February 21, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS from Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
P O Box 377
Manchester, Vermont 05254
The Shires of Vermont
Press Contact: Paula Maynard, 802.367.7961
HILDENE PART OF CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION KICKOFF AT NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM, ALBANY
On Friday, February 18, Hildene Executive Director, Seth Bongartz and Deputy Director, Laine Dunham represented the Vermont Lincoln site at the New York State Museum at the invitation of State Historian, Robert Weible. February 18, 2011 marked the 150th anniversary of the president’s stopover in Albany on his trip by rail from his Springfield home to his March 4 inauguration in Washington. As part of a national kick off for the multi-year sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War the National Park Service is retracing this famous journey.
Central to the celebration was an address delivered by Fritz Klein, widely considered to be the foremost Lincoln re-enactor in the country. Klein has been portraying the 16th president for more than three decades. At the request of Weible, Bongartz and Dunham brought the Amos King bible from the Hildene exhibit to be displayed at the event. The book was gifted to Lincoln by Amos King, a Port Byron, New York, boatman. King had been inspired to purchase the bible, which was bound with high quality leather and printed by Cambridge University Press in England, when he read the President’s farewell address at the train station in Springfield at the start of the inaugural trip. The inscription is dated March 4, 1861, the day of the inauguration. Bongartz commented, “What makes the bible so remarkable is that it still exists … by that I mean it was clearly important to Lincoln and then to his descendants. It was in the family’s home when we took over at Hildene. It may well have been important to them because it was given by a comparatively humble person. That says a lot about Lincoln.” Bongartz also referenced the work of a diligent and committed Port Byron town historian, Dawn Roe. It was Roe’s relentless research that uncovered the thank you note from President Lincoln’s Secretary, John Nicolay, proof positive that the bible did indeed reach the President’s hands. She even offered several scenarios for how this may have happened logistically. In short, this important artifact is connected to the inaugural journey that was being celebrated in Albany and Hildene was honored to be a part of the event.
On Friday, March 4, the bible will again travel, this time to Burlington, Vermont, for a Civil War Sesquicentennial event sponsored by the 18th Vermont Regiment Civil War Living History Organization. The event which focuses on relevant Civil War history surrounding this particular date begins at 2:00 pm at the Fletcher Free Library. It will include a presentation by Lincoln re-enactor, Bob Bushnell, a question and answer period, remarks from Seth Bongartz, executive director of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home and by Bill McKone, the president of the 18th Vermont Regiment and the event’s organizer. Activities will then move to City Hall for re-enactments of Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address and of the President’s swearing in. March 4, 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of this momentous occasion. To learn more about this event, contact Bill McKone at 802.644.2433.
The bible that Amos King gave to President Lincoln is on permanent display at Hildene and is currently a part of the exhibit: The American Ideal: Abraham Lincoln and the Second Inaugural. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is open daily from 9:30 to 4:30.
To learn more about Hildene, go to http://www.hildene.org/ or visit Hildene on Facebook.
Showing posts with label Local History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local History. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Mansions of The Past
The Syracuse Morning Standard, Syracuse, NY, Tuesday Morning, May 4, 1880
In the Weedsport Column appeared:
W. W. Mack, of Rochester, brother and partner of S. J. Mack, has purchased the Smith residence at Port Byron, and will make it his present summer residence and probably a permanent home in the near future. This mansion originally cost $80,000 but the price paid for it was less than one-fourth of this sum, if current report is correct.
($80,000.00 in 1880 would have the purchase power of $1,730,000.00 as of 2009 based on CPI)
Auburn, NY Argus 1895-1897
Coroner A. D. Stewart has purchased the Chas. Smith mansion in Pine street, and will establish a hospital therein; Consideration $2,200.
($2,200.00 in 1886 would have the purchase power of $51,800.00 as of 2009 based on CPI)
In the Weedsport Column appeared:
W. W. Mack, of Rochester, brother and partner of S. J. Mack, has purchased the Smith residence at Port Byron, and will make it his present summer residence and probably a permanent home in the near future. This mansion originally cost $80,000 but the price paid for it was less than one-fourth of this sum, if current report is correct.
($80,000.00 in 1880 would have the purchase power of $1,730,000.00 as of 2009 based on CPI)
Auburn, NY Argus 1895-1897
Coroner A. D. Stewart has purchased the Chas. Smith mansion in Pine street, and will establish a hospital therein; Consideration $2,200.
($2,200.00 in 1886 would have the purchase power of $51,800.00 as of 2009 based on CPI)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The New Year
Our website has had a slight change but our mission remains steadfast in promoting and preserving the rich history of the Port Byron, NY area. In reviewing the stats over the past year, our website has had regular visits from the following locations:
Australia
Canada
Germany
India
Japan
Latvia
Moldova
Netherlands
Romania
Russia
Singapore
Sweden
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Therefore, it seemed appropriate to change our website from Port Byron Historian to Port Byron History, to better reflect our content. The change went very smoothly. Our new website is http://www.portbyronhistory.com/ with no loss in content, all of your favorite features and articles are here for your enjoyment.
With this change, we also updated our Facebook group to Port Byron History. Many of the original posts can still be found in the note section. Thank you for your participation on Facebook, where posts averaged about 1,000 viewings each. That is amazing!
It's the start of a bright New Year with a fresh start for Port Byron History. We look forward to seeing you in our fan club on Facebook. Thank you for your loyal support and we shall enjoy the upcoming year as we celebrate a wonderful place called Port Byron, NY.
Australia
Canada
Germany
India
Japan
Latvia
Moldova
Netherlands
Romania
Russia
Singapore
Sweden
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Therefore, it seemed appropriate to change our website from Port Byron Historian to Port Byron History, to better reflect our content. The change went very smoothly. Our new website is http://www.portbyronhistory.com/ with no loss in content, all of your favorite features and articles are here for your enjoyment.
With this change, we also updated our Facebook group to Port Byron History. Many of the original posts can still be found in the note section. Thank you for your participation on Facebook, where posts averaged about 1,000 viewings each. That is amazing!
It's the start of a bright New Year with a fresh start for Port Byron History. We look forward to seeing you in our fan club on Facebook. Thank you for your loyal support and we shall enjoy the upcoming year as we celebrate a wonderful place called Port Byron, NY.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Port Byron High School 1899-1935
The Port Byron High School was dedicated on Tuesday, January 16, 1900. It replaced the Port Byron Free Academy that was lost to fire in November 1898 at this same location. The architect was C. E. Crandall of Rochester, NY. The building was heated and ventilated with a Smeed-Norcot heating system and had running water on both floors. The Smeed Heating System was widely used in schools and other public buildings, its furnace generated heat by heating air. The building cost "nearly $16,500.00" (equivalent to "nearly" $440,000.00 based on 2009 CPI). The structure was described as housing 450 pupils, consisting of two floors with basement, six large study rooms, a laboratory, library and multiple recitation rooms. Many will be surprised to learn that some pupils from Brutus attended our school here. In our early history, we were a progressive place. Woman started to serve on our Board of Education in the year 1890, before woman even had the right to vote. Helen Hadger Root was a teacher and among the first woman to serve on the school board. Her husband William H. Root a past Board of Education Member was present when both the Free Academy as well as the High School was dedicated.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Meet The Press
Many can recall The Port Byron Chronicle but did you know there were other newspapers produced at Port Byron?
The Port Byron Herald was started in 1844 by Frederick Prince. (He already owned another paper called The Weedsport Advertiser, later known as the Northern Phoenix which was produced at Weedsport.)
The Port Byron Gazette was founded in 1849 by Charles T. White which was continued with the help of his brother until the year 1860. The paper was then sold to B. W. Thompson who in turn sold out to William Hosford in 1861. Hosford then sold to Cyrus Marsh in 1862 who then changed the name of the paper to the Northern Cayuga Times.
Note: Some sources indicate the Port Byron Gazette was founded in 1851 by Oliver T. Beard.
Note: Some sources indicate the Port Byron Gazette was founded in 1851 by Oliver T. Beard.
The Port Byron Times was published by C. Marsh 186_-1870.
There is one additional paper that appears in the business directory on the 1859 village map of Port Byron, being the Citizen operated by N. Marble. It is interesting that this paper is not listed in the article by the Auburn Morning News on Dec. 15, 1877, which was in tribute to the history of the press in Cayuga County from 1798-1877. Perhaps this paper was produced elsewhere and simply sold here and did not make the list because it was not produced here. I will make mention, as this paper was available.
The paper with the most interesting history is the Port Byron Chronicle. That is partly due to it being the longest surviving paper associated with our community, but also due to the folklore attached to it. The Weedsport Cayuga Chief - Port Byron Chronicle issued on Dec. 10, 1964 had an article honoring the 90th anniversary of our paper. It stated that L. H. King established the paper on January 1, 1875. After Editor King's death, his son Richard T. King is listed as continuing the paper who later sold the paper to Mr. G. Welton Fickeisen.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Port Byron Free Academy 1859-1898
Early primary or grammar education consisted of a series of one room school houses, dating back to the year 1800. They were the standard for children to learn the needed skills to ensure their success to adulthood. The first teaching certificate issued at Port Byron was issued to Celestia King in 1854, a granddaughter of Philip King. She boarded at various homes to teach for $1.50 a week.
An article by Richard T King in 1952 indicates that within the village, there were two separate school districts, one located at the corner of Rochester and King Streets, and the second at Pine Street. His article indicates the Port Byron Free and Academy opened in 1852, with Ceylon Otis as its first Principal and academic departments under the management of T. K. Fuller. The first Board of Education included Dr. James D. Button-President, William A. Halsey- Secretary, Alfred Mead, George Randall, A.K. King, William D. Osborn, Finlay M. King, George Hayden, and John C. Foster.
The district was chartered on April 7, 1857 and would be called the The Port Byron Free School District. The following year, a lot was purchased on Church Street. The cost of the lot and building amounted to $10,850.00, which has the purchase power of about $292,000.00 today (based on 2009 Consumer Price Index). The building would be called the Port Byron Free & Academy. They were established with the State Board of Regents under Chapter 298, Laws of 1859.
The building was three stories, and measured sixty feet long and fifty feet wide to accommodate 400 students. The building was heated by coal stoves.
There were two entrances, one for boys and the other to be used by the girls with genders separated inside the class room.
The first floor held classes for grades 1-4; the second floor was used for grades 5-8 and the high school occupied the third floor. The faculty consisted of six teachers.
Despite the name Free in the school district name, enrollment was not free for all students. Pupils outside the village had to pay tuition of $4.00 per term (would be about $108.00 today) with extra fees for classes in Latin, Greek, German, French and Bookkeeping. Tuition increased to $5.00 per term by the 1890's.
An article by Richard T King in 1952 indicates that within the village, there were two separate school districts, one located at the corner of Rochester and King Streets, and the second at Pine Street. His article indicates the Port Byron Free and Academy opened in 1852, with Ceylon Otis as its first Principal and academic departments under the management of T. K. Fuller. The first Board of Education included Dr. James D. Button-President, William A. Halsey- Secretary, Alfred Mead, George Randall, A.K. King, William D. Osborn, Finlay M. King, George Hayden, and John C. Foster.
The district was chartered on April 7, 1857 and would be called the The Port Byron Free School District. The following year, a lot was purchased on Church Street. The cost of the lot and building amounted to $10,850.00, which has the purchase power of about $292,000.00 today (based on 2009 Consumer Price Index). The building would be called the Port Byron Free & Academy. They were established with the State Board of Regents under Chapter 298, Laws of 1859.
The building was three stories, and measured sixty feet long and fifty feet wide to accommodate 400 students. The building was heated by coal stoves.
There were two entrances, one for boys and the other to be used by the girls with genders separated inside the class room.
The first floor held classes for grades 1-4; the second floor was used for grades 5-8 and the high school occupied the third floor. The faculty consisted of six teachers.
Despite the name Free in the school district name, enrollment was not free for all students. Pupils outside the village had to pay tuition of $4.00 per term (would be about $108.00 today) with extra fees for classes in Latin, Greek, German, French and Bookkeeping. Tuition increased to $5.00 per term by the 1890's.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Eccentric Farmer
The Syracuse Standard, Saturday Morning June 27, 1886
In the Port Byron Column appeared:
"Howland's island is to the front again with a circus all its own. In addition to the bucking mustangs, which give a variety entertainment every time they are hitched up, the inhabitants have lately discovered that they have an accomplished tumbler or "man serpent" in their midst. D.B. Harrington, who works farm No. 8, the largest on the island, engaged his wife's brother, Peter Moffitt, to work for him through the summer. Mr. H. soon noticed that in going between the house and the barn, Moffitt, instead of walking erect, as a man who had done a hard day's work or was expecting to do one is supposed to do, would turn cart wheels and somersaults, single and double, backwards and forwards, the entire distance. He also astonished his fellow workmen, who were not used to seeing one of their number stop his plow team for a rest and go whirling around the field like a hoop-make, or to see one coolly lean over backward and scratch his ear with his heel. The young man was in the village Saturday, and by request of a number of the boys, gave an exhibition that would have been a credit to any circus ring. "Pete" was raised in Auburn, where his father keeps a grocery store. Barnum never saw him, or they would surely have him."
In the Port Byron Column appeared:
"Howland's island is to the front again with a circus all its own. In addition to the bucking mustangs, which give a variety entertainment every time they are hitched up, the inhabitants have lately discovered that they have an accomplished tumbler or "man serpent" in their midst. D.B. Harrington, who works farm No. 8, the largest on the island, engaged his wife's brother, Peter Moffitt, to work for him through the summer. Mr. H. soon noticed that in going between the house and the barn, Moffitt, instead of walking erect, as a man who had done a hard day's work or was expecting to do one is supposed to do, would turn cart wheels and somersaults, single and double, backwards and forwards, the entire distance. He also astonished his fellow workmen, who were not used to seeing one of their number stop his plow team for a rest and go whirling around the field like a hoop-make, or to see one coolly lean over backward and scratch his ear with his heel. The young man was in the village Saturday, and by request of a number of the boys, gave an exhibition that would have been a credit to any circus ring. "Pete" was raised in Auburn, where his father keeps a grocery store. Barnum never saw him, or they would surely have him."
Old Cleaning Tip
In a publication called "Moore's Rural New-Yorker" is a cleaning ad that reads:
"REMOVING IRON RUST—Somebody's wife asks how to take iron rust out, and I will give my way. I choose the warmest and sunniest day, and dip the spot in lemon juice, then dry in the sun. I have always succeeded thus without damaging the article. Some dilute oil vitriol, but as that is injurious, I have never tried it.
MARY, Port Byron, N. Y, 1864"
Note: Oil of Vitriol is also known as sulfuric Acid. Smart move Mary!
"REMOVING IRON RUST—Somebody's wife asks how to take iron rust out, and I will give my way. I choose the warmest and sunniest day, and dip the spot in lemon juice, then dry in the sun. I have always succeeded thus without damaging the article. Some dilute oil vitriol, but as that is injurious, I have never tried it.
MARY, Port Byron, N. Y, 1864"
Note: Oil of Vitriol is also known as sulfuric Acid. Smart move Mary!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Emergency Shower for Chappell Family
On Tuesday 12/14/2010 from 7 PM to 9 PM, the Port Byron Library will be holding an emergency shower for the Chappell family who lost their home on Thanksgiving Day.
For a list of needed items for the family, please visit the library.
An account has been established at the Port Byron Savannah Bank for those that are able to make a donation for this family in need.
Contact for Savannah Bank:
Port Byron Office
126 Main St.
PO Box 711
Port Byron, NY 13140
(315) 776-5369
For a list of needed items for the family, please visit the library.
An account has been established at the Port Byron Savannah Bank for those that are able to make a donation for this family in need.
Contact for Savannah Bank:
Port Byron Office
126 Main St.
PO Box 711
Port Byron, NY 13140
(315) 776-5369
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Are you making a difference?
Have you any news to share?
If you are from Port Byron, NY or are a former resident, let us know what you have been up to and we will feature the news on Port Byron Historian's facebook page.
Let us know how you are making a difference in your community.
If you are from Port Byron, NY or are a former resident, let us know what you have been up to and we will feature the news on Port Byron Historian's facebook page.
Let us know how you are making a difference in your community.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Final Books of the Pearl Wilson Fund
The Port Byron Library has purchased the remaining books in honor of Pearl. The list does include a couple books that they would have ordered as part of their regular additions. The following large print book titles have been added:
7) "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much" by Allison Bartlett
8) "Bury Your Dead" by Louise Penny
9) "Nose for Justice" by Rita Mae Brown
10) "Gingerbread Cookie Murder" by Joanne Fluke
11) "Painted Ladies" by Robert Parker
12) "Secret Kept" by Tatiana de Rosnay.
Pearl would have been very happy to know these books were added in her memory.
7) "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much" by Allison Bartlett
8) "Bury Your Dead" by Louise Penny
9) "Nose for Justice" by Rita Mae Brown
10) "Gingerbread Cookie Murder" by Joanne Fluke
11) "Painted Ladies" by Robert Parker
12) "Secret Kept" by Tatiana de Rosnay.
Pearl would have been very happy to know these books were added in her memory.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Pearl Wilson Fund Update
Your generous contributions have allowed the following large print books to be purchased by the Port Byron Library:
1) In the Company of Others by Jan Karon
2) Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Wisods
3) Confession by John Grishan
4) Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb
5) Thorn by Beverly Lewis
6) 1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber (Book Club)
More titles to come......
1) In the Company of Others by Jan Karon
2) Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Wisods
3) Confession by John Grishan
4) Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb
5) Thorn by Beverly Lewis
6) 1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber (Book Club)
More titles to come......
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hard at Work
Your historian has been very hard at work developing programs for the new historian exchanges. It was a pleasure to present the life of Thomas Rooker at the Howland Stone Store Museum in September. The first official visitor as part of the exchange will be at Port Byron this Saturday at the Port Byron Library to present a program on Willow Baskets.
Many will be surprised to learn that Port Byron was once an active grower of willow. The plant was introduced to our area by the Italian immigrants that settled here about 1880. Many of the early Italians worked as laborers on the railroad and erie canal. Some also rented land and worked a farm but it took many years before they were able to purchase their own land to harvest their own crops. Land that they occupied was often swamp land that required irrigation and drainage to become useful land for dwellings and farming, which was successful due to their hard efforts.
The Port Byron Italians did not grow the same type of crops as compared to their American neighbors. Their crop of choice was willow and onions. Any willow that was not used for local basket making was sold in bulk to the market at Liverpool, NY. That is why I am so pleased to have the Liverpool Village Museum joining us Saturday. Port Byron has a unique bond in history with Liverpool.
Tracking a product made from local willow grown from Port Byron certainly would be a tall order. Willow sold in bulk for this time period was likely not to have been documented with lot numbers or batch numbers like we are accused to seeing today. I look forward to learning more about the history of willow baskets and excited that our first official exchange has such an intimate connection to our own history.
Many may have been wondering why there have not been many posts over the last couple of months, so I thought I would share some of the behind the scene activities of your historian. October 2nd we held a wonderful celebration of life ceremony at the Mentz Town Hall to honor Pearl Kilmer Wilson. Our guests included Senator Michael Nozzolio and Principal Post from the Owasco Elementary School. The group raised $217.00 for the Port Byron Library to be used for the purchase of large print books in Pearl's honor. We will be adding the list of book titles at a future date so that everyone can stay connected to the project.
October also presented the opportunity to apply for two grants for historic road side markers. The grant recipients have not been announced yet, but thanks to Cayuga County Historian Sheila Tucker who guided me thru the process as well as the fast response by the Lock 52 Historical Society, we were able to meet the deadline for submission. I am personally anxious to see the diversity of the historic sites that are selected to receive the grants from the William Pomeroy Foundation. Our region is so rich in history, that I am certain it will not be easy to pick the grant recipients. Should we not make the list this year, if all goes well, we may be able to apply again in the future.
I also attended the Haiti Bridge dedication ceremony. It was a joyous event for the residents of the island, to once again have a connection to the main highway. We often don't think of the roads and bridges we cross every day but what happens when a critical bridge fails and there is a small body of water between you and the road that takes you everywhere else? Thanks to the dedication of our local and State officials, a new bridge now restores services to the residents on the island. Access is important to any community and with much of the island remaining undeveloped, who knows what events of today will make tomorrows history.
Many will be surprised to learn that Port Byron was once an active grower of willow. The plant was introduced to our area by the Italian immigrants that settled here about 1880. Many of the early Italians worked as laborers on the railroad and erie canal. Some also rented land and worked a farm but it took many years before they were able to purchase their own land to harvest their own crops. Land that they occupied was often swamp land that required irrigation and drainage to become useful land for dwellings and farming, which was successful due to their hard efforts.
The Port Byron Italians did not grow the same type of crops as compared to their American neighbors. Their crop of choice was willow and onions. Any willow that was not used for local basket making was sold in bulk to the market at Liverpool, NY. That is why I am so pleased to have the Liverpool Village Museum joining us Saturday. Port Byron has a unique bond in history with Liverpool.
Tracking a product made from local willow grown from Port Byron certainly would be a tall order. Willow sold in bulk for this time period was likely not to have been documented with lot numbers or batch numbers like we are accused to seeing today. I look forward to learning more about the history of willow baskets and excited that our first official exchange has such an intimate connection to our own history.
Many may have been wondering why there have not been many posts over the last couple of months, so I thought I would share some of the behind the scene activities of your historian. October 2nd we held a wonderful celebration of life ceremony at the Mentz Town Hall to honor Pearl Kilmer Wilson. Our guests included Senator Michael Nozzolio and Principal Post from the Owasco Elementary School. The group raised $217.00 for the Port Byron Library to be used for the purchase of large print books in Pearl's honor. We will be adding the list of book titles at a future date so that everyone can stay connected to the project.
October also presented the opportunity to apply for two grants for historic road side markers. The grant recipients have not been announced yet, but thanks to Cayuga County Historian Sheila Tucker who guided me thru the process as well as the fast response by the Lock 52 Historical Society, we were able to meet the deadline for submission. I am personally anxious to see the diversity of the historic sites that are selected to receive the grants from the William Pomeroy Foundation. Our region is so rich in history, that I am certain it will not be easy to pick the grant recipients. Should we not make the list this year, if all goes well, we may be able to apply again in the future.
I also attended the Haiti Bridge dedication ceremony. It was a joyous event for the residents of the island, to once again have a connection to the main highway. We often don't think of the roads and bridges we cross every day but what happens when a critical bridge fails and there is a small body of water between you and the road that takes you everywhere else? Thanks to the dedication of our local and State officials, a new bridge now restores services to the residents on the island. Access is important to any community and with much of the island remaining undeveloped, who knows what events of today will make tomorrows history.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Building Blocks
Auburn Semi-Weekly Journal Tuesday November 7, 1911
NEWS IN PORT BYRON
Earl Rooker has completed the manufacture of 1,470 cement blocks for the Conquest Butter factory, and that institution is again doing business.
NEWS IN PORT BYRON
Earl Rooker has completed the manufacture of 1,470 cement blocks for the Conquest Butter factory, and that institution is again doing business.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Civil War Events a Success
Thank you to our civil war groups that came to Heritage Days 2010. Many drove over 2 hours to bring their displays and equipment to be with us. All that attended the events gave positive feedback and the Sons of Union Veterans and Woman Relief Corp tent had a steady stream of interested visitors all day long. They report having had a wonderful time and were greated well by everyone.
While it was not planned, we may have set a record at Port Byron as we had all 5 allied orders of the Grand Army of the Republic in attendance.
Standing: Jerry Orton-SUV; Dawn Roe-Port Bryon Historian and member of DUV and LGAR, Doug Duell-SUV; Althea Cratsely-PDP, ASUVCW and Lyman Baker-SUV, Dept. Patriotic Inst.
Sitting: Gloria Fisher-Dept. President, ASUV and Lorraine Orton-PDP-WRC; Photo courtesy of Jerry Orton.
Jerry also captured some photos in the cemetery for the Department Website where they feature graves of GAR Namesakes and Officers. Visit their site at:
Gallery of Civil War Graves
We started the morning with a civil war cemetery tour at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. The preparation for this event was overly meaningful to me. It is events like this that also enable me to become more connected with the various families that paved the patch in Port Byron's history.
Living history performer Eileen Patch gave a captivating performance as she went back in time portraying the heartache of war as felt by a soldiers mother. The story also mentioned the fate of some neighbor boys that also enlisted. The story unfolded as she shared thoughts of the day on period inventions such as steam power and changes in products that improved daily life of the period. I never knew so many things could find their way to a sewing basket!
It was unfortunate that the event brochure neglected to include where she was performing, so people had some difficulty getting to the show, but for those that came it was an event to remember.
Soldiers developed a deep bond of brotherhood and today the allied orders keep their memories alive. Thank you all for coming and sharing the day with our community.
The afternoon finished with a performance by the Dana L West Drama Club.
Combine all this history with live music, good food and the other activities, it was an enjoyable afternoon for everyone.
While it was not planned, we may have set a record at Port Byron as we had all 5 allied orders of the Grand Army of the Republic in attendance.
Heritage Days at Port Byron, NY July 31, 2010
Representing the five allied orders of the GAR.
Standing: Jerry Orton-SUV; Dawn Roe-Port Bryon Historian and member of DUV and LGAR, Doug Duell-SUV; Althea Cratsely-PDP, ASUVCW and Lyman Baker-SUV, Dept. Patriotic Inst.
Sitting: Gloria Fisher-Dept. President, ASUV and Lorraine Orton-PDP-WRC; Photo courtesy of Jerry Orton.
Jerry also captured some photos in the cemetery for the Department Website where they feature graves of GAR Namesakes and Officers. Visit their site at:
Gallery of Civil War Graves
We started the morning with a civil war cemetery tour at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. The preparation for this event was overly meaningful to me. It is events like this that also enable me to become more connected with the various families that paved the patch in Port Byron's history.
Living history performer Eileen Patch gave a captivating performance as she went back in time portraying the heartache of war as felt by a soldiers mother. The story also mentioned the fate of some neighbor boys that also enlisted. The story unfolded as she shared thoughts of the day on period inventions such as steam power and changes in products that improved daily life of the period. I never knew so many things could find their way to a sewing basket!
It was unfortunate that the event brochure neglected to include where she was performing, so people had some difficulty getting to the show, but for those that came it was an event to remember.
Eileen Patch performing Voice of the Civil War
based on her book This from George.
Soldiers developed a deep bond of brotherhood and today the allied orders keep their memories alive. Thank you all for coming and sharing the day with our community.
The afternoon finished with a performance by the Dana L West Drama Club.
Combine all this history with live music, good food and the other activities, it was an enjoyable afternoon for everyone.
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.
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.
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 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.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
GAR Display at Heritage Days July 31st
Lorraine Orton and members of the Woman's Relief Corps, the official auxiliary of the G.A.R., will be joining us on July 31st to display G.A.R. artifacts.
The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was an early veterans group formed by soldiers of the civil war. The G.A.R. became a strong political force and with their endless efforts, the Grand Army Pension Bill became law in the year 1900 securing pensions for the soldiers of the civil war.
To read more about the G.A.R. and Port Byron's Lockwood Post #175 G.A.R., read my article:
The Center of Action
When people think of Port Byron, NY, they easily find reference to our Erie Canal History. What most people are not aware of is that Port Byron was also the meeting place for many political conventions.
On October 15, 1856 at 2 PM the 25th Congressional District Convention was held here for the purpose of nominating a candidate for representation in Congress.
The committee consisted of:
N. Drake
C. D. Lawton
Wm Bell Jr
C.H. Richmond
Wm Fosgate
On October 15, 1856 at 2 PM the 25th Congressional District Convention was held here for the purpose of nominating a candidate for representation in Congress.
The committee consisted of:
N. Drake
C. D. Lawton
Wm Bell Jr
C.H. Richmond
Wm Fosgate
Early Preachers
In Port Byron's early history, it seems many lifestyles were ahead of the times. I recently found an article from the 1850's, where one of our woman had completed clergy training. When you look at the role of woman for this time period, most were not employed especially outside their own households or the business of their husbands. It is always a pleasure to be reminded that things were just a bit different here:
"Mrs. Linda Jenkins of Port Byron, N.Y. has commenced preaching, after a regular course of study, and is now fully entitled to the appellation of "Reverend."
Herkimer Co. Journal, Little Falls, NY August 13, 1857
"Mrs. Linda Jenkins of Port Byron, N.Y. has commenced preaching, after a regular course of study, and is now fully entitled to the appellation of "Reverend."
Herkimer Co. Journal, Little Falls, NY August 13, 1857
