CHILDS – A fundraiser that was once one of the highlights of the summer season at the Cobblestone Museum is being brought back by volunteer coordinator Sue Bonafini.

“Sooner or later, everything old is new again,” is a quote by Stephen King, which Bonafini shares in her explanation for planning a flea market Aug. 13 on the grounds of the Cobblestone Museum.

“So why not attempt a fundraiser that was enjoyed by so many in the Cobblestone Society’s past,” Bonafini asked.

The flea market will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a white elephant booth with contributions from the membership or community at-large, a large assortment of gently used books for sale and hot dogs and refreshments for sale.

In addition, Bonafini is hoping for a large turnout of vendors with a variety of goods for purchase, such as treasures which homeowners may no longer need, but someone else might.

Bonafini got the idea for a vendor fair while reviewing the Museum’s archival records of past events during the 1980s and 1990s.

“It was noted that during the month of August, the museum held the Cobblestone Fair and Flea Market events as summer fundraisers,” she said. “So I spoke with director Doug Farley and gained his support to plan a similar event for this summer on Aug. 13.”

In addition to the large book booth and white elephant booth, the Cobblestone Museum is adding a Holiday Shoppe featuring Christmas decorations. All items will be affordably priced to encourage sales, Bonafini said.

“In order to offer a wider selection of items to our visitors, we’re hopeful members of the community will rent booth space on our grounds and sell additional products,” Bonafini said.

She is hoping to attract vendors who can sell a variety of crafts or antiques, as well as individuals or organizations who wish to showcase and sell goods. Cost to rent a 10 x 10-foot square space is only $20.  A folding chair or two will be provided with each space, while supply lasts, but no table.

It is anticipated a large team of volunteers will be needed to keep the event running smoothly, and anyone interested in helping may contact Bonafini at volunteers@cobblestomemuseum.org. Booth reservations may be made by calling (585) 589-9013.

Those who would like to contribute items to the white elephant booth should also contact the museum to arrange a drop-off time.

“There’s still plenty of time for people to survey closets, attics, garages and basements to find possible contributions,” Bonafini said.

Photo and information courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Orleans Career and Technical Education Center Building Trades teacher Matt Anastasi couldn’t think of a more fitting way to remember his former mentor, John Nowak, than giving out a scholarship in his name.

Mr. Nowak taught Building Trades for 30 years at Orleans/Niagara BOCES and passed away in 2021.  Mr. Anastasi points to his guidance and friendship as instrumental in his own teaching style.

In its inaugural year the recipients were Gabriella Smith (Royalton-Hartland) and Kyle Haner (Newfane). Each student received $100 to help them pursue a career in the construction trades.

Pictured from left include Gabriella Smith (Royalton-Hartland), Matt Anastasi, Orleans Career and Technical Education Center Principal Michael Mann and Kyle Haner (Newfane).

Photo by Tom Rivers: The gas price is advertised on Monday at the Crosby’s in Holley on Batavia Street. The average price for regular unleaded fell about 9 cents in Orleans County from $4.987 on July 5 to $4.893 on Monday, according to AAA.

Gas prices continue to trend down after hitting record highs about a month ago.

The national price was at $4.655 on Monday, down 13 cents in a week, while the average price in New York State was at $4.80, down 9 cents in the week, AAA reported.

A year ago the national price was $3.14, with the state-wide average price at $3.20 a gallon.

AAA reported the average price for regular unleaded state-wide was at $4.788, down from $4.885 a week earlier and $5.037 a month ago. The diesel price also dropped to $6.039 on Monday, which was down from $6.153 a week earlier and $6.307 a month ago.

Regular unleaded hit a record high of $5.041 on June 14, with diesel’s high at $6.542 on May 19.

Here are the average prices among Western New York counties:

• Orleans, $4.893
• Genesee, $4.722
• Monroe, $4.836
• Livingston, $4.892
• Wyoming, $4.852
• Niagara, $4.697
• Erie, $4.774
• Chautauqua, $4.693
• Cattaraugus, $4.706
• Allegany, $4.799

AAA issued the following news release on Monday about the decreasing gas prices:

“Early last week, unleaded gasoline dropped below $5 a gallon at about 80% of gas stations across the country as oil prices dropped amid broad market concern regarding a potential slow, or even stall, of economic growth due to rising interest rates and inflation.

“A lower economic growth rate than expected could cause crude demand to further decline, leading pump prices to follow suit. This morning, oil prices are at $103 to $105, down slightly from the $103 to $107 per barrel seen last Tuesday.

“Last Wednesday, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed that gas demand sat at 8.93 million b/d, which was lower the last year’s rate of 9.11 million b/d at the end of June. On the other hand, domestic gasoline stocks increased by 2.6 million bbl to 221.6 million bbl. These supply and demand dynamics, along with decreasing oil prices, have pushed pump prices lower. If these trends continue, drivers will likely continue to see relief at the pump.”

Provided photos show before and after pictures of a recently cleaned headstone.

Press Release, Friends of Boxwood Cemetery

MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery will be conducting a headstone cleaning seminar at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, at Boxwood Cemetery on North Gravel Road in Medina. Participants are asked to park near the office, which is the white building on the north side of the cemetery.

“Headstone cleaning is a popular activity in many cemeteries,” said Todd Bensley, who will be leading the seminar. “However, it must be done using proper techniques. Well-intended people can do more harm than good.”

Those interested may simply observe the seminar, or be active participants in cleaning headstones. If you plan to observe you can bring a lawn chair. The demonstration should last about 30 minutes.

If you are going to actively participate, it is requested that you bring a pair of rubber gloves, protective eyewear, a clean bucket and new, soft-bristled brush, if possible.

There is no fee for the seminar, but donations are always gratefully accepted. In addition, those signing up to be members of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery on that day, will receive a spray bottle of the proper cleaner used in the seminar. Individual memberships are $20.

It is requested that you pre-register by July 20, by sending an email to: friendsofboxwoodcemetery@gmail.com.

MEDINA – The Village Board and Planning Board have both given the OK for a mural under the Glenwood Avenue high bridge.

Brandi Zavitz, a retired Holley art teacher, submitted the lone proposal for the project, which is being facilitated by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. GO Art! approved a $3,460 grant for the project under the bridge..

Medina would like to have the project be done by Sept. 30.

The project area is approximately 528 square feet on previously painted concrete.

Zavitz previously painted the front steps at the Orleans County YMCA in an aquatic and solar theme.

With the mural under the bridge she submitted a sketch that showed a boy playing baseball, strawberries and corn stalks, a marching band member, a cow, heron taking flight, the former Journal-Register and a kid with wagon full of newspapers, geese, Canal Culvert, girl on a swing, girl running by canal, the waterfalls in the background, two kids fishing in canal, St John’s Episcopal Church, a man walking a golden retriever on the canal, and apples.

“It does represent Medina and the Medina area,” said Village Trustee Owen Toale. “These things all mean something to us.”

The Village Board also set a public hearing for 7 p.m. today to pursue a grant to study the conditions of waterlines in the village.

Steven’s Law would require sperm banks to collect information from donors on diagnosed medical conditions

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced Steven’s Law to bring transparency and needed safeguards to the fertility industry.

The bill is named in honor of Steven Gunner, who tragically passed away at the age of 27 due to an opioid overdose following a long battle with addiction and schizophrenia. His parents learned after his passing the donor used to conceive him also struggled with addiction and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

“I am proud to announce I have introduced Steven’s Law, a bill that will bring needed safety regulations to the fertility industry,” Jacobs said. “After the passing of their son, Laura and David Gunner discovered that the donor they had used to conceive him had failed to disclose pertinent medical information in his pre-donation screening and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and later died from substance abuse.”

Steven’s Law would require sperm banks to collect information from donors on diagnosed medical conditions including genetic disorders, mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, familial medical conditions, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Sperm banks would also be required to disclose certain information to participants including the donor’s anonymized medical records, a summary of the information in such medical records, and any medical information the sperm bank was unable to obtain.

“This legislation is simple and straightforward and will ensure that common sense protections are put in place in a widely unregulated industry. We are working to ensure that any potential parent has the right to see all available information about a potential donor to help them make the most informed decision possible,” Laura and David Gunner said. “We want to thank Congressman Jacobs for his work to bring attention to our son Steven’s story and to put forth legislation in his honor to protect other families from enduring such pain. It is our great hope this legislation will gain momentum and the support needed to pass quickly.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Flyers on a vehicle at Arnold’s Auto Parts in Albion advertise a car show and fried chicken dinner in their parking lot July 23.

ALBION – Arnold’s Auto Parts at 116 North Liberty St. has opened its parking lot for summer services of Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries, weather permitting.

Services are held at 7 p.m. underneath the tent, unless the weather is bad and then they have space at the Arnold Gregory Complex at 243 South Main St. Entrance is gained by back door #H.

From 4 to 7 p.m. July 23, Arnold’s and Royal Body Shop Ministries are planning a fried chicken dinner and cruise-in in the parking lot.

“We are finally having a car cruise-in with a ‘fried’, not barbecued chicken dinner,” said Lisa DeCarlo from Arnold’s Auto Parts.

Aug. 20, 2021 was the first night for services under the tent and the first night for Royal Body Shop Ministries, DeCarlo said.  Since, then they have been holding services at 7 p.m. Fridays under the tent.

Albion’s Masonic Lodge will provide the food, with help from Pastor Al Wilson.

The Hula Hoop Girls from Buffalo will entertain during the car cruise-in. They have been regular performers at Arnold’s cruise-ins, DeCarlo said.

A DJ from Buffalo, who is a member of Greater Royal Worship Center in Buffalo, will provide music for the event. All proceeds will benefit the ministry to help fund free community events which they host.

Pre-sale tickets are available at Arnolds and are encouraged. Cost is $12 per person. Diners can eat under the tent or take-outs will be available. More information can be obtained by calling (585) 589-5596.

Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo from this morning shows corn fields on Gaines Basin Road, north of the Erie Canal in Gaines.

Orleans County and most of Western New York is considered “abnormally dry,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

That is based on data from July 5. It hasn’t rained much since then.

The U.S. Drought Monitor releases a map every Thursday, using data from two days earlier. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry, showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate, severe, extreme and exceptional.

The Drought Monitor says abnormally dry areas could see slowing of plant and crop growth.

Most of today is forecast to be another dry day with a high of 86. There is a slight chance of showers before 11 p.m., then a chance for showers and thunderstorms between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. New rainfall amounts are possible between a quarter and half of an inch.

More rain is likely during the day on Tuesday with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. The new rainfall amounts are expected between a quarter and half of an inch.

This cornfield on Gaines Basin Road has maintained its green despite little rain the past three weeks.

Photos by Tom Rivers

GAINES – There are 750 cyclists travelling along the towpath in Erie Canal today through Orleans County, including this group that is heading east in Eagle Harbor, headed towards the lift bridge at about 8:30 a.m.

The cyclists said they loved seeing the lush agricultural fields and experiencing the small towns. They left on Sunday morning from Buffalo and stayed overnight in Medina. Today they are headed to Fairport. The eight-day journey covers about 400 miles to Albany.

This is the 24^th annual Cycling the Erie Canal trek. The event was cancelled in 2020 and returned last year but was at about half capacity, limited to 350 riders. This year it is back to full strength at 750.

These cyclists stop by an interpretive panel in Ridgeway above the Canal Culvert. This is the only spot where you can drive under the Erie Canal.

The Culvert wowed the cyclists, who stopped to get selfies with the big stone structure.

Many of the cyclists welcomed the chance to walk down the dark tunnel which has sidewalks.

Anne Gulay of Canastota in Madison County and Joe Wagner of Glens Falls stopped for a photo with the Culvert.

Gulay, 61, and Wagner, 67, said they appreciated the warm welcome in Medina and along the canal villages so far on the journey. They said they have already made many new friends among the cyclists who come from 40 different states.

“It’s fabulous,” Wagner said. “The people are fantastically friendly and supportive.”

These cyclists are near the historical marker in Gaines that notes the northernmost point of the Erie Canal.

These cyclists are approaching the Gaines Basin canal bridge, about 2 miles from the Main Street lift bridge in Albion.

Bob Schumacher wore a Santa suit and greeted cyclists as they arrived in Albion this morning by Tinsel. Schumacher highlighted Albion’s distinction as home of the first Santa Claus School. It was run by Charles Howard from 1937 to 1966.

Lori Laine, right, handed out painted rocks with a cycling theme. She was part of a local welcoming group that also gave the cyclists orange slices and pointed them to nearby local attractions. Tinsel used to be painted white but last month a new large-scale mural of flowers was completed by artist Justin Suarez of Rochester.

Laine is chatting with Valerie Lloyd, 70, of Hernando, Fla. Lloyd said she lived in Los Angeles for 50 years. She is enjoying the ride along the towpath through the rural areas.

“To see these small towns and the open fields is just wonderful,” she said.

These cyclists check out the Santa School-themed mural on the north side of The Lake Country Pennysaver building. Justin Suarez also did that mural.

These cyclists visit the mural at Waterman Park of a Santa in a sleigh over downtown Albion and the Courthouse Square. Stacey Kirby Steward painted that mural in 2015. Next year there should be a bronze statue of Santa at the site.

The cyclists will also be greeted in Holley as part of the trip. Holley is about the halfway point in today’s ride and is an official welcome stop.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Farmers Market returned for the start of its second season on Sunday. The market will be based out of the parking lot for the Main Street Thrift Street, across from Hoag Library.

Amanda Mrzywka of Navarra’s Farm Market & Greenhouses is shown. Navarra’s sells flowers, fruits and vegetables, and home-made soaps.

Pamela Jenks of Pretty Sweet Bakery sells baked goods at the market on Sunday. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More vendors are welcome to be part of the market. For more information contact Katrina Chaffee of Community Action at 585-589-5605, ext. 117 or Mrzywka or Debbie Prest.

Caleb Hughson, 10, and his brother Cole, 12, held signs encouraging people to buy a chicken barbecue dinner on Sunday to benefit Albion youth football and cheerleading. There were 200 dinners available.

Albion youth football and cheerleading will have a camp this Wednesday and Thursday at Bullard Park from 5 to 8 p.m.

Sunday it was also busy outside Dubby’s Tailgate on Platt Street where there was a car show. Some of the big attractions were a Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. There were other classic cars as well on display.

Nathaniel Staines, Albion’s K-9 officer, brought Badger to meet with some of the car enthusiasts. Badger is a Belgian Malinois and a very friendly dog.

Group of 750 come from 40 states for annual Cycle the Erie Canal

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Several local residents are taking part in the 24th annual Parks and Trails New York’s annual Cycle the Erie Canal Tour. Here, Chris Leavitt,  a student at Medina High School; Tom Stanowski of Warwick; Dean Bellack of Medina; and Jeff and Bronwyn Green of East Shelby posed on the grounds of Wise Intermediate School, where they camped Sunday night.

MEDINA – Cyclists, totaling 750 from 40 states, arrived in Medina on Sunday enroute to Albany on the Cycle the Erie Canal Tour.

The Medina Tourism Committee arranged an afternoon and evening of events to entertain the bikers, who began arriving about 1 p.m., said Tourism Chairman Jim Hancock.

The riders, who were accompanied by a shower truck and other escort vehicles, set up a tent city on the grounds of the Wise Intermediate School.

Kim Mann of Schaghticoke, left, chats with David Chintry of Castleton-on-Hudson in the tent city set up on the grounds of Wise Intermediate School.

Kim Mann from Schaghticoke said while some of the riders had their own tents, others chose to use a tent service, which follows the tour, provides a tent and sets it up. The tents came with a chair, air mattress and towel. This is his first time riding the Cycle the Erie Canal Tour, but he has biked in the Finger Lakes, Bike Maine and Bike Virginia.

There was a snag in plans, however, Mann said, when some the school and college students hired to set up tents didn’t show up. Eventually, all the tents were set up, he said.

Riders came from across the state and beyond to do the ride, including several Medina residents.

Chris Leavitt, who will be a senior at Medina High School, was encouraged by Dean Bellack of Medina, an avid biker, to make the ride. Leavitt’s mother is acquainted with Bellack and he has been encouraging Chris to get out and ride.

Bellack said he did the ride for the first time four years ago, and is doing it this year to get Chris involved in riding bikes

Jeff and Bronwyn Green of East Shelby recently bought new bikes and have been practicing to make the Erie Canal ride, Bronwyn said.

“We have been riding locally (to Spencerport, for example) and in June just did the Black Fly Challenge from Inlet to Old Forge in the Adirondacks,” she said. “That was 38.4 miles. Many summers we used to come to Medina and walked by the bikers camped here, and now we are one of them.”

Next summer, the Greens plan to go to Glacier National Park and do the “Going to the Sun Road” bike tour.

David Chintry from Castleton-on-Hudson did the Cycle the Erie Canal Tour in 2006 and 2008. He was relaxing in front of his tent and listening to the band Pocket Change playing on the Wise School grounds.

“All these little towns are wonderful,” Chintry said.

A sea of tents blankets the lawn at Wise Intermediate School, where on Sunday night the band Pocket Change planed on a stage in the background.

The Cycle the Erie Canal Tour is a 400-mile ride, which began Sunday morning in Buffalo. Sunday they got to go through the locks in Lockport and view the caves before continuing their ride along the towpath to Medina. After leaving Medina Monday morning, the cyclists will spend Monday night in Pittsford, Tuesday in Waterloo/Seneca Falls area, Wednesday in Syracuse, Thursday in Rome, Friday in Canajoharie and Saturday in Schenectady, ending on Sunday in Albany.

The riders will cover between 31 and 64 miles each day.

In Medina, the Medina Tourism Committee arranged for a shuttle from Ridge Road Express to run continuously from the camp area to downtown and back. Several businesses, including Medina Railroad Museum and Medina Tourism Booth, stayed open later to allow the riders to visit.

From 4 to 6 p.m., David Viterna and his band entertained in State Street Park, and from 7 to 9 p.m., the band Pocket Change played on a stage on the school grounds.

Supper was provided in the Wise School cafeteria by Zambistro’s, who will also cook breakfast.

Hancock said this is the 24th year Medina has been the first overnight stop on the Cycle the Erie Canal Tour.

MEDINA – The organization Cat by Cat Inc. raised $10,000 on Saturday with a fundraiser at Canalside Tattoo.

There were about 80 baskets and gift certificates donated and up for raffle. Canalside Tattoo artists also donated their expertise for 60 tattoos or body piercings at a $100 suggested donation.

Cat by Cat will use the money for medications, vaccinations, food and cat litter, and other supplies.

Ellen Blanc, Shannon Blount and Blount’s mother Janice Strianese head up the local effort. They work with residents to trap feral or community cats and have them spayed or neutered. The cats are also vaccinated and many get flea medications.

Blount said she is thankful for the donations by local businesses, residents and the tattoo artists for the benefit on Saturday.

Provided photos: These are some of the cat-themed tattoos done by Canalside on Saturday as part of the fundraiser.

Cat by Cat Inc. now has more resources to help contain the number of community cats.

“The stray cat population is a huge issue not only in this county but everywhere,” said Shannon Blount. “It can quickly get out of control.”

Cat by Cat focuses on a TNVR model – Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return. Cat by Cat was able to TNVR about 50 cats on Glenwood Avenue since last October, and is currently focused on Prospect Avenue and has trapped, neutered, vaccinated and returned seven cats with more to do.

Blount said Cat by Cat works with residents in an area to trap the cats and return them to the area. If they are spayed and neutered they won’t reproduce.

Cat by Cat also works to have foster families to take in some of the cats over 2 pounds. Blount said the group’s focus is on improving the lives for the outdoor cats in the community.

Photo by Varuka Blue Photography: Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo, creates a cat tattoo for a customer. Canalside artists did 60 tattoos or body piercings with proceeds donated to Cat by Cat.

She said there are more stray cats since the eviction moratorium has been lifted. For about two years landlords couldn’t evict tenants during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of those residents, who were largely homebound in the early days of the pandemic, brought cats into their homes.

But once the residents were evicted, they couldn’t take cats in their new apartments. Blount said many residents have just left the cats outside and moved on, adding to the community cat problem.

“We have a massive amount of strays,” she said.

Blount is appreciative of the community for their donations to help confront the problem.

“People love animals and they don’t want to see them suffer,” she said.

For more information on Cat by Cat Inc., click here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club is hosting its second annual pickleball tournament this weekend at the Medina High School tennis courts.

The participants nearly doubled from a year ago, going from 47 to 84.

There are five events in the tournament: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Each event is broken into three categories based on skill level.

Scott Read competes in Saturday in the doubles division. He finished with the silver medal with partner Michele Mas.

Medina Rotary Club member Carl Tuohey is one of the organizers of the event for the Rotary Club. Tuohey is regular pickleball player in the courts at the Knights of Columbus on Main Street, where the basketball court on the third floor is used for pickleball.

Many local service clubs do golf tournaments. Medina Rotary wanted to embrace a growing sport with pickleball and also put on a unique local tournament.

Will Soos of Buffalo is in action during the tournament on Saturday. He won silver in the men’s advanced singles and bronze in mixed doubles.

In pickleball, the courts are smaller than in tennis. The pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.

The tournament continues today with men’s and women’s doubles competition.

Results from the first day include:

• Men’s Singles Advanced – JJ Hughes (Bronze), David McGinnis (Gold) and Will Soos (Silver)
• Women’s Singles – Hannah Munley (Silver), Lana Ivy (Gold) and Robyn Owens (Bronze)
• Men’s Singles Beginner – Aaron Schreiber (Silver), Anthony Brophy (Gold) and Jeffrey Schwertfeger (Bronze)
• Mixed Doubles Advanced – Brandon Carey and Renee Abbot (Silver), David McGinnis and Lana Ivy (Gold), and Hannah Munley and Will Soos (Bronze)
• Mixed Doubles Intermediate – JJ Hughes and Kim Cuskey (Bronze), Jeanne Whipple and Eric Palmer (Gold), and Michele Mas and Scott Read (Silver)
• Mixed Doubles Beginner – Russ Hameister and Karen Redding (Bronze), Karen Betz and Travis Lodyga (Gold), and Kevin Ormsby and Doris Mo (Silver)

These players compete in mixed doubles.

JJ Hughes and Kim Cuskey won bronze in the mixed doubles intermediate division.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Sparky a fire dog gets help getting ready to meet kids on Saturday. He is assisted by Medina firefighters Steven Lang, left, and Dustin Pahura.

Adam Fisher, a Medina firefighter, dressed up as the dalmatian. Medina firefighters were at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina for the day, offering tours of a fire truck and sharing fire prevention tips.

Sparky meets Isaiah Powlowski, 4, of Medina at the farmers’ market.

Katie Klotzbach and her daughter Karalyn, 10, made their debut at the market on Saturday selling flowers through Klotzbach’s business, Flower Fields Forever, which is based in Lyndonville.

The market welcomed about 15 different vendors on Saturday. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 29 at 127 West Center St.

Adeline Castricone, a member of the Medina FFA, knits a blue hat at the market. The Medina FFA is pushing to knit 500 of the hats that will be given to Medina middle schoolers in October as part of an anti-bullying initiative.

Medina FFA advisor Todd Eick is joined by students Adeline Castricone and Iyla Lilleby in promoting the #HatsNotHate effort.

Kendall location by lake hosted bare-fisted boxing, ‘rum-running’

Postcard view of the quiet beach at Troutburg in Kendall.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 2, No. 24

KENDALL – The Lure of the Illicit!

The Troutburg beach area, in the northeast corner of the Town of Kendall, was a popular destination for city-dwellers seeking relief from the heat of the summer months. The factors which contributed to its popularity as a summer resort: quiet secluded cove, rural area, proximity to transportation, also made it an attractive location for more nefarious activities.

Bare-fisted prizefighting was an illegal but popular sport in New York State from the pre-Civil War days until 1920 when the Walker Act legalized professional boxing.

On the night of August 23, 1885, two steamers carrying a contingent of fight enthusiasts, left the Port of Rochester and set out for Oak Orchard to attend a fight between Patrick Slattery of Rochester and William Baker of Buffalo.

However, when they arrived at Oak Orchard there was no sign of activity. Acting on a tip-off, Sheriff Howard of Albion had arrested both men. They were arraigned in Albion on a charge of conspiracy to engage in a prize fight but were released on $400 bail.

Undaunted, the organizers regrouped and soon set off aboard another steamer with the two hundred or so men who had each paid $5 to see this fight. Their new destination was Troutburg, where a tent had been hastily erected at Cady Grove. The fighters stepped into the ring at 4:48 p.m. that afternoon and the fight began. It lasted six rounds. Slattery was declared the winner on a controversial decision. Once the fight was over, the crowd quickly scattered.

Baker and Slattery were later arrested, fined $500 each and sentenced to a year in the Monroe penitentiary by Judge Morgan. Their counsel, Mr. Chamberlain, requested clemency and said that the men had been “tools in the hands of others.”

During Prohibition, “rum-running” was a regular activity along the mostly isolated south shore of Lake Ontario as enterprising men sought to profit from quenching the thirst of their clients. Boats laden with Canadian beer slipped in and out undetected, under cover of darkness.

Six Men Held in Two Liquor Hauls: Troopers Find Goods Reported Landed at Troutburg

This headline, which appeared in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle of July 7, 1924, summarized the events which unfolded after Troop A State Police in Batavia received word of the landing of a boat in Troutburg. The boat had been unloaded and had left by the time the State Police arrived, but they 2,000 cases of Canadian ale valued at $40,000, hidden in a barn in a farm in Morton. Two trucks loaded with ale, which were about to be driven to Rochester, were also seized. Four Rochester men were arrested in connection with this haul. They were held at the Genesee County Jail in Batavia on charges of transporting intoxicating liquor.

Another dramatic event occurred in Troutburg later that summer. The Democrat and Chronicle reported that in August, two musicians who were employed for the summer at the Ontario Hotel left one Sunday afternoon with two 17-year-old girls from Brockport. A search was quickly organized, a reward of $200 was offered. The four were located in Detroit a week later. The two musicians were charged with corrupting the morals of minors. “Friends of the girls expressed the belief that they had eloped with the musicians while their mothers claimed they were abducted.”

Why not take a drive to Troutburg and savor the history in the air?

This quiet beach scene in Troutburg was once the site of much activity.