Albion and Medina diamond contests ppd.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 April 2019 at 2:23 pm

Mother Nature threw the Niagara-Orleans League baseball and softball schedule makers another nasty curveball today.

The Medina at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Albion and Akron at Newfane baseball games have all been postponed.

The Medina vs. Roy-Hart game is scheduled to be made up on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Vets Park while the Wilson vs. Albion game is slated to be made up on Thursday at Albion at 4:45 p.m.

The Roy-Hart at Medina, Albion at Wilson and Newfane at Akron softball games have also all been postponed.

The Albion vs. Wilson game is scheduled to be made up on Tuesday at 4:45 p.m. and the Roy-Hart vs. Medina game is slated to be made up on May 4 at 2 p.m.

In addition, the Akron at Medina, Wilson at Roy-Hart and Barker at Newfane tennis matches have been postponed.

The Wilson vs. Roy-Hart match is scheduled to be made up on Tuesday while the Akron vs. Medina match is slated to be made up on May 9.

The Wilson at Medina track meet has also been postponed.

One non league baseball game, Barker at Lyndonville, has also been postponed.


Orleans DAR hosts women in veterans’ program
Staff Reports Posted 15 April 2019 at 2:07 pm

Photos courtesy of PFC. Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program in Orleans County

ALBION – The Orleans DAR Chapter on Saturday hosted and served an afternoon tea with light foods and refreshments for the women of the PFC. Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.

In attendance were the women of the DAR, as well as women veterans, spouses of veterans and family members of veterans. Penny Nice, president of the local DAR chapter, provided information and education on the Patriot House. NY State Historian, Patrice Birner, presented a program on “Margaret Cochran Corbin: The First Woman to Receive a Military Pension.”

The local DAR chapter members and the PFC. Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Volunteer Program Coordinator, Catherine Schmidt, put together a day of comfort and well-being for the women who attended the program.

Schmidt and all the women in attendance would like to thank the Orleans Chapter DAR for the wonderful time, the fabulous food, and the informative and educational program. A wonderful time was had by all and many new friendships made, she said.


This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2019 at 11:28 am

ALBION – This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Public Safety Telecommunicators (911 dispatchers) are a vital part in an emergency, Sheriff Randy Bower said.

“Through assessment and coordination of each situation, the 911 dispatcher links callers in distress to the correct emergency services needed for rapid response times,” he said. “Many lives are saved within the community due to the expertise and coordination of the 911 dispatcher.”

He urged the public to recognize dispatchers for their diligence, dedication and service to the community.

The county has 9 full-time and 4 part-time dispatchers, with two on duty 24-7. Last year they handled 35,343 calls.


150 attend Easter egg hunt in Kendall
Staff Reports Posted 15 April 2019 at 11:17 am

Photos courtesy of Kendall Ladies Auxiliary

KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department, Kendall Ladies Auxiliary and Kendall Lions Club hosted their annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday with 150 kids, from toddlers to grade 6, participating.

This year’s prize egg winners were Camden Manners, Emmalyn Gravelle, Colton Schaeffer, Ryan Gardner, Joey Knapp, Addison Schultz, Andrew D’Agostino, Adriana D’Agostino, Kearstin Loescher, Baylee Harper, Isabella D’Agostino and Genevieve Pagano.


Marshall Road in Ridgeway closed to traffic
Staff Reports Posted 15 April 2019 at 10:48 am

RIDGEWAY – Marshall Road is closed until further notice due to road conditions, the Town of Ridgeway announced.

The road remains open to residents who live on Marshall. Town officials will be on a conference call with the state Department of Transportation soon to get an update on when the road will be repaired and reopened.

The town put out the announcement today after the road was already closed and signs were in place about the closure. However, many motorists are continuing to use the road and turn around in residents’ driveways, town officials said.


Health officials urge people to get tested for STDs
Posted 15 April 2019 at 9:51 am

Many people with an STD don’t realize it because they often don’t have signs or symptoms

Press Release, Public Health departments in Orleans and Genesee counties

April is STD Awareness Month, which is a great time to GYT- get yourself tested! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 20 million new STDs occur every year in this country. In fact, one in two sexually active young people in the U.S. will contract an STD by the time they’re 25 — and most won’t know it. This is why it is important to GYT at least once a year, and more often if you or your partner(s) participate in risky behaviors.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted from one person to another through sexual activity. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis and HIV. Many people who have an STD don’t know it because they often don’t have signs or symptoms. Even without symptoms, STDs can still be harmful and passed on during sex.

If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Make sure you have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STD testing with your doctor and ask whether you should be tested for STDs.

It is important for sexually active men and women to get tested at least once a year. You should get tested every 3 to 6 months if you do not use protection (latex or synthetic male/female condoms, dental dams, and finger cots) having multiple sexual partners and/or sharing needles/drug paraphernalia. Testing will not only protect your health now, but will protect the future of your health as well.

Brenden Bedard, Deputy Public Health Director/Director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans counties, mentions the serious health outcomes that STDs may have if left untreated.

“Some of the consequences of not receiving timely testing and treatment can include infertility (cannot become pregnant), loss of pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease (inflammation of the female reproductive organs), epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis tub in the testicle), weakened immune system, damage to organs, and various cancers,” he said.

Luckily Bedard also explained that many STDs can be treated or even cured.

“Some STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, can be cured by taking antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider,” Bedard said. “Although some STDs cannot be cured, such as genital herpes, genital warts, and HIV/AIDS, taking medication can treat and manage the symptoms of these diseases.”

According to the CDCs latest report, in 2017 there were 2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis diagnosed in the United States. In 2018, STD rates in Genesee County confirmed 159 cases of chlamydia, 41 cases of Gonorrhea, 5 cases of Syphilis, 6 cases of Hepatitis B. In Orleans County there were 165 cases of chlamydia, 23 cases of Gonorrhea, 2 cases of Syphilis, and 4 cases of Hepatitis B.

There are several ways to prevent STDs. The most reliable way is to not have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal), but there are many other tried-and-true options:

• Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccines for males and females can protect against certain types of HPV that can lead to cancer or genital warts. The HPV vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots for people ages 15-45. For people ages 9-14, only 2 doses (shots) are needed. You should also get vaccinated for Hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger.

• Reduce Number of Sexual Partners: Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.

• Mutual Monogamy: Mutual monogamy means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

• Use Condoms: Correct and consistent use of a condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. If you have latex allergies, synthetic non-latex condoms can be used. It is important to note that these condoms have higher breakage rates than latex condoms. Natural membrane condoms are not recommended for STD prevention. Contact your local Health Department (Genesee: 344-2580 x 5555 / Orleans 589-3278) about access to free condoms.

• Sterile Needles and Syringes: Persons who inject drugs can substantially reduce their risk of getting and transmitting HIV, viral hepatitis and other blood borne infections by using a sterile needle and syringe for every injection.

For more information on where you can get tested, click here.

Public Health Law requires that testing and treatment for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis be made available for everyone regardless of if they do not have health insurance or if their health insurance does not cover such services. For those without health insurance or who are underinsured the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments contract with the following agencies for respective residents:

Orleans County – Planned Parenthood, 222 West Main Street, Batavia.

Genesee County  – Batavia Primary Care, 16 Bank Street, Batavia; WorkFit Medical, 178 Washington Ave, Batavia.


GCC hears how campus centers in Albion, Medina connecting to community
Posted 15 April 2019 at 8:18 am

Press Release, Genesee Community College

MEDINA – Each semester, Genesee Community College’s Board of Trustees visit one of the institution’s six campus centers for its monthly meeting, rotating throughout the college’s four-county service area to fully appreciate the collegiate experience at the satellite centers.

The Board met on April 1 at the Medina Campus Center, which opened in 2007. In a presentation to the Board, Associate Dean of the Orleans County Campus Centers Jim Simon introduced four different members of the campus center community to illustrate how GCC serves and supports the economic growth as well as cultural and civic developments within Orleans County.

• Dr. Clark Godshall, superintendent of Orleans-Niagara BOCES District was the first guest, and he shared a number of positive observations from his perspective in working with approximately 1,700 students in three counties and with three different community colleges. With more than 75 articulation agreements and the Genesee Promise Plus summer scholarship, students maximize their BOCES education and experience and can readily apply it toward a college degree. In addition, Dr. Godshall pointed out the expansion of programs for adult students such as new programs in food processing, nanotechnology and drone certification-programs that align with similar offerings at GCC.

“I sing the praises of the ease in working with the GCC staff, and getting to the ‘yes’ in developing opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Godshall, who serves as the chairman of the Albion-Medina Campus Center Advisory Council.

While sharing a number of ongoing and future challenges, not the least of which is the decreasing population of upstate New York and a dearth of public transportation across our rural community, Dr. Godshall concluded his presentation with the strong endorsement, “We really are better together!”

• Adjunct faculty member Amy Crockford, who teaches American Sign Language, was the next special guest to speak to the Board of Trustees. As a deaf member of the community who communicates vocally and through sign language, Crockford embodies the best of teaching practices by passionately “teaching what I know.” She is dedicated to her students and ensures positive learning experiences that could likely change their lives.

“I know what it is like to be a deaf person in the hearing world,” she said.

Crockford encourages her students to learn a language and embrace another culture. She recently authored a children’s book. “My Happy Place” helps young audiences appreciate deafness and learn the true meaning of friendship.

• Current GCC student Ayat Aldroobe, a native of Syria, was the third guest speaker and her experiences exemplify the excellent quality of education provided at a GCC campus center. As a Natural Sciences Biology major in her second semester, Ayat has her sights on becoming a medical doctor.

“GCC is great place to start,” she said. “Classroom sizes are small” which has helped her improve her English language skills. “The advisors are super, super supportive,” she added. She currently attends classes at both the Medina and Albion campus centers and looks forward to classes at the main campus in Batavia next year.

• Michele Bokman, director of operations for the Orleans County Campus Centers, was the final speaker. Among her priorities is reaching out to area high school students, businesses and organizations to ensure all are aware of GCC’s many opportunities.

Twenty-two recent visits included nine high schools, multiple businesses both large and small, the Iroquois Job Corps, and planned visits to civic groups such as the Boy and Girl scouts, 4-H veterans groups. Bokman also highlighted the vast number of community connections by the Orleans County Campus Centers. Collaborative engagements include but have not been limited to Leadership Orleans, Orleans County Community Services Board, Human Services Council, and WNY Rural Area Health Education Center and the Med-Tech Summer Camp.


County has expanded tourism guide, promoting more local attractions
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2019 at 7:19 am

Courtesy of Orleans County Tourism Department: The new visitor’s guide for Orleans County arrived last week and promotes “Great Lake Adventure & Canal Town Culture.” The guide also touts the county’s presence on the Seaway Trail, Erie Canalway Trail and Niagara Wine Trail.

ALBION – The Orleans County Tourism Department last week received 40,000 visitor’s guides which will be heading to visitor centers on the Thruway and other welcome centers in New York and Pennsylvania. The guides will also be distributed at sport shows for fishing and outdoor adventure, and also AAA travel shows.

The county usually prints a new visitor guide every two years. But this time the county printed a new guide after one year. The county only has about 150 copies left from the 40,000 guides from a  year ago.

The new guide is expanded by 4 pages to 40. The cover promotes “Great Lake Adventure & Canal Town Culture” and shows a fishing boat at sunrise as the dominant photo. The guide also highlights the county’s connections to the Seaway Trail, Erie Canalway Trail and Niagara Wine Trail.

The cover also features a thicker stock of paper to give the guide a higher quality and ensure it stands up throughout the year at the welcome center displays.

“Trust me, print is in,” said Dawn Borchet, the county’s tourism director.

The Tourism Department has the guides at eight locations along the Thruway, the Buffalo and Rochester airports, and other welcome centers in the state and in Pennsylvania. The bigger push to get the guides out seems to be paying off with more tourists to the county. The Tourism Department noted that the bed tax revenues set a new record for Orleans County in 2018 at $51,002. That was up 12.4 percent or $5,628 from the $45,374 in 2017, which was the previous high.

Borchet has been putting the guides at visitor and welcome centers within a 5-hour drive of Orleans County. She has attended many of the travel and sports shows, from Ohio to Massachusetts. She encourages visitors from Pennsylvania to take Route 81 up through the Finger Lakes and head to Orleans. She also finds people who go to Niagara Falls are looking for places to go after seeing that natural wonder. Orleans County is only an hour away.

“Tranquility and serenity,” the Orleans County tourism guides says in its welcome message. “Leave the noise behind and take in the beauty of a waterfront retreat to recharge your batteries.”

The guide touts the county as a best-kept secret.

“We are known for our world-class fishing, our farm fresh produce, award-winning wineries and historic cobblestone and sandstone architecture—a direct benefit from our proximity to Lake Ontario and the historic Erie Canal.”

Lynne Menz, the county’s tourism coordinator, designed the tourism guide. She said the county recently adding more assets that appeal to visitors, including restaurants such as Lures in Kendall, 39 Problems in Albion, Holley Falls Bar & Grill, and Mile 303 in Medina.

“We’re not a big box franchise,” Menz said, and the uniqueness of the local restaurants and businesses is a draw.

When Borchet is at the trade shows, she urges people to go explore off the Thruway.

“We have beautiful towns and villages you can visit,” she said.

She has been at shows for the Campground Owners of New York States, and touts the county’s 1,151 camp sites in Orleans County.

The county’s bed tax is expected to increase with the addition of a new hotel in Medina on Maple Ridge Road, the renovation of the former Bent’s Opera House which includes a boutique hotel, and a hostel in Medina.

The county uses the bed tax to promote tourism in Orleans. If there is more money, Borchet said she would like to have more visitor’s guides and focus more on drawing Canadians to Orleans County.


Albion inducts new members into Junior High NHS
Posted 14 April 2019 at 9:38 pm

ALBION – The National Junior Honor Society welcomed 22 seventh graders as new members on Wednesday and recognized current eighth grade students in the NHS.

Mrs. Castricone, the NJHS advisor, commended current members for their commitment to service. In total, NJHS members performed 470 hours of service in school and their community.  They rang bells for Salvation Army, participated in Christmas caroling, tutored elementary school students and provided service in local churches.

Several current members were recognized with service pins. To receive a service pin a member must perform 25 or more hours of community service and turn in signed reports by their supervisor. These students are: Nicholas Andrews, Natalie Bertsch, Clara Bolton, Hailey Crawford, Dallas Ecker, Amari Jones, Javon Jones, Vincent Molisani, Audrey Pask, Corleone Plain and Andrew Uderitz.

Sixth grade English teacher, Mrs. Bonnie Baldwin, was the guest speaker. She congratulated the students on their hard work and dedication. She told them every person has a story to tell and the potential to make their mark on others.

New members S’koi Sanders-Smith and Jacqueline Santiago Garcia sign the registry book as current member Clara Bolton looks on.

Maia Pate is congratulated by Principal Brad Pritchard and Mrs. Baldwin.

New inductees stand and recite the NJHS pledge.

Current NJHS members are pictured in the front row (l-r): Christopher Sacco, Logan Graham, Caleb Fox, Nicholas Harling, Vincent Molisani, Dallas Ecker, Thomas Fox and Corleone Plain. Back row: Natalie Baron, Hailey Crawford, Lauren Brooks, Natalie Bertsch, Clara Bolton, Seth Janus, Audrey Pask, Maya Knaak, Ashleigh Mowatt, Austin Narburgh, Andrew Uderitz, Caroline DeLaura, Nicholas Andrews, Keyonna Hamilton and Jillian Ray.


Easter egg hunters shrug off the rain in Medina
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2019 at 5:45 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Meadow Snyder, 6, of Wilson leads a pack of kids up the hill at The Gallagher on North Gravel Road during an Easter egg hunt this afternoon.

More than 100 children came out for the egg hunt, despite the rain.

Jenna Uderitz, 2, of Albion fills her basket with Easter eggs.

Jenna and Martin Bruning, owner of The Gallagher, have hosted an egg hunt the previous two years for friends and family. This year they opened it up to the community. They had 540 kids signed up for the event, although the turnout was less due to the rain.

The Brunings were pleased to see so many come out for the event despite a steady downpour.

The Gallagher is now an events center, and hosts many weddings each year. The Brunings have a new pavilion in back, and are expanding the use of the property for dances and other special events.

The Brunings hid 3,000 eggs on the property, including this one on the stone wall in front of the barn.

Samuel Conde, 1, of Albion is a little apprehensive around the Easter Bunny.

Sophie Kozody, 7, of Medina paints a turtle from Brushstrokes Studio. After the egg hunt, some other activities moved inside the barn.


Medina, R-H to meet in key diamond tests
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 April 2019 at 9:06 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Abi Neuman and AJ Seefeldt and their Mustangs teammates will face defending champion Roy-Hart in key N-O baseball and softball games Monday.

The Niagara-Orleans League diamond week will get off to a fast start on Monday as defending champion Roy-Hart faces Medina in a pair of key contests.

Roy-Hart will host Medina in baseball and the Mustangs will entertain the Lady Rams in softball both at 4:45 p.m.

In baseball, Medina is 3-0 in N-O action and Roy-Hart 1-0 while in softball the Mustangs are 2-0 and Lady Rams 1-0.

In N-O tennis, Medina (2-1) will host undefeated (4-0) defending champion Akron on Monday at 4 p.m.

Weekly Schedule
Monday
Baseball: Elba at Kendall, Barker at Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.; Medina at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Albion, Akron at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
Softball: Roy-Hart at Medina, Albion at Wilson, Newfane at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
Tennis: Akron at Medina, Barker at Newfane, Wilson at Roy-Hart, 4 p.m
Track: Wilson at Medina, 4:30 p.m.
Lacrosse: Medina at Eden, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday
Softball: Lyndonville at Newfane, 4 p.m.
Tennis: Akron at Newfane, 4 p.m.

Wednesday
Baseball: Alexander at Lyndonville, 4 p.m.; Akron at Medina, Barker at Newfane, Wilson at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
Softball: Medina at Akron, Newfane at Barker, Roy-Hart at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
Tennis: Wilson at Medina, Newfane at Albion, Roy-Hart at Barker, 4 p.m.
Track: Wilson at Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday
Tennis: Medina at Barker, Roy-Hart at Albion, 4 p.m.
Track: Akron at Albion, 4:30 p.m.

N-O standings
Baseball: Medina 3-0, Roy-Hart 1-0, Wilson 1-0, Akron 2-1,  Albion 1-2, Newfane 0-2, Barker 0-3
Softball: Medina 2-0, Roy-Hart 1-0, Wilson 1-0, Albion 1-1, Akron 0-1, Newfane 0-1, Barker 0-2
Tennis: Akron 4-0, Medina 2-1, Roy-Hart 2-1, Albion 2-2, Wilson 1-2, Newfane 0-2, Barker 0-4
Boys Track: Barker 2-0, Albion 1-0, Newfane 1-0, Roy-Hart 1-1, Akron 0-1, Wilson 0-1, Medina 0-2
Girls Track: Albion 1-0, Akron 1-0, Newfane 1-0, Barker 1-1, Medina 1-1, Wilson 0-1, Roy-Hart 0-2


Churches join in Easter cantata, sharing about Jesus’ death and resurrection
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2019 at 8:25 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mike Wright, a member of the First Baptist Church in Medina, portrays Pontius Pilate who initially was sympathetic to Jesus but then condemned him to death.

Wright is one of 60 people from 17 churches who are performing “Come Walk Me,” an Easter cantata. The group performed Saturday evening at the Albion Middle School and will perform at 3 p.m. today at Medina High School.

Katelyn Draper sings “Come Walk With Me” during the hour-long presentation. The cantata is a first for the local churches in joining together for a large choir at Easter. The effort in sponsored by the Medina Area Christian Theater and Pastors Aligned for Community Transformation.

Cody Taylor portrays Jesus during the cantata. In this scene Taylor sings about Jesus at Gethsemane, about to be betrayed by Judas.

Randall Bane of Lyndonville leads children in waving flags to welcome Jesus.

Rick Boyle, a member of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, portrays Luke and sings, “Blessed Is He Who Comes.”

Diane Thurber sings during the cantata. She serves as artistic director of the production. Her husband, Dan Thurber, is pastor of the Oak Orchard Assembly of God in Medina.

Christians from several different denominations are performing together in the cantata.

Admission to the performance is free with a goodwill offering available.

The cast members range from children as young as 6 to senior citizens.


Volunteers recognized at Medina rehabilitation and nursing center
Staff Reports Posted 13 April 2019 at 3:20 pm

MEDINA – Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (formerly known as Orchard Manor) hosted its annual Volunteer Luncheon on Wednesday in celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 7 – 13.

The volunteers were honored and recognized for the impact their time and talent has had throughout the year.

Administrator Martin MacKenzie greeted and thanked the volunteers at the luncheon. Residents created a mural illustrating the various ways the volunteers contribute to their quality of life. They said that, “Hands down…our volunteers are the BEST!”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer may contact the Activities department at (585) 798-4100.

Residents made this mural for their volunteers during a craft session.


Holley students deliver 300-plus pounds of soap, toiletries to Rochester for people in need
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2019 at 8:46 am

Photos courtesy of Samantha Zelent

ROCHESTER – Haleigh Falls, left, and  Megan Harrington, both members of the Holley Interact Club, sort soap, toiletries and other supplies on Thursday at Sample Soap, an organization in Rochester that collects and distributes the items to people in need in Rochester.

The Holley Interact Club collected the items for a month, with an end result of 313 pounds. On Thursday the items were delivered in Rochester by 46 members of the Interact Club.

Charles Turpyn is pictured with some of the boxes of soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes and toiletries that were delivered to Sample Soap and also the House of Mercy, which assists homeless people.

The Interact Club had bins at school to collect the items, and also sent home letters with students, asking for donations.

“Once again the community came through for us,” said Samanatha Zelent, one of the club’s advisors.

Taylor Black, a Holley graduate, works at Oral-B and secured eight boxes of toothbrushes and tooth paste from the company.

Casey Onisk, right, sorts items with Sabra Wood, director of Sample Soap. Wood started the organization in 1990.

Holley students get a tour of Sample Soap, which distributes the toiletries to homeless shelters and other locations in Rochester.

The Holley Interact Club poses for a photo at the House of Mercy, a homeless shelter in Rochester.


Courthouse dome appeared golden until repainted silver in 1948
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 13 April 2019 at 7:17 am

“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 14

ALBION – This photograph, taken after 1903, shows Orleans County Courthouse and Clerk’s Office located in Albion. Readers will notice a diagonal sidewalk running from the front steps of the courthouse to East State Street and a number of beaten footpaths through the front lawn. The photograph is dated post-1903 because the sandstone jailhouse is visible to the left of the courthouse. Also visible in the photograph is a tall flagpole extending from the cupola atop the dome.

According to Isaac Signor, the building was constructed at a cost of $20,000 under the supervision of Lyman Bates, Charles Baker, and Henry A. King. The county contracted William V. N. Barlow of Albion to design the courthouse. Born in Madison County in 1810, Barlow moved to Albion in 1833 and launched his career with the development of Albion’s most significant buildings. The presence of the cupola on the courthouse was a signature of Barlow’s designs, which earned him the nickname “High-Rickety” Barlow.

A 1979 Building/Structure Inventory Form completed by County Historian Cary Lattin for the New York State Historic Trust described the building as follows:

“Notable exterior features include a magnificent octagon dome and cupola. The dome being composed of 88 individual rafters. The columns of the Ionic order display hand carved and sawed capitols. The front entrance remains as a superb example of Greek Revival detailing. A beholder can easily be awe inspired by the beautiful proportions, symmetry, dignity and symbolism that pervades and pulsated from this masterpiece. It measures 50’ x 55’ and has a balcony in the read. The judge’s bench, clerk’s desk, dividing balustrades and rising seats are all original. Corinthian pilasters supporting a full Greek entablature are plaster, above which is a bi-level ceiling with more plaster moldings and ornamentation coming to a climax with a decorative ventilator. From this is suspended a single electrolier created in 1928 to blend with all the architectural details.”

The most iconic feature of this landmark building is its beautiful silver dome. Yet most residents would be surprised to read that this color scheme is not native to the structure. According to a newspaper article published July 22, 1929, the Board of Supervisors hired John “Jack” Finn of Albion, a local steeplejack, to complete work on the dome. The article noted that Finn applied a coat of blue lead (to seal the metal) followed by a coat of yellow paint. Once the yellow was sufficiently cured, Finn applied a layer of gold enamel paint. According to early descriptions, the dome was “gilded,” or covered with a thin coating of gold paint or gold leaf. According to Cary Lattin, the dome remained this color until 1948, when the dome was repainted with the signature silver color.