Welcome to the History Corner!
Celebrating the rich history of Port Byron, New York, an old Erie Canal village in the Town of Mentz. This site is dedicated to the legacy and heritage of our community as well as a variety of regional historical tidbits. I hope you enjoy your visit and will stop by again.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Passing of a Legend

Cayuga County lost one of its greatest historians on July 8, 2010.  Hallie Sweeting, a long time historian at Sterling, NY passed away at her home at age 81.  She often served as a mother figure for many historians in our County, with her gentle words of encouragement. 

Hallie was an avid researcher and was as much at home on her farm with her many animals as she was searching local history.  She loved a good mystery and touched the lives of so many.  With a quip sense of humor, a visit with Hallie always involved laughter. 

For those that have not met Hallie, I found a wonderful biography of her on the Morgan Horse Association.

Biography of Hallie Sweeting

Hallie was a member of many heritage groups, including the Daughters of the American Revolution as well as the Daughters of 1812, the latter being her favorite.  She enjoyed researching civil war soldiers as well as those that belonged to the Hudson Post GAR in Fair Haven, NY.  She recently contacted me when she discovered my ancestor George Kilmer was once a member at this post.  He had transferred to the Lockwood Post GAR at Port Byron. 

It was this constant exchange of history that drew people to Hallie.  I would not be a historian today if it wasn't for her.  I first met Hallie when searching for a branch of my own family that were early residents of Sterling.  That contact would lead to a 20 year friendship with a historian that loved the hunt as much as I did.

One thing I learned from her was that history of one municipality often affects the history of another with the interaction of people and their descendants. Hallie authored many books on local history.

Her legacy will include the gift of history that she left behind for all of us to enjoy.  The depth and scope of her historical work is nothing less than inspiring.  With my deepest sympathies to her family, Hallie Sweeting will be truly missed.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July

Today as you celebrate the 4th of July, a day marking separation of our Country from England, please thank a veteran who continues to fight for the many freedoms that we enjoy.

History of the 4th of July

Friday, June 18, 2010

Port Byron Band


Thank you Charlene Wood for sharing your fathers band photo!

This photo dates 1935 to 1937 and was likely taken on one of the many band trips of the day.  It does not appear to have been taken at PB.

The Port Byron High School that burned down in December of 1935 lacked a grand staircase and the doors were a single set of double doors.  You will notice in this photo, there are multiple double doors spaced apart.

The doors at our old high school was level with the ground on the first floor:
Old Port Byron High 1899-1935

Class Photo taken at Old PB High Entrance

Names of students in photo

The corner stone to the Port Byron Central School, now Church Street Apartments, was laid on June 26, 1937.  While this school does have a small set of stairs at the front entrance, the doors are placed together and no pillars.



Therefore, this early band photo may have been taken on one of the many band trips.

If anyone can recall where this photo was taken, please contact me so I can update the location with the photo.