By Doug Farley, Cobblestone Museum Director – Vol. 3 No. 12
GAINES – As we mentioned in an earlier article, the Cobblestone Museum musical instrument collection has been enriched with a variety of artifacts that represent by-gone eras of musical entertainment.
The Museum is actually quite fortunate to have in its possession two historic Melodeons. The first melodeon came to the collection in 2010 from Kent, NY and the second one came a decade later from the Fancher family in 2020.
During the latter half of the 19th century, Buffalo, NY was described as the “Melodeon Capital of the World,” which is odd considering many folks from this area today probably don’t even know what a melodeon is. By definition, a melodeon is a small, reed organ with up to a five- or six-octave keyboard, usually housed in a piano-like cabinet.
The melodeon’s popularity in 19th century homes even exceeded that of the piano, which was more costly to produce and required frequent tuning. The melodeon produces its sound by drawing air in through suction produced by a foot pedal bellows, the air then passes over metal reeds, to produce specific musical notes, all without the need for tuning.
The Buffalo connection was forged through the partnership of Jeremiah Carhart and Elias Needham, working under the employ of George A. Prince & Co. Music Store at 200 Main Street, Buffalo. Their patent in 1846 solved several deficiencies found in earlier melodeon versions, hence their model became known as the “Improved Melodeon” as shown above.
The Cobblestone Universalist Church probably used an early melodeon, historically, to provide accompaniment for congregational singing. The Universalist congregation found here in the 19th century had ceased regular services in the church in the 1890s, when the parishioners moved to their new Pullman Memorial Church in Albion.
Daniel Heater of Kent donated a melodeon and stool to the Cobblestone Museum in 2010. On this instrument, players must continuously pump the right foot pedal to power the bellows while playing the keyboard. The left foot pedal is for volume control.
On some melodeons the legs are collapsible so that they could easily be moved. One local family in the past folded the legs up under their melodeon and loaded it on to their sleigh to take it to a gathering in order to have music. Unfortunately the museum’s melodeon is not currently playable, but it is still a lovely example of a popular instrument of the times and is a great addition to the museum’s collection.
Fancher House, South Main Street, Albion, circa 1905
More recently, the Museum was fortunate to receive another, albeit smaller, melodeon that harkens back to the “Fancher House” in Albion, having been passed down from Ida Baldwin Fancher (1858-1929), wife of Rev. Edward Fancher, and then to Mrs. Archie (Irene Hayes) Fancher (1897-1940). In 2020, Sandra Fancher-Bastedo donated her Fancher family heirloom to the Museum for posterity, on behalf of her siblings, children and many extended family members.
The Fancher melodeon, stands approximately 30″ high, 30″ wide, and 14″ deep, has a four-octave range with ivory keys. The bellows are attached beneath the keyboard and are pumped using the musician’s knees instead of feet.
In his book, “Trivial Tales,” author Bill Lattin tells a story about a certain Irishman who was his great-grandfather’s tenant in 1880. Lattin knew that the Irish family was hard up and needed whatever help they could get. He approached the Poormaster and explained the family’s dire straits. (At that time, before our current Social Service system, each town selected a Poormaster who made the decisions on who in that town should receive public assistance.)
The Poormaster agreed to check in on the Irish family. A few weeks later, Lattin inquired once again of the Poormaster who offered the following reasoning for not extending public assistance to the Irish family. He said, “I went to see them, but we can’t help them, they have a melodeon in the house.”
His reasoning was, if they could afford a melodeon, they didn’t need assistance. But actually, the story just goes to show the universal appeal and affordability of the simple melodeon in the 19th century household, unlike its more expensive cousin, the piano or reed organ. The Irish family’s melodeon may well have been acquired second hand, or even been given to them at little or no cost. By 1880, reed organs were replacing the melodeon as the instrument of choice.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 May 2022 at 8:36 pm
Photo courtesy of Marsha Rivers
ALBION – A sign is up at Bullard Park for the Wayne Burlison and Judy Christopher Memorial Walking Trail. The 3,800-foot-long crusher-run path goes around the perimeter of Bullard Park.
The Albion Running Club contributed $5,000 towards the trail, which was installed last fall by the Village of Albion Department of Public Works, with assistance from a private contractor with a milling machine.
The 5-foot-wide walking trail is the last piece of an $800,000 improvement project at Bullard, a village park on Route 31. Other upgrades include a new splash park, amphitheater, utility building with bathrooms and a pavilion.
The trail is in memory of Wayne Burlison, an Albion elementary music teacher who died at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014. Burlison was an active member of the Albion Running Club and he promoted fitness in the community and led a Couch to 5K program called Run for God.
Christopher ran Phoenix Fitness in downtown Albion and organized the first 19 Strawberry Festival races. She started the 5k and 8k races at the festival initially to give members of the gym needed a fitness .
Christopher passed away from cancer at age 70 on Aug. 3, 2013.
Her family also ran the Four C’s Marina for many years. Judy also was the first woman elected to serve on the Albion Town Board. She was a long-time member of the Albion Rotary Club and served on the Swan Library Board of Trustees.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 May 2022 at 3:34 pm
Photo courtesy of Grimble family
ROCHESTER – William Grimble of Albion is shown with his parents, Melinda and Allen, after William received his PhD on Friday in imaging science from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
William graduated from Albion in 2013 and then went to the University of Rochester, majoring in physics and astronomy with a mathematics minor. He graduated from the U of R in 2017, and then started at RIT.
He is planning to apply for postdoctoral programs over the summer while he finishes his dissertation and prepares to defend it before summer is over.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 May 2022 at 10:11 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The cost of diesel and regular unleaded gas is advertised at this sign last night at the Crosby’s at the corner of routes 31 and 98 in Albion.
The cost for a gallon of diesel gas has soared to an all-time high, AAA is reporting.
In Friday, the average price nationally was $5.51 a gallon, up from $3.10 a year ago. In New York, the average price was at $6.31 on Friday, up from $3.14 a year ago.
(AAA today reports average price for regular unleaded in NY is $4.509 a gallon, with mid-grade at $4.810 and premium at $5.058. The price for a gallon of diesel is $6.376 a gallon. A week ago diesel was $5.86 a gallon. A month ago it was $5.291 a gallon in New York state.)
New York has the second-highest diesel price in the country, behind only California at $6.50.
The high diesel fuel prices impact businesses that need to transport goods and those that have commercial vehicles, AAA said.
“To say we’re feeling pain at the pump is an understatement,” said Steve Steinmetz, director of automotive service operations at AAA Western and Central New York. “Prices have literally doubled since last year impacting all towing companies across the state.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 May 2022 at 8:47 am
A three way race for the Niagara-Orleans League baseball championship will begin heading into the stretch run this week.
Roy-Hart at 6-1 currently holds a half game lead over 6-2 Medina and two game advantage over 6-3 Akron.
Roy-Hart will face Barker in a home-and-home series on Monday (at Barker) and Wednesday and will then entertain Akron on Friday. The Rams will then close out the N-O season by visiting Akron on May 17 and Albion on May 18. Albion will also host Akron on May 19.
Medina faces a home-and-home series against Wilson on Monday (at Wilson) and Wednesday. The Mustangs will then close out the N-O campaign with a home-and-home series against Barker on May 18 and 19.
Undefeated at 8-0 and currently holding a two game lead, the Roy-Hart softball squad will close out the N-O campaign with four games this week. The Lady Rams will host Wilson on Monday, Barker on Tuesday, Albion on Wednesday and visit Barker on Friday.
The Lyndonville softball squad, which is off to an 11-0 start to the season, also faces a busy week of four Genesee Region League contests. The Lady Tigers will visit Pembroke on Monday, host Wheatland-Chili on Wednesday and visit Notre Dame on Friday and Byron-Bergen on Saturday.
In N-O girls track the title will be decided on Tuesday in a clash of unbeatens as 5-0 Akron hosts 5-0 Newfane.
Weekly Schedule Monday Baseball – Medina at Wilson, Albion at Newfane, Roy-Hart at Barker, 4:45 p.m.; Pembroke at Lyndonville, Holley at Elba, 5 p.m. Softball – Akron at Medina, Wilson at Roy-Hart, Barker at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; Lyndonville at Pembroke, Elba at Holley, Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, 5 p.m. Tennis – Roy-Hart at Wilson, Newfane at Barker, Akron at Medina, Alexander at Holley, Kendall at Attica, 4 p.m.
Tuesday Baseball – Byron-Bergen at Holley, 5 p.m. Softball – Northstar at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.; Barker at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Akron, 4:45 p.m. Tennis – Wilson at Medina, Oakfield-Alabama at Kendall, 4 p.m. Golf – Pembroke at Holley, Wheatland-Chili at Kendall, 3:30 p.m. Track – Roy-Hart at Medina, Albion at Wilson, Newfane at Akron, 4:30 p.m. Lacrosse – Medina at Eden, 7 p.m.
Wednesday Baseball – Newfane at Albion, Barker at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama, Pembroke at Kendall, 5 p.m.; Wilson at Medina, 7 p.m. Softball – Barker at Medina, Albion at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; Wheatland-Chili at Lyndonville, Oakfield-Alabama at Holley, Kendall at Pembroke, 5 p.m. Tennis – Pembroke at Holley, Newfane at Albion, Barker at Roy-Hart, 4 p.m. Track – Lyndonville at Kendall, Notre Dame at Holley, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday Baseball – Kendall at Attica, 5 p.m. Softball – Barker at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; Attica at Holley, Alexander at Kendall, 5 p.m. Tennis – Holley at Kendall, 4 p.m. Track – Wilson at Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m. Lacrosse – Medina at Gowanda, 5 p.m.
Friday Baseball – Barker at Albion, Akron at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; Notre Dame at Lyndonville, Pembroke at Holley, 5 p.m.; Medina at Depew, 7 p.m. Softball – Roy-Hart at Barker, 4:45 p.m.; Lyndonville at Notre Dame, Holley at Pembroke, 5 p.m.; Newfane at Albion, 7:15 p.m. Tennis – Attica at Holley, Barker at Roy-Hart, 4 p.m.
Saturday Baseball – Kendall at Northstar, 12 p.m. Softball – Lyndonville at Byron-Bergen, 11 a.m.
BARRE – The top photograph is not from an Antarctic expedition! The image from a glass negative shows a dredge excavating a main ditch on the swamp in 1913 for the Western New York Farms Company. Drainage was the first step in the formation of the mucklands.
“Wall Street goes a-Farming” was the title of an article in Popular Science Monthly, Spring 1917 which described the gigantic Oak Orchard Farm:
“an admirable example of what a great farm can be when conducted under the precise and systematic management of ‘Big Business.’”
A mere four years prior, the “great farm” was an overgrown swampy marsh, reclaimed by an ambitious drainage project. The “Wall Street” reference in the article’s title was to the Western New York Farms Company, with an address at 49 Wall Street, New York, NY which had been incorporated on March 9, 1911. The directors were Andrew A. Smith, 40 South Washington Square, NY; H.R. Tobey, 109 West 45th St., NY; and Morris K. Parker, New Cannan, Conn.
By 1913, the Farms Company had acquired large tracts of land in Barre and Clarendon.
The initial impetus for draining the swamp was health, not agriculture. Malaria had long been associated with swampy land. Drainage of the swamp for health reasons was first recommended by the State Supreme Court in 1903. In 1904, Commissioners Avery Danolds of Shelby, John Crowley of Medina and Joseph W. Holmes of Batavia recommended draining almost 25,000 acres of swamp. They estimated the cost of surveys and preliminary work at $5,000. This would be assessed to the six towns involved, the costs to be reimbursed by the property owners.
This proposal languished but was presented again in 1910, as a “public necessity” according to the Medina Daily Journal, August 15, 1910. Meanwhile, the agricultural value of the drained land attracted attention when several experts attested to its fertility and potential. Plans were finalized in 1910 when it was agreed that the project should continue and be paid for by the owners of the land which benefited by it. The work began in 1913.
There had been some local resistance to the project. A letter from a Clarendon Taxpayer published in the Democrat and Chronicle and the Orleans Republican on January 12, 1912, outlined many concerns regarding this “scheme of public exploitation for private gain…under the guise of public health.” The Clarendon Taxpayer asked:
• Who would be responsible for maintaining the ditch?
• What effect the massive drainage would have on the remaining timber?
• What effect would the winds and the absence of moisture have on the climate, the orchards, and the crops of those who lived north and east of the area?
• What effect would the drainage have on wells? If residents had to drill deeper, they ran the risk of encountering sulphur or salt which would render the well unusable?
The project proceeded on a large scale. It comprised some 9,000 acres in the Orleans County towns of Barre and Clarendon, as well as in Elba and Byron in Genesee County. In 1913, workmen operating huge dredging machines dug 21 miles of main canals and 20 miles of laterals located about 2,000 feet apart. To accommodate the runoff, a channel through the Oak Orchard Creek was enlarged and straightened. Sixty Adirondack lumberjacks felled timber. Underbrush was burned. Crews operating plows, harrows, cultivators, and seeders prepared the soil. The first crop of vegetables was harvested in 1915.
All of this activity was overseen by the Western New York Farms Company’s Double O Ranch, a large facility in Elba, which had its own machine and maintenance shops, evaporator, cannery, and accommodation for workers, some four thousand in all.
The Farms Co. began leasing sections of land to growers in 1916 at the rate of $50 per acre for the first year. This included assistance and machinery. Subsequently, the rent was $35 an acre but no assistance was provided. It also offered land for sale, in 5 acre lots, at $300 per acre. The terms were one quarter to be paid in cash and the remainder in four equal annual installments.
The company sold its holdings in 1927, at $573.50 per muck acre, with an annual maintenance fee of $10 per acre. Priority was given to existing tenants and mortgages were available at 6%.
The Western New York Farms Company “Wall Street” approach to agriculture introduced agribusiness methods to Orleans County – mechanization, large scale production, scientific approach, efficient management. Muck landowners formed the Genesee-Orleans Vegetable Growers Co-op Association in 1921. This group assisted with marketing, encouraged development, and espoused advocacy. The “Wall Street” legacy continued.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 May 2022 at 9:12 pm
MEDINA— The Medina Area Partnership has announced it is canceling next Saturday’s Murder Mystery event, due to a lack of ticket sales.
The events committee planning the event said they wanted to give businesses who had agreed to participate enough notice in case they had made special arrangements for additional staff.
The committee hopes this can be a viable event in the future, but unfortunately it isn’t at this time.
Provided photos: This group of students competed in the Niagara-Orleans Regional Envirothon at Bond Lake Park Nature Center in Lewiston.
Press Release, Soil & Water Conservation Districts in Orleans and Niagara counties
LEWISTON – Six teams of high school students competed May 5 at the Niagara-Orleans Regional Envirothon held at Bond Lake Park Nature Center in Lewiston.
Teams of five students in grades 9-12 were tested on wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils/land use, and a current environmental issue. This year’s current issue was “Waste to Resources” – bringing to light ways to reduce waste and how to continue to do so in the future.
“Envirothon helps students get a hands-on knowledge of our environment and to understand how better to protect and manage the resources around them,” explained Dave Reckahn, Niagara County SWCD Natural Resource Technician.
This group won from Orleans County, representing the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
Congratulations to the winning teams, Niagara Career and Technical Education Center and Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. Both teams will move on to represent their county at the NYS Envirothon later this month at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
“Envirothon is a great environmental competition to get students interested in different aspects of the outdoors” said Scott Collins, Niagara County SWCD RAP Coordinator and former Envirothon winner.
The Niagara-Orleans Regional Envirothon is a yearly event coordinated by the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Niagara and Orleans counties. Essential support is provided by schools and community advisors, as well as local specialists in each field.
A special thank you to the event’s sponsors GM Foundation, NewRoyal Orchards and Orleans Poverty Hill Farm.
To participate next year please reach out to our offices at 716-434-4949 ext. 4 for Niagara County students and 585-589-5959 ext. 5 for Orleans County students.
This is the winning Niagara County team from Niagara Career and Technical Education Center.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 May 2022 at 7:21 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Mary Lewis, owner of Creekside Floral, shows Rob Klino some geraniums, a typical plant that would be suitable for planting in a cemetery. The Friends of Boxwood, of which Klino is a member, is hosting a workshop by Lewis on May 21, during which she will talk about the best plants to use in a cemetery or an alternate to flowers.
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery is embarking on an ambitious venture this year to raise money for much needed improvements.
The Friends of Boxwood is a recently formed organization that has a mission to promote and conserve Boxwood Cemetery and honor past generations for future generations, said Rob Klino, a member of Friends of Boxwood.
Friends of Boxwood is also looking for a board of directors, committee members and volunteers to assist with fundraising, gardening and general maintenance, such as headstone cleaning.
Recently, they began brainstorming about things they could do to raise money and improve the cemetery.
One of the most urgent projects is restoring the stained glass window in the chapel. One estimate says it will cost $6,500 to preserve the window, which pre-dates Tiffany.
Other projects are cutting down dead trees and planting new ones and cleaning and resetting headstones.
Their first event is scheduled for May 21 and will feature Mary Lewis, owner of Creekside Floral, who will conduct a workshop on plants from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. People are invited to gather at the back of the cemetery by the banks of Glenwood Lake and hear Lewis talk about plants which are suitable for a cemetery or an alternate to flowers. Those attending should bring a lawn chair and pre-register at FriendsofBoxwoodCemetery@gmail.com. Plants will also be available for purchase.
Other events planned are a Day of Walking and headstone cleaning day, both in June; a field trip to Forest Lawn Cemetery in September; and on Oct. 1, Boxwood at night, when the cemetery will be all lit up, a story teller will be on hand and food trucks will be on site.
Special activities are planned in October for Halloween. The year will close out in December when Wreaths Across America honors all the veterans buried there with placement of wreaths on their graves.
One day a month from March to November is designated as miscellaneous clean-up day at the cemetery and volunteers are always in need.
The public is encouraged to visit the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery page on Facebook for other upcoming events and to stay current on the cemetery.
Anyone interested in serving on the board of directors, volunteering in any capacity, becoming a member or just making a tax-deductible donation can contact Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, P.O. Box 543, Medina, 14103.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 May 2022 at 7:08 am
ALBION – Supportive Care of Orleans/Hospice has issued an invitation to the community for a meet and greet at the Hoag Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 25.
“This is an opportunity for our neighbors to not only come to us with questions they may be having about the hospice process, but to meet the staff who would be caring for their loved ones through this journey,” said Julie Kumiega, CEO of Supportive Care of Orleans County.
Kumiega will be joined by Supportive Care’s medical director, Dr. William Wnuk, and with some of the Supportive Care of Orleans nursing staff to meet community members and discuss what hospice services they provide.
“We just want to remind everyone that we are here for you, for your loved ones and for the community,” Kumiega said. “I look forward to meeting everyone on the 25th.”
Community members will receive information on what to do it they or a loved one need hospice care, advanced care directives or MOLST forms, and hear about ways hospice has touched the life of many throughout the community.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 May 2022 at 7:01 am
ALBION – Supportive Care/Hospice of Orleans is announcing the winner of its spring raffles and thanking all who supported it.
The April raffle was sponsored by Batavia Downs Casino. The winner, drawn on April 29, was Peter Sformo, who won a Stay and Play at the casino, which includes a room at the hotel, $50 food gift card to one of their restaurants and $25 free play for himself and a guest.
This month the raffle was Mother’s Day themed, sponsored by Rita Zambito and Berkshire Hathaway/Zambito Realtors, Zambistro’s and Celebrity Day Spa. The winner was Anne Downey, who received a $100 gift card to Zambistro’s, a $25 gift card to Celebrity Day Spa, four wine/cider tastings at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, two bottles of wine, a pair of stemmed glasses and chocolates from Della’s.
“We wouldn’t be able to have these raffles without the support of our neighbors,” said Julie Kumiega, CEO of Supportive Care of Orleans. “Thank you everyone for your continued support. Each and every one of you are helping to make a difference in our patients’ lives.”
To date, Supportive Care of Orleans has raised more than $2,500 through these raffles, with the last one scheduled to celebrate Father’s Day in June.
Community members can also show their support for Supportive Care of Orleans by attending the 25th annual golf tournament July 20, and their Toast to Hospice event Aug. 27 at Leonard Oakes Estate Wintery, or by donating to the agency on its website at www.scorleans.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2022 at 9:13 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Albion FFA members Alyson Knaak, left, holds a piglet named “Porkchop” and Jamie Penna holds “Bacon” during today’s Albion FFA Mini Farm Day.
Several hundred elementary students stopped by the FFA shop to see the farm animals and tractors in the parking lot.
“This is the most fun we have,” Knaak said.
Scott Oldenburg, the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, said the students look forward to the Mini Farm Day.
“It’s the Albion FFA giving back to the elementary kids and educating them about the different animals on a farm,” he said.
Max Bentley shows this class of third graders a John Deere track tractor that was brought to the school by Panek Farms.
This dairy calf named “Jelly Bean” was brought to the Mini Farm Day by FFA member Samantha Basinait, who also brought an 1,100-pound Hereford steer.
Jeffrey Brown introduces students to Theo, a 5-year-old Norwegian Elkhound that loves bread, walks, bones, treats and belly scratches. The dog hates thunder, Jeffrey said.
Simon Ellison holds a Harklen cross rabbit. He is joined by Leah Pritchard, who introduced the students to a goat named Matilda in the pen.
Aiden Brien shows the class a Case IH speed tiller made available by Mathes Farms.
Taylor Soule holds a 3-legged goat named Jack that was very popular with this group of third-graders.
Austin Narburgh of the Albion FFA sent in this drone photo of the livestock area and tractors in the parking lot from the Mini Farm Day.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is speaking out following the passage of a bill (A.6666) by the Assembly Majority that would remove requirements for individuals overpaid by the New York state unemployment system to pay back those funds.
Hawley believes that the removal of such a requirement could encourage future abuse of the unemployment system and other assistance programs in the future, and that it burdens small businesses whose unemployment insurance costs have skyrocketed since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While it is true people make mistakes, offering a blanket forgiveness to those who received this money and weren’t actually eligible sends the wrong message about how seriously our state tries to protect taxpayer dollars,” Hawley said. “This bill will also hurt the small business owners who are forced to pay more for unemployment insurance. This, in turn, could make it harder for them to hire more people and expand their operations.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2022 at 1:57 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – This photo taken at about 1 p.m. shows employees of Toth’s Sports installing a new Daktonics message display system.
It replaces a manual sign along Route 31 that promotes school events. The old sign near the tennis courts became unusable and was removed last month, said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.
The sign is about 10 feet wide with columns another 2 feet. The sign is about 10 feet high.
The district is using American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover the cost of $85,870 sign, which includes removal of the old sign and bushes.
That total doesn’t include the cost of a new electric line installed from the high school to the sign by Suburban Electric of Albion.
The new sign is expected to be updated daily and could be operational later this afternoon.
BARRE – The top photograph is not from an Antarctic expedition! The image from a glass negative shows a dredge excavating a main ditch on the swamp in 1913 for the Western New York Farms Company. Drainage was the first step in the formation of the mucklands.
