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.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

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

A Look Back At Wages

In a hustle bustle world, it is easy to feel undervalued.  Bringing home the bacon continues to be a challenge and when you look back at labor rates from yesteryear, it is easy to see how much has changed.  Here is an ad that appeared in The Daily Courier on Friday October 1, 1875 from Syracuse, NY:

"Fifty laborers wanted to work in the village of Port Byron, NY.  Wages one dollar and fifty cents per day.  Apply at No. 5 Pike Building or on the work.  H. Candee & Co."

This would have the same purchase power as $30.20 per day as of 2009.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Class of 1917


Class of 1917                                                                  

Marion Ruth Jones                      Robert J Dixon                                
Norma Faye Hadden                  Marie Catherine Ryan
Adah May Hadden                     Russell E. Corey     
Dorothy E. Wilt                          John Byron Hearn
Regina Moroney                         Frederick W. Kearnan
Marion Luella Weston                 Marguerite L. Fraher
Edgar H Wood                           Ruth Fannie Curren
                       Robert V. Beach

Board of Education for 1917:
John A. Topliffe                           Thomas W. Howell
Frank Jones                                 Arthur E. Blauvelt
G. Ernest Wethey                         Hull F. Tanner
Thomas M. Crane                        Charles D. Loomis
                         T. Fayette Dixon