With this succinct slogan, Albionite Ward G. Foster launched the first travel agency in Florida in 1888.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 17

ALBION – “WARD G. FOSTER, 80, TRAVEL AGENT, DIES; His Slogan, ‘Ask Mr. Foster,’ Known to Tourists in All Parts of the World THE FIRM HAS 75 OFFICES A Woman in Charge of Each, After Long Training at Headquarters Here” – New York Times headline, March 18, 1940

This New York Times obituary headline from March 18, 1940, summarizes the career of Ward Grenelle Foster who died on March 17, 1940. Born in Albion on May 6, 1860, he was the son of Carlton T. Foster and Charlotte Corday Foster.

According to the 1879 Orleans County Directory, Ward’s father was a “hatter & furrier” with a store at the corner of North Main and West Bank streets. The family home was listed as 36 West State St.

Ward G. Foster established the first travel agency.

Ward attended the Albion Academy. He married Harriet Brainerd in 1884, and the couple moved to St. Augustine, Florida, which was then just beginning to realize its potential for tourism. Foster was employed as a timekeeper on the construction of Henry Flagler’s luxury resort in St. Augustine, the Ponce de Leon Hotel.

In 1888, the Fosters opened a gift, book and stationery shop across the street from the hotel. Foster had earned a reputation for being knowledgeable about the area’s activities and amenities as well as about transportation lines and timetables. Guests at the hotel were directed to his store with the instructions “Ask Mr. Foster” who graciously answered their queries.

Recognizing the potential of this market, Foster took over the advertising of a popular local publication “The Standard Guide to St. Augustine.” He added the statement: “Ask Mr. Foster for Further Advice” on every page and soon he was busy dispensing travel information and had unwittingly started the first travel agency.

Tourism in Florida expanded rapidly. Ward opened “Ask Mr. Foster” travel offices in Jacksonville and Palm Beach. In 1902, he opened an office in Washington D.C. By 1937 the “Ask Mr. Foster” travel service operated 70 Information Offices in 52 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

As the New York Times headline indicated, a unique feature of the Ask Mr. Foster offices was that they were managed by women. Foster recognized that gracious service, empathy and a sincere spirit of helpfulness in dealing with customers were key components for the success of his enterprise and he believed that women were more likely to possess those characteristics. The goodwill generated by such a service, he felt, would guarantee return visits and word-of-mouth promotion.

Naturally, this business model was successful. In 1936 over 400,000 customers received information, planned trips and tours, purchased tickets, and made hotel and transportation reservations, all free of charge.

The “Ask Mr. Foster” Travel Service Office is shown at the R.C.A. Building, Rockefeller Center, New York.

Foster sold the business in 1938 to a group which incorporated as the “Ask Mr. Foster Travel Service.” Though the business struggled during the war years, it rallied and in 1957, two of the stockholders bought the company for $157,000.

In 1972, Peter Ueberroth purchased the business for $1 million.

A complex series of corporate purchases ensued. Carlson Companies, Inc., acquired the business in 1979. In 1990, the name “Ask Mr. Foster” was retired and integrated into the Carlson Travel Network. This eventually became part of the Travel Leader’s Group corporation which evolved into the Internova Travel Group in 2020.

Internova, now one of the travel industry’s largest travel service companies, focuses exclusively on leisure, luxury and corporate clients. To this day, the company proudly traces its roots and ethos of service back to Ask Mr. Foster Travel.

ELBA – Only once in its 26-year history has Plow Days had to be canceled because of rain.

Saturday morning founders Louis Esten of Elba, his brother Chuck Esten of Barre and Bob Newton of Stafford watched and waited for the rain to stop.

Plow Days has taken place every year for the past 25 years, except for two years during Covid, on the farm of John Torrey, an avid tractor collector and farmer on Route 98, just south of Elba.

Esten said 25 years ago, he, his brother Chuck, the late Ron Komar and Bob Newton (all of whom had an interest in antique tractors) got the idea for Plow Days and asked John Torrey if they could use his land. Louis said he and Newton had met at the Steam Show in Alexander, and during a conversation, the idea was born.

“We want people to understand what these old tractors are all about,” Louis said. “People actually used to plow with these.”

Alexandria Smith of Attica stands next to her antique John Deere 630 tractor and plow during Plow Days this weekend at John Torrey’s farm.

One of the antique tractor owners hoping to have an opportunity to demonstrate plowing was Alexandria Smith of Attica, who brought her John Deere 630 with a three-bottom plow. The 630 was built from 1958 to 1960, making it at least 65 years old.

Smith said her grandfather used to restore antique tractors, which peaked her interest, and she has been collecting them since she was 14.

She has a lot of respect for the old equipment and farming.

“Working on a farm is not like looking at a computer all day,” Smith said. “When you’re out on a farm, you put in a hard day’s work. You get tired, but it is a good tired.”

Terry Boyle of Medina is also an antique tractor buff. He repairs lawn mowers and brought one he restored – a 1972 John Deere rider – to Plow Days. He also spent several decades restoring his father’s 1938 McCormick 014, which he hoped to get running during Plow Days.

Plow Days is not just about plowing. There are dozens and dozens of tractors from the 1930s to 1972 on display. The giant barn is heated with tables and chairs, a food counter, hot coffee and vendors.

The public is invited to stop any time Sunday, rain or shine.

Terry Boyle of Medina sits on his restored 1972 John Deere mower in John Torrey’s barn on Route 98, one mile south of Elba. Boyle and a dozen other antique tractor owners waited for the rain to stop on Saturday to begin plowing demonstrations.

Kevin Doherty

ALBION – Hoag Library will hold its annual meeting on Monday at 7 p.m., with an election for two trustee positions from noon to 7 p.m. that day.

Only one candidate, Kevin Doherty, submitted a petition to run for a trustee position.

Two trustee positions are available: one four-year term and one two-year term.

Write-in votes will determine at least one of the new trustees.

Doherty is the lone candidate whose name will be on the ballot. Doherty has been a part of Hoag Library for many years, and served as president of the board when the new library was built in 2012.

“Our facility is a great example of what can be accomplished when personal agenda are laid aside for the community benefit,” Doherty said in a candidate statement on the Hoag Library website. “As an institution, Hoag has evolved to meet the changing needs of our service area.”

Doherty also has served multiple terms on the Albion Board of Education and has been an elected leader or representative at the local, diocesan and national levels of the Episcopal Church. He also has been a volunteer with the Orleans County 4-H Fair and Albion Strawberry Festival.

Doherty runs Doherty Communications as a senior voice network analyst. He and his wife Linda are parents had six children who all graduated from Albion. Two of their nine grandchildren are currently in the Albion school district.

To be eligible to vote, individuals must reside within the Hoag Library service area, which aligns with the Albion Central School District boundaries – many the central Orleans County towns of Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton.

Hoag Library leaders welcome community members to attend the annual meeting to hear updates about the library’s programs, services and future plans.

Photos and article courtesy of Howard Owens/The Batavian

BATAVIA – Protesters came with signs and bullhorns to the Buffalo Detention Facility in Batavia on Friday evening in a hastily organized demonstration to raise their voices against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The protest was called, said Gabrilla Szpunt, an organization coordinator for the United Farm Workers, after 14 migrant workers the union claims to represent were picked up en masse early Friday morning in Albion by agents of ICE.

All 14 were on a bus owned by Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms in Kent, where they worked, Szpunt said. They were stopped on Route 98 in the Village of Albion.

“They were on their way to work,” said Szpunt. “These are workers we’ve been organizing with for at least a year. An entire family was picked up in this raid, and other workers have been here for decades, some for several years. We’re here to support them and let them know they’re not alone in this process.”

She said the union doesn’t inquire about the legal status of migrants they organize with, but given the longevity of several of the workers, they likely had visas to work in the U.S., though she couldn’t say with certainty that they all were documented.

Szpunt said the UFW is in the process of securing legal counsel for the farm workers.

The protesters chanted a revolving set of messages, many of them demanding an end to deportation and for the protection of workers, but a few of them were laced with profanity, such as “eff ICE” and “eff Fasicist America.”

When asked about the tone of some of the chants, Szpunt said she understood the concern, but she wasn’t there to censor what the people who participated wanted to chant.

Asked what message the UFW wanted to send, she said, “Our message is that we believe these workers have been here for decades. They deserve to a process if they’re going to be facing these kinds of immigration proceedings. That hasn’t been the case under the Trump administration. People with green cards have been picked up, citizens have been picked up and detained, and disappeared.”

At one point during the protest, a stream of cars exited the detention facility. A passenger in one car held a mobile phone in one hand, apparently shooting video as the car drove past, while simultaneously extending the middle finger on his other hand.

According to the UFW website, the UFW has been involved in disputes with Lynn-Ette farms. The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the farm for allegedly requiring a UFW representative to leave the farm while meeting with workers.

The Public Employees Relations Board in October required Lynn-Ette Farms and two other farms to engage in binding arbitration with the union, according to the UFW website.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Dave Viterna Group performed at Marti’s on Main on Friday evening. The art gallery is celebrating its 15^th season of hosting art shows in Albion.

The gallery used to be in the home of Kim and Neal Muscarella. But in 2021, they moved Marti’s to the former Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 20 South Main St.

Kim Martillotta Muscarella and her family transformed the interior of the building into an art studio and gallery.

These fish and sea creatures hang inside Marti’s and were created by Janey Balcerzak, Kim Martillotta Muscarella’s 15-year-old great niece. They are an acrylic on decoupaged.

Kim Martillotta Muscarella’s granddaughters are featured artists in the opening show. Lily Zambito created the large painting in center, “ButterFL eyes” and her sister Sophia Zambito created the prints.

Marti’s opening show also features work by Laura Amor, including this acrylic, “Poppies in Gray Frame.”

Kim Martillotta Muscarella takes a photo of the Dave Viterna Group performing on Friday at the gallery.

The gallery is open by appointment. Call Muscarella at (585) 590-9211 for more information.

The gallery is open to the public for new art shows the third Fridays each month from 6 to 9 p.m.. The  schedule for the season includes:

• May 16 – featuring David Burke, Jeff Watkins and Bob Wisner
• June 20 – featuring Rosie Patronski, Shirley Nigro and Kim Martillotta Muscarella
• July 18 – Bicentennial show highlighting work celebrating the Erie Canal and Orleans County
• Aug. 15 – Environmental Show and also highlighting work by Sarah Hyatt
• Sept. 19 – featuring Chris Manaseri, Becky Maynard and Brandi Zavitz
• Oct. 17 – featuring Nancy Radzik, Rebecca Barry and Bradeen Walders
• Oct. 24 – The SkyCats Halloween Party with concert from 6 to 9 p.m.

Press Release, Orleans County Mental Health Department

ALBION – The Orleans County Mental Health Department is partnering with the Genesee County Mental Health Department and research organization NORC at the University at Chicago to conduct listening sessions and surveys to gather additional information from our community members surrounding mental health, suicide, substance use, associated resources, needs, and the associated stigma. Participation is open to any interested residents.

“Many individuals in Genesee and Orleans Counties are affected by substance use, addiction, mental health and suicide, and we are seeking input from residents so that we can better serve our community,” said Danielle Figura, director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department.

Figura said residents are invited to participate in a 60-to-90-minute listening session, via Zoom, which will be conducted by NORC, considered one of the leading, non-partisan research organizations in the country.

Participants will be asked about their views on overdose and suicide in our community, programs and resources, and additional support needed. Sessions will be held for all community members and for specific professional roles (i.e., business owners, school professionals, health or behavioral health professionals, legislators and government officials, faith-based leaders, CARES Alliance members, first responders.)

If interested, click here or use the QR code to complete the interest form.

Provided photo: This group worked on the garden at Hospice of Orleans in Albion.

Press Release, United Way of Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – Are you looking for an exciting way to make a difference in your community? United Way of Orleans County’s Annual Day of Caring is the perfect way to have fun and do good.

Join us May 9 at the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension (12690 NY-31 in Albion) at 8:30 a.m. for a complimentary breakfast before we travel to the project sites.

Volunteers will support local non-profits like Praising Kids, Hospice, GO Art! and the YMCA with exciting hands-on projects. Take a break from your regular 9-5 to work in the garden, make cards, or build coin games to support those who support our community. Bring a friend or make new ones!

For more information or to sign up call or text us at (585)-283-4224.

Federal funds critical for early childhood education program

Press Release, U.S. Kirsten Gillibrand

ROCHESTER – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited an Action for a Better Community (ABC) Head Start Center in Rochester to condemn President Trump’s actions to dismantle Head Start.

Federal funding allows nine Head Start centers to operate in Monroe County, serving over 1000 children. Without this funding, Head Start centers across New York and around the country will be forced to close their doors, which will deprive low-income children of critical early childhood education that gives them the tools to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

“Head Start helps make sure that every child has a chance to thrive,“ Gillibrand said. “It is an investment in our kids and our future that has been proven time and time again to be highly effective at preparing children for school and improving both their social and physical health outcomes.”

President Trump has attempted to diminish Head Start through a number of executive actions that are making it harder for Head Start centers to stay up and running, including closing regional offices that help administer the program, laying off staff, and withholding already authorized funding.

“President Trump’s actions to dismantle Head Start would hurt the kids and families most in need – including the 50,000 Head Start attendees in New York alone,” Gillibrand said. “I will do everything in my power to fight this effort and preserve funding for this vital program through the next fiscal year and beyond.”

Head Start programs provide low-income children from birth to age five with comprehensive child development programs, as well as support and services for families. The services Head Start and Early Head Start offer include early education, health screenings, promoting social and emotional health, nutrition, connection to other social services, and services for children with disabilities.

“The Trump administration’s proposed decision to eliminate the Head Start program is a cruel and shortsighted attack on working families and their children,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “For the last 60 years, Head Start has empowered generations of young people with the tools to succeed and achieve their dreams—not just in school, but in life. I’m proud to join Senator Gillibrand in continuing the fight to protect Head Start because investing in our children is morally right, economically smart, and essential to the strength of our communities.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These Albion second-graders meet “Nugget,” an 8-week-old beef calf during today’s Mini-Farm Day at Albion.

The FFA has run the event for many years, arranging to have farm equipment and animals outside the high school.

FFA member Nate Gibson, in back, talked with students about Nugget, which currently weighs 225 pounds and should top 1,500 when its fully mature.

“It’s about inspires young minds on where their food comes from,” Gibson said. “It’s always a good time.”

Nugget is owned by FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait and her family.

These second-graders throw small bales of hay, a new activity at the Mini-Farm Day.

Students in Mr. David Plewinski’s second grade class meet “Kevin,” a cowhorse owned by Darren Roberts of Kent. Kevin competes nationally at cow-sorting events.

Elliott Beyrle, a junior, talks with students about Kevin.

Students meet a rabbit named “Dot” inside the FFA’s ag shop. The rabbit is on loan for the day from the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.

FFA member Drew Pritchard introduces some of the kids to two goats brought to school by Kaitlynn Basinait and her family.

FFA members Brayden Snook, center, and Logan Scott, left, talk with student about a fertilizer sprayer used in the spring to energize crops. Bennett & Sons in barre brought the sprayer to school for the Mini-Farm Day.

A black lab “Henry” was popular with the kids. Henry is a hunting dog owned by Kaitlin Bennett, a member of FFA.

Medina FFA named top team from Orleans County

Provided photos: The Medina FFA team at the Niagara-Orleans Envirothon includes Tyler Allen, Mason Eick, Madison Farley, Camden Fike, Brody Fry and Austin Seefeldt. They are joined by the Ronny the Raindrop mascot.

Press Release, Niagara County Soil & Water Conservation District

LEWISTON – Twelve teams of high school students competed Thursday at the Niagara-Orleans Envirothon held at Bond Lake Park Nature Center in Lewiston.

The teams were from Albion, Barker, Lewiston-Porter, Lockport, Lyndonville, Medina, Newfane, Niagara Academy, Niagara Falls, Niagara Wheatfield, North Tonawanda, Royalton Hartland, Wilson, Niagara Career & Technical Education Center, and Orleans Career & Technical Education Center.

Teams of four to six students in grades 9-12 were tested on wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils/land use and a current environmental issue.

This year’s current issue is Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change. Students had to develop a theoretical plan for a school district to help reach renewable energy goals and present for a panel of judges to grade.

Congratulations to the team from Niagara Orleans Career and Technical Center for winning from Niagara County and being the Over-All Envirothon Winners! The team was from Mr. Kapiewicz’s class, students included Summer Dueger, Boylie Fudella, Ian Kruger, Jeremy Taylor, and Daniel Wilksemore.

The winning team from Niagara County and the overall winners of the competition include students from the Niagara Orleans Career and Technical Center – Summer Dueger, Boylie Fudella, Ian Kruger, Jeremy Taylor and Daniel Wilksemore.

Congratulations to the winners from the Medina Chapter FFA for winning Orleans County from Ms. Jurek’s class, students included Tyler Allen, Mason Eick, Madison Farley, Camden Fike, Brody Frye, and Austin Seefeldt.

Three different teams from Niagara Orleans Career and Technical Center won the different categories of Envirothon.  Students included Summer Dueger, Boylie Fudella, Ian Kruger, Jeremy Taylor, Daniel Wilksemore, Alex Brown, Olivia Dunkelberger, Anthony Enzinna, Aiden Flynn, Addison Schultz, Nathan Couturier, Mallary Fiacco, David Gurski, Jordyn Kinne and Adam Yanicki.

The overall county winners will move on to represent their county at the NYS Envirothon later this month. Good Luck to both teams!

A special thank you to this year’s event sponsors NewRoyal Orchards, Poverty Hill Farm, GM, and the NYS Forest Owners Association – Niagara Frontier Chapter for providing breakfast, lunch, goodie bags, awards, and Envirothon shirts for the students.

Exams and proctoring were provided by the Aquarium of Niagara, Mr. Paul Dewey, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, and both Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  Vic DiGiacomo of the NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee and Ronny Raindrop of the NYS Conservation District Employees Association came to hand out awards to the winners.

The Niagara-Orleans Envirothon is a yearly event for county high school students presented by Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District and Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District.  Envirothon is an environmental competition on different aspects of natural resources. It gives students hands-on experience and knowledge of the environment to understand how to protect and manage the natural resources around them.

For more information about Envirothon visit www.envirothon.org or www.nysenvirothon.org.  To participate next year please reach out to our offices by calling 716-434-4949 ext. 4 or emailing Katherine.pfeifer@ny.nacdnet.net or the Orleans SWCD at 585-589-5959 or email Guinevere.dillhoff@ny.nacdnet.net.

The students from all 12 teams pose for a group photo at the Bond Lake Park Nature Center.