax revenue for needed services.

Developers said they have already made a significant investment in the project and, “we feel confident over time we will get the (tax) credits we need to make this project work,” Russell said.

Once the project is complete, “you will be stuck with us for 30 years,” Nelson Leenhouts said. “We will be here to manage the property.”

Mayor Brian Sorochty thanked all those who attended, including village, town and county officials, as well as those officials who have been working to clear hurdles which have created challenges in moving the project forward. He restated that the old school making the Five to Revive list was “a primary reason why we are here today… the Landmark Society designation as a Five to Revive was huge.” He also stated his confidence in the development team, “If this team can’t pull this off, I’m not sure who else can,” the mayor said.

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Marker will be dedicated Oct. 8 at Hillside for soldier killed at Gettysburg

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 September 2016 at 10:01 am

File photo by Tom Rivers: Herbert Charles Taylor is buried at Hillside Cemetery. This photo shows his grave, which is in the historic section of the cemetery.

HOLLEY – A historical marker will be dedicated at 11 a.m. on Oct. 8 at Hillside Cemetery for Herbert Charles Taylor, the only Orleans County resident believed to have been killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Seventh-graders from Albion in Tim Archer’s service learning class took the lead on getting the marker, which is funded with a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation.

The 30-minute dedication ceremony will include an Abraham Lincoln impersonator and Civil War re-enactors.

Taylor was killed on July 2, 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg. He was a member of New York’s 140th Volunteer Infantry, which made a daring charge at Little Round Top.

During the battle, soldiers from the 4th and 5th Texans released a volley of fire, sending bullets into the 140th, including a bullet that pierced O’Rorke’s neck killing him instantly, Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard wrote Oct. 3, 2015 in his local history column for the Orleans Hub.

“With every step, the men stumbled and tripped along the face of the rocky hill,” Ballard wrote. “Coming within close distance of the enemy line, many Confederates chose to surrender rather risk the possibility of death from Union gunfire and bayonet. The sudden fury of Union bayonets halted the Texans dead in their tracks.”

Without the aid of the exhausted men of New York, the outcome of July 2nd could have been far different, Ballard wrote.

“It was during this act of bravery that Pvt. Taylor of Holley was killed,” Ballard wrote.

Hillside Cemetery on Route 237 is owned by the Town of Clarendon. The cemetery will also host a Ghost Walk beginning a 7 p.m. on Oct. 8, and will feature many prominent residents in the cemetery. Proceeds from the Ghost Walk will go towards the restoration of the Hillside chapel.

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