Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
File photo by Tom Rivers: These deer are pictured on Nov. 20, 2014 when they were close to the road on the west side of Route 279 in Gaines, just south of Route 104.
The 2021 hunting seasons in New York were the safest ever, with the lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents since record-keeping began, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.
DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers investigated nine hunting-related shooting incidents in 2021, including one fatality.
“Hunting is an enjoyable and safe form of outdoor recreation with a long and storied history in New York State,” Seggos said. “This past year was the safest-ever on record in New York, with the lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents since DEC’s Hunter Education Program began in 1949. I’m proud of our Hunter Education Program, and our educators and volunteer instructors, working to ensure licensed hunters experience a safe hunting season. Every hunting fatality is preventable when New Yorkers hunt safely and responsibly.”
Seven of the nine HRSIs that occurred in 2021 were two-party firearm incidents; two incidents were self-inflicted. All identified shooters were experienced hunters with an average of 40 years of hunting experience, emphasizing the need for all hunters to remain vigilant when heading afield. All incidents could have been prevented if those involved followed hunting safety rules.
A new hunting regulation that took effect in 2021 extended legal shooting hours for big game to 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. None of the deer hunting incidents last year took place during the new extended hours.
The four incidents involving deer hunters occurred between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Another new regulation change effective last year requires all persons hunting deer or bear with a firearm, or anyone accompanying these hunters, to wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket, visible from all directions. Unfortunately, the single fatality that occurred in 2021 involved a deer hunter not wearing fluorescent orange or pink. The hunter was mistaken for game and shot by a hunting partner.
Also new in 2021, 52 upstate counties passed local laws allowing 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow while under the supervision of an experienced, licensed, adult hunter. None of the nine HRSIs investigated in 2021 involved a 12- or 13-year-old hunter.
All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must successfully complete a hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education safety course before being eligible to purchase a hunting or trapping license or bowhunting privilege in New York State. DEC-trained and -certified volunteer instructors have taught hunters and trappers to be safe, responsible, and ethical since 1949.
ALBION – Albion Elks Lodge prides itself in doing what we can to help our local community.
No doubt we have all felt the pain caused by the pandemic in one way or another. We decided to reach out to The Grand Lodge of Elks and apply for what is known as the Spotlight Grant valued at $2,000. The grant is one of many that local lodges can apply for to offer assistance in their community.
In previous years our Lodge has donated to several different organizations: Hospice, COVA Ambulance, Orleans Hope and Recovery, and the Angel Program through Community Action, just to name a few.
We thought hard about where we could impact the most in our community and the decision was the Genesee-Orleans County Ministry of Concern. The Ministry of Concern is a local non-profit organization that assists in helping low-income families and elderly individuals to overcome difficult circumstances when no other help is available.
It is with heartfelt expression that we at Albion Elks Lodge 1006 are proud to be able to support our community.
ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is expressing relief following an announcement by the state Department of Health that it will not be enforcing a booster mandate for health care workers as they had planned to do starting Feb. 21.
Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett said in a statement regarding the announcement that “the reality is that not enough health care workers will be boosted by next week’s requirement in order to avoid substantial staffing issues in our already overstressed health care system,” echoing a sentiment expressed by Hawley and other members of the Assembly Minority in a letter they wrote last week to her and the governor asking them not to implement the booster mandate.
“The decision to hold back on implementing a booster mandate for health care workers is one that will save lives and finally offers some respect to the heroes in our hospitals and other health centers who’ve worked tirelessly on the front lines of this pandemic for years,” Hawley said. “Mandates of this nature have only served to stifle the ability of our health professionals to care for patients when we need them most. I am hopeful this may be a sign the administration is beginning to learn from the poor decisions they made earlier in the pandemic, which cost us many lives.”
Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. His district office is in Albion.
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
BATAVIA – Genesee County officials will host a pair of informational meetings via Zoom to assist businesses looking to apply to the Genesee CARES Business Recovery Fund.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding eligibility, funding, program requirements, Covid impacts, and more.
Through the Genesee CARES Business Recovery Fund, businesses that were negatively impacted by Covid-19 will be eligible to receive a grant of up to $75,000 to aid the recovery of their businesses. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses within Genesee County with 25 or fewer employees.
The meetings to be held virtually through Zoom are scheduled for:
• Thursday, February 24 at 10 a.m. Click here for the video conferencing link. For audio conferencing, dial 1-929-205-6099, Webinar ID: 865 6009 0929.
• Wednesday, March 2 at 11 a.m. Click here for the video conferencing link. For audio conferencing, dial 1-929-205-6099, Webinar ID: 838 4690 2808.
Businesses are encouraged to visit www.GeneseeCARES.com to review eligibility and requirements for the grant. A fillable application is available for download at the website.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2022 at 12:46 pm
ALBION – Village residents can hear directly today from the seven candidates running for the Village Board in the March 15 election.
There will be a forum on March 1 starting at 6 p.m. at The Lockstone, 160 North Main St. The event is sponsored by The Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub.
The event is set up as a forum and not a debate. Candidates will give opening and closing statements, and will respond to questions submitted by the audience. People unable to attend the forum in person can call (585) 623-0688 during the forum between 6:15 and 7:45 p.m.
The candidates include three people running for mayor: Angel Javier Jr., running on the Republican and independent “Better Together Albion Strong” lines; Vickie Elsenheimer on the Democratic and independent “Move Albion Forward” lines; and Kevin Graham on the independent “Albion Pride, Working Together.”
Four people are seeking two trustee positions on the Village Board. Tim McMurray and Dan Conrad are on the Republican line. Sandra Walter and Joyce Riley are under the Democratic line and the independent “Move Albion Forward.”
The forum is expected to be posted on the Orleans Hub YouTube page.
NY creates conditional adult-use cannabis cultivator license for hemp farmers to grow cannabis
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation creating a new Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Cultivator license, establishing a pathway for existing New York hemp farmers to apply for a conditional license to grow cannabis in the 2022 growing season for the forthcoming adult-use cannabis market.
Gov. Kathy Hochul
Under the law, conditionally licensed cannabis farmers must meet certain requirements, including safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices, participation in a social equity mentorship program, and engagement in a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization.
“I am proud to sign this bill, which positions New York’s farmers to be the first to grow cannabis and jumpstart the safe, equitable and inclusive new industry we are building,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State will continue to lead the way in delivering on our commitment to bring economic opportunity and growth to every New Yorker in every corner of our great state.”
With a conditional adult-use cannabis cultivation license, farmers can grow outdoors or in a greenhouse for up to two years from the issuance of the license. It also allows them to manufacture and distribute cannabis flower products without holding an adult-use processor or distributor license, until June 1, 2023.
Cultivators are limited to one acre (43,560 square feet) of flowering canopy outdoors or 25,000 square feet in a greenhouse and can use up to 20 artificial lights. They can also split between outdoor and greenhouse grows with a maximum total canopy of 30,000 square feet as long as greenhouse flowering canopy remains under 20,000 square feet.
The Office of Cannabis Management will be developing a license application process and opening the program as soon as possible. To qualify for an Adult-use Cannabis Conditional Cultivator License an applicant must have been an authorized industrial hemp research partner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets, cultivating hemp for its non-intoxicating cannabinoid content for at least two of the past four years and in good standing as of December 31, 2021, when the research program ended.
Holders of the license must also participate in a social equity mentorship program where they provide training in cannabis cultivation and processing for social and economic equity partners, preparing them for potential roles in the industry. Growers will also have to meet sustainability requirements to ensure the cannabis is grown in an environmentally conscientious way.
The Governor’s action today builds on the quick work she and the OCM have undertaken to bring the new cannabis industry to life in New York. In January , the Governor’s Executive Budget proposed a $200 million program that will use industry licensing fees and revenue to provide support to eligible applicants from communities impacted by the overcriminalization of cannabis during its prohibition. The Governor and the Legislature also moved quickly to appoint the Cannabis Control Board and OCM leadership within weeks of the start of her administration. Since the Board held its first meeting on Oct. 5, the OCM has:
• Launched the Cannabinoid Hemp Program, putting in place protections for the public and provisions to help New York’s CBD businesses compete;
• Vastly expanded access to the Medical Cannabis Program, including empowering health care providers to determine if medical cannabis can help their patients, lowering costs by permanently waiving patient fees and allowing the sale of whole flower, and growing the list of providers who can certify patients; and
• Launched its first wave of community outreach events with 11 regional events, including one in Spanish, that’s already engaged more than 5,000 attendees; and
• Developed a pipeline of talented professionals to join the Office’s growing team and built the infrastructure to support the office.
Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander said, “I can’t thank Governor Hochul and the Legislature enough for providing us with the tools to make up for lost time while also keeping equity and inclusion at the center of the new cannabis industry we’re building in New York. With this bill, we’re putting New York farmers, not big corporations, at the forefront of our industry while protecting public health by delivering safely grown products. We are immediately getting to work implementing the bill so that our farmers can start planting this spring.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2022 at 9:06 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION — Khabir Hillary of Albion speaks during a People Embracing Diversity event on Monday evening at Hoag Library. Hillary took to the podium after the speaker scheduled for the evening, Karima Amin of Buffalo, was unable to attend.
Amin was going to share a program about storytelling. When she was unable to be in Albion, several of the people in the crowd decided to offer their own personal stories.
Hillary spoke about the power of reading. He has always loved a book. He encouraged the crowd of about 50 people to inspire people to read.
“With a book you can go anywhere you want to,” he said.
Hillary also shared about many inventors who were Black, people who had an idea and brought it to the masses.
Sheila McCullough, chaplain at the Wyoming Correctional Facility in Attica, stepped in as an emcee to encourage people to share their stories.
McCullough talked about when she was a kid and saved up to buy her grandmother a new Bible. Her grandmother didn’t want a new one. She preferred the well used Bible that was full of her personal marks, highlighting important verses.
Her grandmother instilled in McCullough a passion “to read, read, and read.”
Joyce Riley of Albion, a past president of the Hoag Library board of directors, said she is one of 10 kids in her family. She said it’s an amazing how human kindness can lift a person. In her nursing career that has taken her to many countries and later in public service, Riley said she has learned to be “fearless.” And that fearless includes the courage to make mistakes and learn from them.
Riley said hearing stories from community members filled her with hope.
Henry Smith shared about being one of 24 kids in his family. He was born in South Carolina and moved to Rochester. He worked 32 years at Kodak, earned a master’s degree, and later served on the Gaines Town Board and Orleans County Legislature, as well as running a driving school.
Smith said his father didn’t have a degree, but was the smartest man Smith ever knew. Through it all, Smith said the greatest lesson he knows is “to treat your fellow man with respect.”
Malika Hill recalled her mother, who didn’t stay in school after second grade because she had to work on a farm. Her mother would hold up produce with her bare hands in a grocery store, and could tell you the weight to the exact ounce.
“Education goes way beyond books,” Hill said.
Kae Wilbert, one of the leaders of People Embracing Diversity, urged more community members to be part of the group. People Embracing Diversity has been meeting about five years with a goal of sharing stories and helping people to connect and get to know each other.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2022 at 8:27 am
Bryan DeGraw of 810 Meadworks in Medina picked to serve as vice chairman
LOCKPORT— The Niagara Wine Trail has announced a new executive director and the team of officers on the board of directors.
Bryan DeGraw, owner of 810 Meadworks in Medina, is vice chairman of the organization that includes 14 members in Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties.
Susan Swiatkowski
DeGraw and his wife LaRissa opened 810 Meadworks in downtown Medina on Nov. 30, 2014. They make mead products and have a tasting room. The DeGraws also have run a concert series at the “beegarten” in the back of the building at 113 West Center St.
Susan Swiatkowski is the new executive director of the Niagara Wine Trail. She has previously served in management with Destination Niagara USA, Old Falls Street USA, the Hard Rock Cafe and the Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association.
As executive director, she provides leadership and support in planning and administration of the 14-member Niagara Wine Trail, which includes three locations in Orleans County. She also will organize wine trail experiences, fundraising and events, public relations and marketing efforts, and manage relationships with partner businesses.
The Niagara Wine Trail officers include Shane Gustafson, chairman and owner of A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard, in Ransomville; DeGraw, vice chairman ond owner of 810 Meadworks; and Danielle Neglia, secretary and owner of Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery in Sanborn.
The Niagara Wine Trail will celebrate its 20th anniversary in May. The organization comprises 14 member wineries, situated between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Bryan DeGraw is pictured in the tasting room of 810 Meadworks at 113 West Center St., Medina.
Each winery on the trail offers a diverse selection of traditional vinifera style, native, late harvest and ice wines, as well as unique styles such as award-winning fruit wines, meads and ciders. Its mission is to “work cooperatively to enhance the wine industry in the region” through an array of intimately authentic and charming guest experiences, the Wine Trail stated.
The wineries of the Niagara Wine Trail, USA, include:
810 Meadworks at 113 West Center St., Medina
A Gust of Sun Winery at 4515 Baer Rd., Ransomville
Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery at 1243 Ridge Rd., Lewiston
Black Willow Winery at 5565 W Lake Rd., Burt
Honeymoon Trail Winery at 4120 Ridge Rd., Cambria
Leonard Oakes Estate Winery at 10609 Ridge Rd., Medina
Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery at 3617 Lower Mountain Rd., Sanborn
Mayer’s Lake Ontario Winery at 1593 Hamlin Parma Town Line Rd., Hilton
Niagara Landing Wine Cellars at 4434 Van Dusen Rd., Lockport
Schulze Vineyards & Winery at 2090 Coomer Rd., Burt
Schwenk Wine Cellars at 1456 Bills Rd., Kent
The Winery at Marjim Manor at 7171 E. Lake Rd., Appleton
Victorianbourg Wine Estate at 4402 East Lake Rd., Wilson
Vizcarra Vineyards at Becker Farms at 3724 Quaker Rd., Gasport
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2022 at 3:34 pm
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a flood watch for Orleans County and much of Western New York from 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Between a half inch and an inch of rain is expected Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night. This combined with warm weather will result in snow melt. This will result in rises on larger creeks and rivers, and potentially will cause flooding at some flood prone areas, the Weather Service said.
Today is forecast to reach about 50 degrees with Tuesday’s high near 56. Wednesday there is a chance for snow showers and a high near 37 and overnight low of 16.
After that the highs are forecast for 22 on Thursday, 25 on Friday and 24 on Saturday.
MEDINA – United Way of Orleans County announces a $10,000 grant award from United Way Worldwide’s Covid-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund.
This grant was awarded to 175 United Ways across the United States and is intended to increase internal capacity and crisis response preparedness, including critical areas such as business continuity planning, IT infrastructure, data security and digital communication platforms.
To date, United Way of Orleans County has provided $144,000 in support to the community in response to the impact of Covid-19. These funds were used to provide housing stabilization services to help keep families in their homes, utility payments, and food and equipment for community food pantries.
This new grant of $10,000 will position the United Way to better respond to future emergencies by providing funding to purchase technology to facilitate employees working from home. Although anyone with an internet connection and a computer can work from home, with the correct equipment and IT infrastructure in place, working from home can be even more efficient and secure.
United Way of Orleans County plans to use this fund to purchase VoIP phone systems and services including a cell phone transferring app, a firewall with VPN, professionally installed and monitored antivirus, and organization-wide offsite digital storage.
IT security equals more efficiency and capacity. With this equipment documents can be shared safely with co-workers from home, phone calls can be better identified as work related, and fraudulent phishing emails and malicious webpages blocked. United Way employees can confidently work from home and spend more time helping the community rather than worrying about a large-scale IT disaster.
“United Way of Orleans County is grateful to have the support needed to increase its capacity to better respond to community needs around Covid-19 and other emergencies and disasters,” said Dean Bellack, Executive Director of the United Way of Orleans County. “It’s not often that organizations receive grant funding that focuses on vital back-office tools such as IT infrastructure, and digital communication platforms and this will allow us to be more agile and responsive.”
United Way Worldwide established the Covid-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund in 2020 to meet the unprecedented human services needs that appeared simultaneously in communities around the world because of the pandemic and the resulting economic fallout. To date, $57.3 million has been raised and distributed to more than 650 Local United Ways to serve immediate needs in their communities, impacting more than 20 million lives.
To learn more about United Way of Orleans County or to give, advocate or volunteer, please visit: www.orleansunitedway.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2022 at 9:32 am
‘Our county is worth saving and we’ll need people like you to make it happen.’
Photos by Tom Rivers: Ken DeRoller, a former Orleans County legislator, speaks to the Leadership Orleans class on Thursday in the Orleans County legislative chambers. DeRoller graduated with the 2020 class and was named the group’s alumnus of the year in 2021.
ALBION – The 26 members of the new class of Leadership Orleans were encouraged to get involved in local government by serving on Planning and Zoning Boards, and then looking to be elected officials at the town, village and county levels.
“We need you to run for office,” Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, told the Leadership Orleans class last week. “We need you on village, town and county offices.”
Johnson spoke to the leadership Orleans class last week. She has been as county legislator for 14 years, and the leader of the Legislature for more than four years.
Orleans County Legislature Chair Lynne Johnson and Lyndonville Mayor John Belson discussed their roles as local government leaders. State mandates drive many of the local tax dollars, they said.
She was a member of the Lyndonville Board of Education when she was asked by former State Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt to pursue the Legislature with the retirement of former Legislator Jack Beedon.
Johnson spoke to the Leadership Orleans class last Thursday during a focus on Legislative Affairs. Several local officials spoke with the class, and the group toured the Orleans County Office Building, and then broke up into smaller groups and visited the Orleans County Public Safety Building, Village of Albion Sewer Treatment Plant, Village of Albion Water Treatment Plant, Orleans County Department of Public Works, Orleans County Emergency Management Office, and Orleans County Clerk’s Building, Real Property Tax Services, and Treasurer’s Office.
Ken DeRoller, a retired county legislator, gave the opening presentation. DeRoller graduated with the 2020 Leadership Orleans class.
He talked about the importance of “being in the room” with other officials and decision makers, and advocating for the county.
He said connecting with other officials at the local, state and federal levels has paid off for the county in recent years with seven canal bridges overhauled, more of the Lake Ontario State Parkway getting repaved, $17 million in projects along the Lake Ontario shoreline including rebuilt roads, erosion protection, a new boat launch, an expanded Yates town park and more public sewers in Kendall and Hamlin.
DeRoller said the officials also need to do their homework and lay the foundation for projects. He is excited about the possibilities with new waterfront plans along the lakeshore and also the Erie Canal.
Barre Town Supervisor Sean Pogue said the town supervisor position is demanding, with many phone calls during the day and frequent meetings during the month.
“Participate, be a little aggressive and get in the room,” DeRoller told the class. “Our county is worth saving and we’ll need people like you to make it happen.”
DeRoller, during his eight years as a legislator, also said he was proud of the county’s success in collecting more recyclables and electronic waste, and collecting more unused medications through drug take-back days. He also cited the transformation of the long vacant former Holley High School into the village offices and 41 senior apartments, a $17 million project.
DeRoller said he is concerned for the county as the population declines, especially with a student enrollment that has been cut in half in the past 20 years.
“How do we entice the next generation to stay in Orleans County, to live, work and play here?” DeRoller asked.
He said more housing options are needed for residents and families. He also wants to see the waterfront – Lake Ontario and Erie Canal – better utilized for business and recreation.
Besides DeRoller and Johnson, other local government panelists included Sean Pogue, Barre town supervisor; John Belson, Lyndonville mayor (and former Yates town supervisor); John Papponetti, Orleans County commissioner of public works; Jack Welch, county chief administrative officer; Joe Cardone, district attorney, and Charlie Nesbitt, retired state assemblyman.
Belson, the Lyndonville mayor, shared with the Leadership Orleans class that running a local government is challenging, especially when public infrastructure needs to be fixed or replaced. A repair to the Lyndonville dam topped $100,000. The village is facing a $1 million upgrade to its sewer plant in response to mandate from the state. Lyndonville has about 800 residents – not many people to spread out the costs.
“The biggest struggles are how to buy a new pickup truck, keep the residents happy and keep up the quality of life,” Belson said.
Sean Pogue said the role of Barre town supervisor has been very time consuming in recent years with two major energy projects – one with wind turbines and the other with solar panels.
The projects will drastically reduce the town tax burden for property owners, possibly wiping out the town tax bill, Pogue said.
Much of the review process and approvals are out of the town’s control, with a state siting board determining the final say in the project, he said.
The local officials can’t let a big project totally consume their efforts. Pogue said there are still budgets to put together and other initiatives in town. Barre, for example, is talking about a new water tower in the Pine Hill area to boost supply and water pressure in that part of the town.
Pogue said he networks with other local officials, delegates rather than micro-manages, and tries to pump up the town employees with praise.
“This is a part-time job but really it’s full-time,” he said. “It’s a lot of time on the phone, in meetings and the office.”
The Leadership Orleans Class for 2022 is pictured in the stairwell at the Orleans County Office Building on Thursday. The class heard from local government leaders and toured local municipal operations.
The class includes:
Jennifer Ashbery, High School Principal, Albion Central School District
Miranda Bennett, Bookkeeper, Town of Shelby
Dawn Borchert, Tourism Director, County of Orleans
Gloria Brent, President/Owner, MDS Consultants
Gabe Bruning, Owner, Mountain Mule Ciderhouse
Christopher Cappetta, CFO, Garden Trends, Inc., DBA Harris Seeds
Katrina Chaffee, Director of Community Services, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 February 2022 at 7:56 am
Gas prices continue to climb and are getting near $4 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas.
AAA reports the average price per gallon in New York State is at $3.75, up 7 cents in the past week. A year ago, the price was $2.69.
The national price is at an average $3.53, up 4 cents in the past 7 days.
The average price in Orleans County is at $3.757 a gallon, which is up 14.5 cents from the $3.612 on Feb. 7, and up 21.1 cents three weeks ago from the $3.546 on Jan. 31.
Rising crude prices are pushing the price of gas up, AAA said.
“Oil prices remain over $90 per barrel this morning,” AAA said in a news release. “Tension between Russia and Ukraine continues to be a factor in rising oil prices. Russia is a member of OPEC+, and any sanctions based on their actions toward Ukraine may cause it to withhold crude oil from the global market.”
In Western New York, the price is highest in Orleans County at $3.757 a gallon. The average price per gallon in other WNY counties includes: Niagara, $3.655; Genesee, $3.675; Wyoming, $3.756; Erie, $3.715; Chautauqua, $3.659; Cattaraugus, $3.642; Allegany, $3.659; Livingston, $3.735; and Monroe, $3.737.
Historian bemoans technology’s assault on handwritten letters
Orleans County Dept. of History Collection – This letter dated June 19, 1861 was sent from JB Jaquith in Liberty, Missouri, to his sister in Albion.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 2, No. 8
The letter pictured above includes the following passage:
“We are in the midst of Civil War. There is (sic) about 3,000 US troops at Kansas City, a detachment came down to Liberty and took 80 secessionists prisoners today. I took seven US sabers, one army pistol and a keg of powder from a secessionist wagon……..
The letter ends:
“I was never so nonplussed in my life. Two months ago, I was the happiest man alive. Since then I have had the bronchitis and my school is broke up. Every kind of business is at a stand, no money, no circulation, can’t collect anything for a year….and last, but not least, my wife’s health is not as good as I could wish it.
Note: While living in Missouri in 1864, Josiah Jaquith was shot and killed by Southern sympathizers for his Union sentiments – Signor
Personal, handwritten letters have long been the main means of communication for those separated by distance. Technology’s assault on letter writing began with the invention of the telephone in 1876 and continued as phones became more accessible and more affordable.
However, the widespread adaptation of internet technology for personal communication in the past ten years caused a huge decline in letter writing. The immediacy of contact and response to emails and texting is addictive. Why would we ever write a letter again? Handwriting! Who can read it? No delete or spell-check! We are too busy to take the time, too harried to compose, too impatient to wait for a response.
But those very elements – time, thought, composition – make letters precious. Letters are also sensory. We hear the plop of the letter in the letterbox, we feel the paper, we see the stamp design, we read the handwriting, we absorb the contents. We may keep the letter if we choose, or we may have the satisfaction of ripping it, burning it, balling it up and tossing it, if so inclined. Much more satisfying than replying with emojis.
Remarkably, many letters have been saved and have survived time and often unfavorable storage conditions. Reading one is like stepping back in time. The Orleans County History Dept. collection includes letters from the 1830s written to Cyrus Jaquith (1799-1866) in Barre. (Incidentally, Mr. Jaquith was married to three sisters: Amanda Bloss, who died in 1835, Percy Bloss, who died in 1838 and Anna Bloss, who survived him and died in 1876.)
Orleans County Dept. of History Collection: These Jaquith letters are from the 1830s.
The earliest letters in this collection were written on large sheets of paper folded in such a way as to form an envelope. The 1834 letter is addressed to Mr. Cyrus Jaquith, Albion, NY, with the instructions: To be left at Albion Post Office in Orleans County, state of NY.
A collection of over 160 letters written by Cora Beach Benton of Albion to her husband Charlie who was serving in the Union Army with the 17th New York Artillery, describes daily life during that time, the financial difficulties faced by those at home and general attitudes to the war. The letters were painstakingly transcribed by Tom Taber into a volume called Hard Breathing Days which is available at NIOGA libraries. These letters show why historians value letters for research: letters convey how people thought and felt at a given time, the writers are describing history as it was happening, the sense of immediacy is palpable.
There is a resurgence of interest in letters. Several websites now offer to mail subscribers a weekly or monthly letter from a historic person, handwritten, on paper or parchment, complete with background material to explain the context.
An English event where real letters are read aloud has become a huge success. LettersLive was first presented in 2013 and most recently attracted an audience of 5,000 at the Royal Albert Hall. The letters selected were written over the centuries by the famous and the unknown. The readers selected are generally actors, so there is an element of performance to the presentation. Whether sad, happy, amusing or dismaying, the letters selected are moving. Grace Bedell’s letter to Abraham Lincoln was featured on the program. It was read by Louise Brealey and Tom Hiddleston.
Inspired by this example, the Medina Historical Society will present a Letters Alive program on at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina. Tom Taber will read a Cora Beach Benton letter. The audience is invited to share aloud their treasured letters.
We each save letters that we cannot bear to destroy. There are surely collections of saved letters in boxes and drawers in your homes awaiting a fresh read. Take an afternoon and step back in time. You may even wish to consider donating the collection to your Town or Village Historian or to the Orleans County Department of History.
MEDINA – United Way of Orleans County announces a $10,000 grant award from United Way Worldwide’s Covid-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund.
The letter pictured above includes the following passage:
