CHILDS – One of the most historic structures on the entire Ridge Road is again serving the public after being closed for more than two years.

The restaurant formerly known as Tillman’s Village Inn, has reopened under new ownership and a new name, the Tavern on the Ridge. The building is the last remaining stage coach stop on Ridge Road.

New restauranteurs are chef Chad Pike, a 1997 graduate of Albion High School, and his partner (in life and business) Julia Hopkins. She grew up in Rochester and the two met while working at a restaurant in Perinton.

Most recently, Pike was chef at Shelridge Country Club in Medina, where he leased the bar and restaurant for seven years and Julia tended bar.

“The contract with my partner and I was coming up and Julia was ready to step back, so we didn’t renew it,” Pike said. “We had heard Laura Bentley had purchased this place and was looking for someone to breathe new life into it. We began talking to her in the summer of 2022.”

“That Christmas we decided to go for it,” Hopkins said. “We redid the floors, cleaned and painted.”

“We want to honor what the Tillmans had here since 1952,” Pike said. “We hope to make our own history here.”

The historic former Village Inn at the intersection of Routes 104 and 98 in Childs has reopened under new management and a new name, the Tavern on the Ridge.

The couple spent months planning menus and developing their plan of business. In January they began doing takeout-only while waiting for their liquor license and. The food proved popular.

Pike wanted a menu that was smaller, reasonable and flexible, so he could change courses with the seasons. A Polish platter has emerged as a favorite and it will probably stay on the menu.

“People were so happy we are serving food here again,” Pike said.

Menu entrees are priced in the low $20, while sandwiches are in the $13 range.

Eat-in dining began the week before Mother’s Day.

“We were very busy,” Pike said.

Currently, the restaurant is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Beginning Sunday they plan to serve brunch every other Sunday.

Hopkins said they are working on their website, building up the bar menu and developing a full menu.

“We want to focus on consistency and quality,” Pike said. “It was hard to leave Shelridge, but we hope to develop here what we had there.”

Eventually, they hope to add a lunch menu and catering.

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are appreciated by calling (585) 283-4332 or (585) 297-4416.

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – Summer Reading has kicked off at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library. We had 300 kids today learning all about rocks and minerals, sluicing their gem bags, and painting river rocks.

Attendees also got to play Twister, Connect 4, yard checkers, and cornhole. While kids were enjoying the fun outside, adults were able to meet with representatives from National Grid, LifeSpan, Office for the Aging, NYSEG, AMPED, Maxim, UConnect Care, Veterans One Stop, and the Department of Public Services.

Ruff Rock Mining was at Lee-Whedon and people tried to unearth gemstones.

We have so many great events scheduled for the summer and we have plenty of activities you can do with your family. Borrow an Empire Pass for free entry to a New York State Park or borrow one of our family passes to the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Make sure to grab a Library Adventure Map and get a sticker for each library in Nioga Library System you visit. Get one of our Discovery Kits and go bird watching or geocaching. Click here for more information about the summer reading program at Lee-Whedon.

Remember, your public library is the gateway to great adventures!

These representatives from agencies and organizations were available to meet with the public inside the library.

Lions Club ready for its 50^th anniversary July 4 celebration; Flyover and cornhole part of festivities

Photos by Tom Rivers: Fireworks burst in the sky during the finale of last year’s show in Lyndonville. This year’s display will be the largest yet in Lyndonville.

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club will put on its 50^th annual Fourth of July celebration, and the bash will include the largest fireworks show in Lyndonville’s history.

The annual fireworks show is already one if the biggest in Western New York, typically lasting 38 to 40 minutes, said Wes Bradley, the fireworks chairman the past 19 years.

Provided photo: Gerald “Shorty” Nellist will serve as grand marshal of the parade that starts at noon.

The fireworks on Thursday will go about 45 to 50 minutes.

The contract with Young Explosives is the biggest in the company’s 75-year history, Bradley said.

There will be a ground display starting at 9:55 p.m., commemorating the 50^th anniversary celebration. Then there will be an additional ground display featuring the American flag and then the finale with the fireworks high in the sky.

The celebration also will include a military flyover for the third straight year. It honors veterans, including this year’s parade grand marshal, Gerald “Shorty” Nellist. He is the oldest surviving World War II veteran in Orleans County. Harold Suhr, Lions Club president and Nellist’s son-in-law, said it is an honor to have “Shorty” leading the parade, which this year honors the soldiers from the “Greatest Generation” on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion.

The ceremonial flyover will be carried out by the 911th Air Lift Wing of the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

The flyover is scheduled at 11:55 a.m., just before the parade starts at noon. Route 63 will be temporarily closed to traffic 15 minutes before the flyover.

The Lions Club also announces there will be a cornhole tournament on the school grounds.  The tournament is a double elimination format and will be sponsored by Dubby’s Tailgate.  For more information call (585) 283-4347. Those not in the tournament but wishing to try the game can do so free of charge, courtesy of Dubby’s Tailgate, the Lions Club said.

This year’s celebration will be the largest event ever produced by the Lyndonville Lions Club, Suhr said. Expanded parade bands, and the largest fireworks display ever carried out by Young Explosives are just a few things to look for, he said.

The schedule for bands includes:

• 90 West, playing country music from 2 to 5 p.m. at the main stage on Main Street
• Mike McCauley’s One Man Band, starting at 4:30 p.m. on the school grounds
• 7th Heaven, from 7 to 10 p.m. at main stage on Main Street

A military flyover will be back for the third straight year. This photo shows the airplane passing over Lyndonville. It did it twice just before last year’s parade. The plane came from the 911th United States Air Force Reserve from Pittsburgh, Pa.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is excited to announce the launch of its newest program, the Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking Associate in Applied Science Degree, commencing this fall.

This innovative program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for careers in network administration, systems administration and cybersecurity analysis.

In today’s digital landscape, Network Administrators, Systems Administrators, and Cybersecurity Analysts play a crucial role in ensuring the secure operation of organizations’ computer systems and networks. They are responsible for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting various information technology systems, including networks, cybersecurity measures, communication systems, and operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Linux.

What sets GCC apart is our commitment to providing hands-on experience through practical labs and technical electives. Students will not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios, gaining proficiency in assembling, testing, and troubleshooting computer systems.

The Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking curriculum at GCC covers a comprehensive range of topics, including cybersecurity, networking, desktop support, server administration, and information technology systems. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving technology industry.

“At GCC, students have the opportunity to pursue IT degrees and certifications in areas such as networks, cybersecurity, communication systems and operating systems,” said James M. Bucki, Sr., director of Information Technology Programs at GCC. “Our program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in cybersecurity analysis, network administration and system support.”

GCC’s Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking program can optionally be completed 100 percent online. All cybersecurity courses are offered via HyFlex providing flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments. Whether you’re starting your career in IT or looking to advance your existing skills, the Cybersecruity Systems and Networking Degree offers the perfect opportunity to pursue your passion for technology. Click here for more information.

Job Development leader will continue in that role

Kelly Kiebala

ALBION – Orleans County is turning to an established leader in the county government to run the Orleans County Youth Bureau.

Kelly Kiebala, the director of Job Development for the county, last week added Youth Bureau director to her responsibilities. The County Legislature agreed to expand her work week from 35 hours to 40 as part of her added duties.

Kiebala has been director of Job Development the past nine years. She said that department already works to provide services and job opportunities for youths.

Orleans for about 30 years paid Genesee County to administer youth bureau services for Orleans using Genesee County staff based in Batavia. But that arrangement ended in December last year.

Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer, led the youth bureau program on an interim basis.

The Youth Bureau administers funding to counties made available by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The Youth Bureau contracts with agencies and municipalities to provide prevention, intervention and recreation programming.

Some of the programs include Orleans Juvenile Adjustment Services, ARC Camp Rainbow, Hoag Library and the LIFE Program.

Youth recreation programs serve youth year round or during the summer months through drop-in programs and structured sports. The programs that receive state funds are Albion, Holley, Kendall and Medina recreation programs.

Before she was Job Development director, Kiebala worked the director of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Provided photos

Kelly Follman congratulates her daughter Annabelle for graduating from then Marion Military Institute in Alabama.

Annabelle Follman, a member of Lyndonville’s Class of 2023, recently graduated from the Marion Military Institute in Marion, AL. She completed a year of academics and competed on the track and field team.

She was sworn in as midshipman on June 27 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, where she will spend the summer as a plebe in seven weeks of rigorous training.

Annabelle is the daughter of Curtis and Kelly Follman. This past year she was sponsored by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation as a recipient of the Class of 1949 Memorial Scholarship.

Three of her siblings are currently serving in the military, with Thomas and Elisabeth both in the Marine Corps and brother Roy in the Coast Guard.

Annabelle Follman plans to major in either English or Political Science and she hopes to pursue naval aviation, following in her father and her brother Thomas’ footsteps.

Press Release, Notre Dame High School

Provided photos: Lindsay Warner, left, has been appointed principal of Notre Dame Junior/ Senior High School and Julia Rogers is the director of instruction, curriculum and assessment.

BATAVIA – The Notre Dame Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of two school administrators. Effective July 1, both Lindsay Warner and Julia Rogers will take on key leadership roles for the school.

Warner has been appointed principal of Notre Dame Junior/ Senior High School. Rogers has been appointed as the director of instruction, curriculum and assessment.

“As an alumnus and trustee, I am thrilled that we have such passionate and experienced educators leading our fine school,” said Jim Sutherland, Board President. “The board has every confidence that their deep experience, coupled with their commitment to the highest standards will help our institution reach another level entirely. With these hires, the Trustees strongly feel that we are investing in the bright future of our school.”

As an alumnus, coach, teacher, parent and administer of ND, Warner has the dedication, compassion and commitment to ensure the success of all students and staff.  She holds a BS in Business Administration, an MS in Business and Marketing Education and is NYS certified as a school building leader and district leader.

After undergraduate school, Warner returned to her alma mater were she rejuvenated the business program and curriculum, winning awards for her innovation and instruction. Her tenure at Western NY Tech Academy also demonstrates her initiative as an educator and supports her dedication to team work, as well as her support of leadership in marketing, recruitment and culture building.

This past school year, Warner served as Notre Dame’s assistant principal. As principal, she will continue her commitment to ensuring an environment where students and staff feel valued, heard and safe.

A native Batavian, Julia Rogers’ family has been part of Notre Dame community since the beginning. Her mother, Sheila Tehan Rogers, was part of our very first graduating class. Her father, Brad, coached basketball at ND.  She has had siblings, a niece, nephews and many cousins that have walked the halls and are proud students and alumni of ND.

Rogers’ dedication to the vibrancy of our community is clear. She is a member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, and enjoys volunteering with her church community, golfing and genealogy. A former volunteer at the NICU at Sisters Hospital, Rogers is a member of the Batavia Rotary Club, Holland Land Office Museum Board of Directors, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and is involved in many more community outreach programs.

She holds a BA, an MS in Bilingual Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies. After teaching at the start of her career 30 years ago, she quickly moved on to school administration and has served as an administrator for Batavia Middle School, Coordinator of Assessment and Instruction and the Coordinator for Community School, both at BCS.

Rogers is excited about the opportunity to enhance Notre Dame’s strong academic program.

“I am thrilled to be able to be part of the Notre Dame family,” she said. “The foundation of ND’s instructional program shows the values of education and achievement. I look forward to observing and offering diverse and innovative ways to improve student learning outcomes.”

Photo from Medina Fire Department: Medina firefighters responded to a fire at West Avenue last night. The fire was limited to a car and the exterior of the house.

Press Release, Medina Fire Department

MEDINA – At 1:15 this morning, the Village of Medina firefighters were dispatched to a smoke detector activation/issue in the Village.

While en route to that address, dispatchers advised Engine 11 that they were currently taking a call for a house fire in the area of 1000 West Ave. The Shelby and Albion Fire Departments were then dispatched as well.

Engine 11 immediately responded and arrived in less than 90 seconds to find a car behind the residence burning that had extended to the house. Engine 11’s crew split up and simultaneously extinguished the fire to both the car and the house while searching the structure for residents and fire.

All residents in the nearby apartments had exited prior to fire department arrival, and fire damage was limited to the exterior. The Shelby Fire Department was then rerouted to the initial call and found a defective smoke detector at that location.

Thanks to our dispatchers, Medina Police, Orleans County Fire Coordinator and the Shelby Fire Department for all their assistance tonight.

The cause of the car fire remains under investigation at this time by members of the Medina Fire Investigation Unit. There were no injuries to firefighters and civilians at this scene.

Sherry Wheatley plans to make her property, The Olde Grainery, available to the public

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Sherry Wheatley stands in front of the grain bin she had converted into living space at her home on West Shelby Road, a project which caught the attention of Country Sampler magazine. She will be featured in an upcoming issue.

WEST SHELBY – Four years ago, Sherry Wheatley saw a picture on Pinterest of a girl who had turned a grain bin into a farmhouse.

“My heart started racing,” Wheatley said. “I thought that would be so cool to do that.”

Sherry had a three-story barn which was falling down, she said. And her sister Linda was married into the Kirby family from Albion and Brockport, where they had grain bins. If the barn was demolished, a grain bin would fit there perfectly.

The back deck of Sherry Wheatley’s grain bin overlooks her fields, where an assortment of animals graze. Part of her new barn is visible, where more antiques await her next project. The table, set with antique china, was made with lumber from the old barn that was torn down. An old bucket on the table doubles as a vase for flowers.

When Jack and Sherry Wheatley bought their c. 1840 home on West Shelby Road 40 years ago, she admits it should have been torn down.

But, being a couple who loves anything old or country, they began fixing it up, with help from Jack’s dad Dave.

 “It took us 25 years to get it where we wanted it,” she said.

Today it is an antique lovers’ paradise.

Sherry has always loved antiques and never wants to see anything thrown away. She can find a new life for almost everything.

“I go to antique sales, flea markets and garage sales and buy things that I have no idea what I’m going to do with them,” she said. “I put them in my ‘stash’ and when I’m ready to work on a project, I go to my stash and pull something out.”

Transforming a grain bin into living space would be her next – and most ambitious – project.

“I had a vision I wanted a welcoming, country, cowboy kind of look,” she said.

The first thing was to contact Ron Oleksy, her neighbor and third-generation carpenter. With her help, they tore the barn down, saving every beam and scrap of lumber.

Then she contacted the Amish community about putting up the grain bin which had to be dismantled at the Kirby farm and reconstructed at Sherry’s house.

“It took a lot of figuring how to deal with a round structure,” she said. “They had to think outside the box.”

At the end of March, Mennonite Joel Horst from Lyndonville was hired to dismantle the grain bin at Kirby’s, move it to Sherry’s house and put it back together.

“He had never done anything like that before, but he tackled it,” Sherry said. “He also built decks on the back and front.”

Newfane carpenter Jay Hughes had the job of making a table out of the barn wood. That sits on the back deck, with accent tables and stuffed chairs. Rabbit chairs at the table were purchased from a closed restaurant in Rochester. Hughes is also building a campfire pit in the yard west of the grain bin.

The front deck is furnished with antiques Sherry pulled out of her stash. Corbels from a Masonic lodge which burned in Ellicottville accent the corners. Horst was able to make a light from an old chicken feeder Sherry pulled from her stash.

“Now it has a story,” she said.

“I never look at anything and say, ‘Tear it down,’” Sherry said. “I look at it and say, ‘What can I do with it.’ I never buy anything new.”

Sherry Wheatley’s home is entirely furnished with antiques and primitives. This is a view of the kitchen/dining area of the 1840 house.

A well pulley with a bucket now sees new life as a flower pot. While visiting Norm Mundion she spotted a pile of “junk,” on which there was some metal tubing. He told her that was from the frame of a trampoline. She needed a railing for the steps down to the basement of her grain bin, and they fit the area perfectly. That is now her antique shop, called the Olde Grainery. She’d like to make a business out of it.

An antique truck with assorted rusted parts has become a lawn ornament at Sherry Wheatley’s home near West Shelby.

Mundion also contacted her about an outhouse at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery on Salt Works Road, which was rotting to pieces and covered with moss. The cemetery wanted to get rid of it, so she bought it for $1, then spent $1,500 having it rebuilt.

She admits people’s tastes change.

“When I was first married, I was in to modern, now it’s primitive,” she said.

Sherry loves to sit in her grain bin, listen to soft music and cry happy tears.

“I can’t believe it’s mine,” she said.

Her accomplishment is bittersweet, as Jack lost his battle with kidney failure in September 2022. He had Lupus and had been on dialysis for nearly a decade, waiting for a kidney donor.

“Jack was my best friend and soul mate, but I know he’s in a better place now, and I’m happy for him,” Sherry said. “I’m sure he’s looking down, proud I pulled it off.”

A few months ago Sherry sent pictures of her home and grain bin to Country Sampler magazine. They actually contacted her and spent Sunday and Monday a week ago at her home, taking pictures for a six-page feature in their spring 2025 issue.

Sherry is planning to offer her grain bin and grounds to rent for parties, showers or small weddings. She also hopes to have an open house for the public very soon, to share her labor of love.

She not only loves antiques, but has a soft spot for animals. She has two donkeys, a quarterhorse, three sheep, three goats, two pot-bellied pigs, four chickens and two rescue dogs from a puppy mill. She plans to get two llamas from Michelle Batt soon, so she can spin their fiber.

A longtime lover of anything antique, primitive or country, Sherry Wheatley has transformed her entire property with everything “old and primitive.” Here, she stands next to a reconstructed three-holer outhouse from the early 1900s she got from Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, where it was falling down and going to be demolished.

Provided photo: This is a view of one of the air-conditioned dining cars in which passengers will ride during the Medina Railroad Museum’s first Murder Mystery Train on July 13.

MEDINA – The Medina Railroad Museum, which draws thousands of visitors for the Day Out with Thomas and the Polar Express, will offer an entirely different kind of event on July 13.

The museum offer two train rides that day, an Early Bird Express with breakfast and the museum’s first ever Murder Mystery Train at 1 p.m.

Murder at the Museum will be presented by WNY Improv, a group of eclectic and talented performers all across Western New York. They offer one-of-a-kind mystery shows catered specifically to each group and venue.

Riders on first-class, air-conditioned coaches will get to play detective as they uncover clues, interrogate suspects and solve a crime that unfolds before their eyes.

WNY Improv advertises the event as “the ultimate whodunit interactive experience aboard a train.” Everyone is a suspect, they boast.

As the story unfolds, the museum curator wakes to find their most valued piece of train memorabilia missing, and the night watchman dead at the scene.

This is the Medina Railroad Museum’s first time sponsoring a murder mystery train. Only 140 tickets will be sold.

Two rides will be available that day – an Early Bird Express, departing at 10 a.m., and the afternoon Murder Mystery Train, departing at 1 p.m.

Tickets for the early run are $42 and include a continental breakfast of coffee, tea or orange juice, Danish, muffin and fruit cup, in addition to a keepsake Medina Railroad Museum mug.

Tickets for the 1 p.m. Murder Mystery adventure are $65 per person and feature a lunch of ham or turkey sandwich with provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato on a kaiser roll with macaroni salad; or a garden salad with cheese and egg and Italian dressing. Both are served with a bag of chips and a choice of cold beverage with a Medina Railroad keepsake insulated lunch bag.

No outside food or drinks are allowed on the train.

Passengers are advised to arrive at the museum at 530 West Ave. one hour prior to departure to pick up their tickets at the box office. Boarding will begin 15 minutes before departure.

Tickets also include the two-hour train ride to Lockport and admission to the Medina Railroad Museum. Ticket sales will stop July 6 to get food orders to the caterer.

The event will go on, rain or shine. The number to order tickets is (585) 798-6106.

Provided photos: The Seneca Park Zoomobile program visited Hoag Library on Friday for the start of the summer reading program. The library has a StoryWalk on the library lawn. Registration for summer reading officially starts Monday.

Press Release, Hoag Library

ALBION – Hoag Library is excited to announce the kickoff of its 2024 Summer Reading Program “Adventure Begins at Your Library.”

This year’s program is packed with fun activities and events designed to engage readers of all ages and foster a love of reading throughout the community.

In addition to a wide array of library programs, participants can look forward to several unique activities:

• StoryWalk: Enjoy reading and the great outdoors simultaneously with our StoryWalk. Pages from a children’s book will be displayed along a walking route on the library lawn, encouraging families to take a stroll while reading together. Additionally, StoryWalks will be popping up in various locations around the community, making it even easier for families to join in the fun wherever they are.

• Adventure Jars: Pick up an Adventure Jar from the library and fill it with fun items you receive after attending a program.

• Nioga Library Map: Embark on a literary journey with our special map, guiding you to visit all the libraries within the Nioga Library System. Collect stickers from each library and be entered into a drawing for fantastic prizes.

“We are thrilled to offer a diverse range of activities this summer,” said Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for learning, adventure, and community connection for readers of all ages.”

The Summer Reading Program is open to children, teens, and adults. Participants can sign up at the library starting Monday, July 1. As always, the program is free of charge, and we encourage everyone in the community to join in the fun.

For more information about the 2024 Summer Reading Program, click here or contact Hoag Library at 585-589-4246.

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right together!

Hey friends, I wanted to mention up front that this will be my last article for the summer. I will be taking July and August off to rest, recoup, and go on some new adventures to write about come fall. In July I will be speaking at Highlander Camp in Kane, PA for a little over a week and then later we will be heading to Kentucky to help our daughter and son-in-law get settled into there new home at Asbury Seminary. I hope that you will have the opportunity to do something beyond the norm this summer as well.

Well, they say you should write about what you know so today I am going to write about milestones. A milestone is defined as an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development and my family has had our fair share this year. I have already shared a few with you like back in February when I hit the milestone of living in Orleans County for 20 years or in April when I officially became a quinquagenarian (aka I turned 50). Last month my daughter Ashlyn graduated from Robert’s Wesleyan University with her Bachelor of Nursing Degree and proceeded to pass her boards a few weeks later. It’s been a busy year so far.

Over the past week I actually experienced two major milestones back-to-back. On June 19th my beautiful wife Sheryl and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary (I have officially been married half of my life!) and just 3 days later I had the privilege of walking my oldest daughter Ashlyn down the aisle of the same church we were married in!

Everyone asked if I was going to hold it together and I did simply because I was filled with so much joy. Not only did Ashlyn choose a young man of great character who we were excited to welcome into our family but seeing her so happy made me happy. Ironically, it seemed as if everyone else was crying as we made our way down the aisle.

Now we are preparing for her to move, as I mentioned above, for our son to move on campus at his college, and for our third child to start her senior year. It hardly seems possible that we moved here with an almost 2 year old and a newborn and now we have we have 2 young adults, 2 teens, and too many changes to keep up with.

As I look ahead I wonder what other milestones will come and go. Empty nest? More marriages? Grandchildren? Celebrating our 50th anniversary? Whatever happens I will thank God for the significance of each of these events since I know all too well that they should never be taken for granted.

How about each of you? What milestones have you hit so far and which ones are coming up around the corner? As you head into summer what are you celebrating and what are you looking forward to? Be sure to make each new chapter in your and your family’s lives count, and I will look forward to reconnecting in the fall.

See you in September!
Pastor Randy LeBaron

A Yates Center sewing circle created this quilt in 1865, a heartfelt contribution to the welfare of the men at war.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, No. 20

YATES –“When the war (American Civil War) began in 1861, neither the Union nor the Confederate governments had enough uniforms, tents, blankets or even bandages for their armed forces. Women on both sides of the conflict stepped up to fill the enormous need, volunteering their labor and resources. They quickly became essential to keeping the soldiers well-nourished, clothed and warm.” {1}

Remarkably, a quilt completed by a sewing circle in the Town of Yates hamlet of Yates Center on February 5, 1865, survives intact. What is even more remarkable is that the quilt which resurfaced in 2010, following some 145 years in obscurity, was returned to its homeplace in 2022, thanks to the efforts of members of the Yates Baptist Church.

As they stitched and knitted, sewing circle ladies on both sides of the cause referred to their needles as “weapons” or “daggers.” They identified as fellow fighters with their “brothers in the field.” Soldiers were appreciative of the comfort of the blankets and quilts sent.

Using assorted fabric scraps, the Yates Center ladies created forty colorful 8” square blocks in the Album Block pattern. The material used for the backing and border was most likely an everyday dress fabric, which must have been a sacrifice since there was a shortage of fabric after three years of war.

Block patterns were favored as the quilters could easily work on their respective part of the project at their convenience and the quilt could be easily assembled. Quilters could also personalize their squares by signing them, or by including uplifting or encouraging messages.

Some of the signatures and verses have since faded. Pam Farewell used online census and cemetery records to help decipher the names. They include:

“Brave soldier, thou will ever be remembered.” – Sarah D. Lott

“March on to Victory” – Mrs. P. Lewis

“Wake, arise ye sons of freedom,

Bravely die but never yield,

While the signal drums are beating,

Marching to the battlefield.” – Sophronia Clark.

The quilt was completed on February 5, 1865. The end of the war was still several weary battles away. It was most likely donated to the US Sanitary Commission, the agency in charge of contributions from regional aid societies to hospitals and battlefields.

Its subsequent history is a mystery. Quilt collector Jane Garrod Chinault acquired it at an auction, date unknown. She displayed it at a quilt show in York, PA in 2010 where it fortuitously came to the attention of Sue Farwell Hauser, formerly of Yates Center, who, naturally enough, was immediately intrigued by its Yates Center connection. Sue contacted her sister-in-law, Pam Farwell, who arranged to borrow the quilt for a weekend in 2010 for a display at the Yates Baptist Church.

In 2022, church members again requested permission to display the quilt, this time as part of their bicentennial celebrations, at which point Ms. Chinault graciously decided to donate the quilt, stating that she felt relieved that it would have a permanent place to reside, “that it had returned home and will be well cared for.”

Karen Breeze was instrumental in researching how best to conserve and display this unique quilt. Church and family members assisted. Memorial funds were provided by the Bentley and Breeze families. The initiative concluded with a U-Haul road-trip to retrieve the framed quilt from Massachusetts. It is now on display at the Yates Baptist Church. Contact Karen at the church office (585) 765-2136 to arrange a tour.

The quilt is referenced in the book “Homefront & Battlefield: Quilts and Context in the Civil War” {1} by Madelyn C. Shaw and Lynne Z. Bassett, 2012, available for loan through the NIOGA Library system.