Claudia Tenney

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is seeking re-election to the 24^th Congressional District which covers 14 counties, including Orleans County.

Today, she announced that the Republican Party chairs in all 14 counties have endorsed her for another two-year term, including Skip Draper, the Republican Party chairman in Orleans County.

“Claudia has delivered real results for our communities by leading the fight to cut taxes through President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and championing strong border security policies to end the chaos created under the Biden administration,” according to a joint statement from many of the Republican leaders in the district. “Her proven conservative leadership, tireless advocacy for families, farmers, and small businesses, and her close partnership with President Trump, who has already issued his full endorsement, make her the clear choice to continue representing NY-24. We are united in our support and confident she will keep fighting for our values in Washington.

This statement was attributed to Genesee County Republican Chairman Scott German, Orleans County Republican Chairman Skip Draper, Wyoming County Republican Chairwoman Cheryl Mayer, Wayne County Republican Chairwoman Amy Schreiber, Yates County Republican Chairman Jack Prendergast, Cayuga County Republican Chairman Nate VeVone, Oswego County Republican Chairman Terry Wilbur, Seneca County Republican Chairman Tom Fox, Jefferson County Republican Chairman Donald Coon, Schuyler County Republican Chairwoman Maryann Friebis, Genesee County Conservative Chairwoman Julie Carasone, Wayne County Conservative Chairman Michael Garlock, Jefferson County Conservative Chairman Ken Parks, Oswego County Conservative Chairman Ronald Greenleaf and Cayuga County Conservative Chairman David Pappert.

Tenney’s press release today also included statements of support from Ontario County Republican Chairwoman and Finger Lakes Regional Chairwoman Trisha Turner, Niagara County Republican Chairman Richard Andres, Steuben County Republican Chairman Joseph Sempolinski and Livingston County Republican Chairwoman Andrea Bailey.

Orleans could get 2 to 5 inches of snow

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Orleans County beginning at 7 this evening until 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The advisory includes Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and northern Erie counties, with 2 to 5 inches of snow expected.

“Lake effect snow this evening will produce 1 to 3 inches across the Buffalo Northtowns and Niagara County,” the Weather Service said. “Widespread snow will then produce a few more inches of snow late tonight through Wednesday morning for the entire region.”

The overnight low for tonight is forecast for 27, followed by a high of 38 on Wednesday with an overnight low around 19.

Thursday snow showers are likely with a high of 27 and overnight low of 20, followed by more snow showers likely on Friday with a high of 32 and overnight low of 19.

2025 guide put special emphasis on bicentennial of Orleans County and Erie Canal

Press Release, Orleans County Tourism Department

The cover of the 2025 Orleans County Travel Guide features a vintage black-and-white image of downtown Medina from the 1906 Old Home Days, accompanied by three photos showcasing agriculture, the Erie Canal and world-class fishing on Lake Ontario.

ALBION – Orleans County Tourism is proud to announce that its 2025 travel guide “Celebrate Orleans County’s Bicentennial” has received the Excellence in Print Marketing: Large Format Print Publications for Destination Marketing Associations award at the inaugural ANDIES Awards, held during the Campground Owners Expo in Branson, Missouri on December 3.

The 2025 travel guide, designed by Orleans County Tourism Creative Director Lynne Menz, commemorates the bicentennials of Orleans County and the Erie Canal. Designed as a collectible, coffee-table-style publication, it features a vintage black-and-white background image from the 1906 Old Home Days in Medina, along with three cover photos showcasing the county’s signature attractions: agriculture, the Erie Canal and world-class fishing on Lake Ontario.

“I am deeply humbled by the unexpected accolades as I complete my tenure with Orleans County Tourism and transition into my retirement,” Menz said. “It has been an honor to highlight the many assets that Orleans County has to offer as a destination. I am especially grateful for the partnerships with those who contributed to the content, including photographers, historians and colleagues.”

“We’re thrilled to be recognized by our peers with this ANDIES Award for the Orleans County travel guide,” adds Dawn Borchert, Orleans County Tourism director. “We wanted to make this a special travel guide this year, and my staff worked hard to achieve this for our bicentennial celebration of Orleans County.”

Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Service, a division of Merchantry Tourism LLC, has been serving the outdoor hospitality and tourism industries for more than 40 years and is widely respected for its expertise.

Owned and operated by Lisa and Don Bennett Jr., the company developed the ANDIES Awards to recognize excellence in print marketing for businesses and associations in these industries. The awards honor creativity, design and effectiveness in engaging audiences, with winners selected by a panel of industry professionals with expertise in tourism, outdoor hospitality and marketing.

The 2025 travel guide is available at the Orleans County Tourism Office in the Orleans County Administration Building, 14016 Route 31 W, Albion, N.Y., at local libraries or online (click here) for viewing or to request a copy.

Surgical Associates will keep Lockport office but will be doing all surgeries at Medina hospital

Dr. Jeffrey Schratz, left, and Dr. Robert Hodge are surgeons with the Great Lakes Surgical Associates, which has become part of the Orleans Community Health Surgery Clinic.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced that Great Lakes Surgical Associates has officially become part of the Orleans Community Health System, strengthening the hospital’s shared commitment to accessible, high-quality surgical care throughout the region.

This partnership, effective Dec. 1, represents a significant expansion for Orleans Community Health, while ensuring continuity and stability for patients and providers, the hospital said in a recent announcement.

As part of this integration, the Great Lakes Surgical Associates’ name will remain unchanged, and patients will continue to seeing the same trusted providers they rely on today, the announcement said.

Locations and office hours will remain the same, insurance relationships are unchanged and day-to-day operations will continue without disruption.

Great Lakes Surgical Associations is already home to two highly respected surgeons, Dr. Jeffrey Schratz and Dr. Robert Hodge, both of whom are part of the Orleans Community Health Surgery Clinic and are well-known, trusted names across the community, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.

Their continued presence further strengthens the alignment between the organizations and reinforces a seamless experience for patients.

“This partnership allows us to enhance care while keeping the experience familiar and seamless for patients,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health. “We look forward to integrating our systems and aligning our clinical teams to deliver even better care for our community.”

This acquisition moves procedures to Medina Memorial Hospital, increasing surgical procedures occurring at Medina. Both surgeons, however, will continue to see patients at both the Lockport location and Medina.

The collaboration will bring additional resources, coordinated services and expanded support for both patients and staff, while preserving the personalized, community-focused care Great Lakes Surgical Associates is known for, Robinson said.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined state and local officials to encourage New Yorkers to reduce the overuse of rock salt when possible, and “Don’t Be Salty, New York.”

Although applying rock salt on roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks helps to ensure the safety of those traveling by vehicle or foot, overuse of salt can be costly for consumers, degrade infrastructure, contaminate runoff that enters streams and waterbodies, and impact drinking water.

“It only takes one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water,” Commissioner Lefton said. “We’re asking all New Yorkers to take common-sense precautions before using too much rock salt on their sidewalks, driveways, and other places around their homes and businesses to help prevent unknowingly harming our environment. ‘Don’t Be Salty’ and help save your money, remain safe, and protect our waterbodies.”

To help protect water quality while maintaining public safety, DEC launched the “Don’t Be Salty, New York” public awareness campaign to help educate property owners, managers, communities, and snow and ice removal professionals about the impacts of rock salt and the various strategies that can be implemented to reduce salt use.

In August 2025, NYSDOT announced a statewide expansion of its road salt management pilot program for the 2025-26 snow and ice season. NYSDOT takes the issue of road salt management very seriously and for more than a decade has been a national leader in the effort to reduce the use of salt while still maintaining a safe and reliable transportation system.

These efforts include but are not limited to enhanced training for snowplow operators, direct liquid applications in place of road salt, continuous evaluation of innovative equipment, and utilization of best management practices for reducing road salt.

As a result, the statewide average application rate for granular salt was reduced to 172 pounds per lane-mile during the 2024-25 snow and ice season, down from the seven-year statewide average application rate of 194 pounds per-lane-mile.

DEC encourages all New Yorkers to use these “Don’t Be Salty, New York” best practices to save money, reduce rock salt pollution, and stay safe:

Use Rock Salt Sparingly

Shovel first, if possible, to clear snow and ice before applying rock salt. The less snow and ice there is to melt, the less rock salt is needed;

Apply rock salt strategically. A 12-ounce cup full of rock salt is enough to treat 250 square feet, a 20-foot single car driveway, or approximately 10 standard sidewalk squares;

Apply rock salt only where it is needed most, such as walkways, driveways, and steps;

Use a spreader to evenly distribute salt. Avoid piling it in one area, as this can lead to more salt runoff.

Monitor Weather Conditions

Rock salt loses effectiveness below 15°F. Sand can be used for traction on ice during a cold snap (and can be swept up in the spring for reusing) or switch to a deicer made for colder temperatures.

If a snow or ice storm is predicted, consider pre-treating surfaces with rock salt to prevent ice from forming.

Consider Using Alternative Products

Consider making your own brine solution at home by combining 3.5 cups of rock salt per gallon of hot tap water and stirring until all salt is dissolved. Let any gravel settle to the bottom. Pour the brine into a regular garden sprayer and spray in a zig-zag pattern over desired area. Save extra brine to use later.

Use products from the GreenNY specifications listed on the DEC website.

Among the many impacts of rock salt overuse:

• Rock salt can run off into surface waters through snow melt and stormwater or leach into groundwater.
• Excessive rock salt in surface water can cause stress to, or kill, fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Rock salt washed off surfaces will accumulate in soils, which can kill vegetation or deplete plants of nutrients. Eventually, non-native salt-tolerant vegetation could move in and disrupt ecosystems.
• Salty roads attract animals like deer and moose (who love licking up the salt), increasing the probability of accidents and roadkill.
• The presence of sodium in drinking water is problematic for individuals with low-salt or limited-salt dietary restrictions. People on a sodium-restricted diet can experience health risks when exposed to elevated levels of sodium in their drinking water.
• Rock salt has corrosive properties that can corrode metals, including lead, copper, iron, and steel, from pipes and other infrastructure.
• These corrosive effects also impact cars, trucks, bridges, and roads resulting in approximately $5 billion dollars in annual repairs in the U.S. alone (USEPA)
• Households using private wells and small unregulated water systems are at the greatest risk of negative impacts from corrosion. Regulated public water systems sample for lead and copper and reduce corrosion if required.

Photos courtesy of Dana Jessmer: (Left) Nearly two dozen individuals and their caregivers attended a Christmas party in their honor on Dec. 2 at the Clarendon Historical Society. Here, they listen to Ryan Klatt on vocals and guitar. (Right) Beulah and Pam Jenks enjoy each other’s company during a Christmas party Dec. 2 to celebrate the Caregivers Revitalize program.

CLARENDON – More than 50 attendees attended a festive Christmas party on Dec. 2 at the Clarendon Historical Society to celebrate the Caregivers’ Revitalize program. The evening offered a much-needed evening of relaxation and connection for Orleans County caregivers and their loved ones.

The event from 4 to 7 p.m. featured a dinner provided by 58 Main BBQ & Brew, along with cookies and pies for dessert. Guests were also treated to live music by Ryan Klatt, whose performance was so well received, that he continued playing until 9 p.m., way beyond his scheduled end time.

The event, funded by United Way of Orleans County with a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Caregiver Support Initiative, provided an evening of food, music and camaraderie.

“We want to get the word out to Orleans County caregivers that we are here to help support them,” said Samantha Koons, site coordinator of Clarendon Caregivers Revitalize. “Sometimes you need time away from caring for your loved one – to run errands, attend a doctor’s appointment or simply take a much-needed break. Social gatherings like this help to reduce stress and foster connections among caregivers for ongoing support. I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make this event a success.”

The Caregivers Revitalize program provides a welcoming environment, where caregivers and their loved ones can receive support and re-establish social ties within their community. A caregiver is anyone who assists a spouse, parent, family member, friend or neighbor with tasks, such as medication management, medical appointments, mobility, personal care, housework shopping or meal preparation.

“Tuesday’s party was truly a great event,” said caregiver Pam Jenks. “To have a small gathering like that with others who have been caregivers or are current caregivers is truly heartwarming. This organization is unselfish and willing to take time to help others so caregivers can take a break. My life is dedicated to my mom, helping her every day. Unfortunately, she has Alzheimer’s, but her spirit is still here with us. Especially when special events like this include songs from her time. As in her picture here with me, mom is singing ‘Take Me Home, Country Road.’ It truly warms my heart that the little things like this bring her back.”

Respite sites are located at the Clarendon Historical Society, 16426 Fourth Section Rd., (Route 31A), Clarendon, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; and at Christ Episcopal Church, 26 South Main St., Albion (Park Street entrance only) from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Both sites are closed on holidays.

For more information about respite sites or volunteer opportunities, call (585) 209-9151 or (585) 208-4999; or e-mail Caregiversrevitalize@gmail.com. They can also be followed on Facebook at Caregivers Revitalize – Orleans County, NY.

Charlie Monacelli, left, and Derek Howes are both seeking a five-year term as fire commissioner for the Albion Joint Fire District.

ALBION – Two people are running for fire commissioner today in an election for the Albion Joint Fire District.

Charlie Monacelli and Derek Howes both are seeking the five-year term. One of them will take the spot of Chris Kinter, who isn’t seeking re-election.

The election is from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. in Albion. Registered voters in the towns of Albion and Gaines (as well as the Village of Albion) can vote.

The Albion Joint Fire District is concluding its first year after the joint fire district was formed to serve the towns of Albion and Gaines. Before, fire protection was under the oversight of the Albion Village Board with the two towns in a fire protection contract with the village.

Monacelli has been a volunteer firefighter for 36 years. He said he is running to bring more transparency in the joint fire district.

“Every resident deserves clear, honest communication and open decision-making,” he said.

Howes is an Albion native who recently moved back to the community after being very involved with the Town of Niagara Active Hose fire company. He served on the Executive Board and as a lieutenant with that fire company. He works full-time as a project manager/estimator for a fire protection company.

He said those experiences will would make him an asset to the board of commissioners at the Albion Joint Fire District.

Photos from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – The Walmart store in Albion hosted “Shop with a Cop” on Saturday with 10 children paired with someone from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

The store provided a $5,000 grant for the Sheriff’s employees and representatives to help kids pick out gifts for their family members.

“The Sheriff’s Office teamed up with children from across Orleans County for a morning of shopping, laughter, and creating memories that will last far beyond the holiday season,” the Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page. “Seeing the excitement on each child’s face is a reminder of why we do what we do.”

(Left) Bilal Huzair, a chaplain with the Sheriff’s Office, assists a young shopper. (Right) Dawn Basinait, a sergeant in the Orleans County Jail, helps a child pick out gifts for family members.

“A huge thank-you to Walmart for their continued partnership that makes this event possible every year,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to give back and proud to serve this incredible community.

The Orleans County Office of Child and Family Services also assists in the event.

Tax exemption cap increased from 50 to 65 percent at participating municipalities

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that enhanced real property tax exemptions for New York seniors. Legislation S5175A/A3698A allows localities to provide a real property tax exemption for senior citizens who meet the income eligibility limits, among other criteria, up to 65 percent of the assessed valuation of their properties. This legislation builds on the Governor’s affordability agenda, which included tax cuts for middle-class New Yorkers.

“No New York senior should lose their home because they can no longer afford their property taxes,” Governor Hochul said on Saturday. “By signing this legislation, we are working to make New York more affordable for our seniors on fixed incomes and empowering them to age in place, at home, in the communities they know and love.”

The bill will give localities the option to offer real property tax exemptions of up to 65 percent to seniors living below the maximum income eligibility level set by the locality. Prior to, the maximum percentage of exemption local governments have been able to offer senior citizens was set at 50 percent and has not been raised in decades. Increasing the exemption from 50 percent to 65 percent could translate into savings of up to $300 annually for the average senior.

New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) Acting Director Greg Olsen said, “Governor Hochul is coming through yet again on making New York more affordable for individuals and their families. Property taxes, especially for those on fixed incomes, can often be difficult to afford. With more than 1.8 million older adults who own their own homes, this important law will continue to help older adults remain in the homes and communities of their choice and keeping their vast contributions within New York State.”

This legislation builds on Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda, which includes:

• Middle-Class Tax Cut: Approximately 8.3 million New Yorkers will benefit from decreased tax rates, bringing middle-class taxes to their lowest levels in 70 years.
• Child Tax Credit Expansion: The Child Tax Credit is increasing to up to $1,000 per child under the age of four and up to $500 for school-aged children, starting in 2026.
• Inflation Refund Checks: Eligible New Yorkers have received up to $200 per person or $400 per family, reaching 8.2 million people.
• Free School Meals: All K-12 students now have access to free breakfast and lunch, saving families up to $1,600 per child annually.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) commented on the New York Department of State’s decision to reopen its $8 million Local Government Efficiency Grant (LGEG) program, giving communities like Orleans County and the Brockport area new opportunities to reduce costs and strengthen essential services through shared-service partnerships.

Orleans County recently used this program to fund an EMS study aimed at improving emergency response and lowering long-term taxpayer costs, while the Brockport Fire District secured nearly $500,000 for a regional bunk-in program that boosts firefighter staffing through SUNY Brockport.

With this year’s expanded funding round prioritizing emergency services, water infrastructure, cybersecurity and projects that build on previous awards, both Orleans County and Brockport are well-positioned to pursue additional grants that modernize operations and deliver more affordable, efficient services to residents.

Hawley is proud to see this grant program reopened and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on communities across Western New York.

“For years, the Local Government Efficiency Grant has been a lifeline for localities in need of vital state funding,” said Hawley. “With the return of this program, communities across Western New York will now be able to save money by sharing services, consolidating operations and improving functions like emergency response and water systems while, at the same time, lowering the tax burden for residents. I’m glad to see this program come back, and I will continue my work in Albany to bring grant initiatives like this back to Western New York.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Betterment Center gave people a chance to see the first floor of 128 North Main St., a site the ABC is working to make a Santa tourism center.

The ABC closed on buying the site last month from the Henri Pulley estate.

The Betterment Committee today from noon to 1 p.m. gave people a chance to buy bins of items, as well as old doors and furniture.

There are two big open areas in the building on the first floor. Stan Farone, a former village trustee, checked out the site today. The building has been largely vacant for more than 25 years. Farone remembers when the site was a furniture store.

“I’d like to see a year-round Christmas store,” Farone said. “We need something to draw people here day after day.”

The Environmental Construction Group in Albion sent five of its employees to help clear out stuff from the building (shown in back in the middle). Shawn Wright of the ECG is inside a dumpster from ARG Disposal in Albion. ARG donated two dumpsters to help clear out the building.

Other volunteers also helped move items to the dumpsters.

The Betterment Committee wants to turn the vacant two-story building on Main Street into a tourism center that celebrates Santa. The group wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.

The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. The site could also offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.

The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, said Natasha Wasuck, a member of the Betterment Committee.

The ABC is applying for grants to help with the project and welcomes donations from the community. The group is eyeing to have the site open by Christmas in 2026.

This photo shows the other side of the building at 128 North Main St.

Jerome Pawlak is a member of the ABC board of directors. He said Albion has made progress in celebrating its heritage with the Santa school, which opened in 1937 and had its last class in Albion in 1965, before moving to Michigan.

There are signs, murals and a bronze statue all celebrating Santa and Charles Howard. Route 31 in Albion also is dedicated as the Charles Howard Memorial Highway.

“There is interest in Santa,” Pawlak said today, looking over items at 128 North Main St. “We have a legacy with Charles Howard. We live in a historic community and this can be part of its revitalization.”

Valerie Rush also is on the ABC board and she has been portraying Mrs. Claus for about a decade. She looks forward to volunteering at the site, greeting people and highlighting Albion’s Santa story.

“I think it’s a great project,” she said. “It’s filling another building in the downtown. We have something very unique here and people are very excited about it.”

The group is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, c/o Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd. in Kent, NY 14477.

There is an online giving option. Click here for more information.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club served more than 200 chicken dinners on Saturday, including delivering 27 meals.

Shown in the serving line at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion include from left: Taryn Moyle, Bill Lattin, Richard Remley and Becky Karls.

The dinner was a fundraiser for Rotary projects in the community.

This photo was at the beginning of the dinner. This was the second annual chicken biscuit dinner by Rotary.

Marlene Seielstad led the effort in preparing the meal. She is shown at left getting the biscuits ready. In back are Taryn Moyle and Mike Bonnewell, working on deboning the chicken.

Photo courtesy of Operation Honor

ALBION – Operation Honor director Jenn Thom, right, hands a $5,000 check to Jim Nudd, Veterans Service Officer for the Orleans County. The money goes to the veterans’ van service run by the Joint Veterans Council.

The proceeds come from a recent cornhole tournament that Operation Honor ran in the Knights of Columbus hall in Medina, as well as some of the revenue from a golf tournament this past summer run by the Knights of Columbus.

The van service provides transportation for honorably discharged veterans who reside in Orleans County to their scheduled VA medical appointments.

Operation Honor this Saturday at noon will be placing 360 wreaths on soldiers’ graves at Mount Albion Cemetery. This is the second year Operation Honor is part of Wreaths Across America.

Last year Operation Honor placed 200 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Mount Albion. Volunteers are welcome to be there at noon on Saturday to help set the wreaths.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 41

This song, “Make Orleans County Dry,” was discovered in  notebook from the pages of a birthday book for the W.C.T.U. in Gaines.

GAINES – A rousing song was found nestled in the pages of the Gaines W.C.T.U. (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) Birthday Book, a modest notebook with handwritten entries of members’ birthdays for each month of the year and another of the quiet gems in the Orleans County Dept. of History’s local history collection.

This is what gladdens the heart of a local historian! A quintessential piece of local history. The power of a single sheet of paper to evoke another era and a totally different sensibility.

Come comrades to the rescue, help make Orleans County dry,

In this glorious cause of temperance help to lift the standard high

And this shall be our slogan until victory draweth nigh,

Make Orleans County dry.

This composition directly connects a larger, national movement with its interpretation at the local level. What could be more local than a listing of the ten towns of Orleans?

The issue that galvanized the anonymous poet was the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, organized in Cleveland, Ohio in 1874 to combat the influence of alcohol on families and society.

Women of every rank and class could attest to the domestic abuse and impoverishment which resulted from the consumption of alcohol. Members pledged to abstain from all alcoholic beverages and opium and to encourage others to do likewise.

Earnest and committed women galvanized this movement. Locally, an early reference to a Temperance meeting appears in the February 4, 1874, issue of the Orleans Republican, when Rev. Mr. Hoyt spoke at the Free Will Baptist Church in East Gaines.

In June 1885, the temperance organizations in Orleans County were invited to a July 4th Temperance Basket Picnic at the grove property of Mr. C.J. Lewis. The Knowlesville Woman’s Christian Temperance Union furnished tea and coffee, ice cream and lemonade as well as confections, all at reasonable prices.

The semi-annual convention of the Orleans County Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was held in Albion in January 1890. The Millville Woman’s Temperance Union advertised their monthly meeting in 1895.

“Making Orleans County Dry” was a serious proposition. By 1908, the towns of Barre, Gaines and Yates had “voted dry” – well in advance of the 18th Amendment which introduced Prohibition in 1920. According to the Medina Daily Journal, nine towns were “dry” by June 1916, a statistic which helps date our song. We would venture to say that it was composed 1914-1916.

We cannot but smile at the anonymous poet’s rhymes, especially in the third verse.

Ten towns are in our county, six of which have closed their gates.

Barre, Carlton, Gaines and Kendall, Murray and the town of Yates,

Against the legalized saloon, which for the young awaits,

Make Orleans County dry.

His composition lends itself easily to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic. Appropriately enough, and continuing the tradition, the words of the Battle Hymn were set to the melody of John Brown’s Body, an abolitionist song.