October 30, 2009

Our October 24th meeting which coincided with archives day went quite well at our Richland facility. We had 30 for a sit down lunch at noon, and another 10 or so folks came in and out through the afternoon. At 1 pm we held a brief meeting of the society, our last at Richland for the season. Our next meeting will be held at the H. Douglas Barclay Court House in Pulaski on Saturday November 21. We are trying to also reschedule our annual holiday musical concert for that afternoon, and will let everyone know in this space as time gets closer.

Also during the 24th four students from the Pulaski School History Club (SHIP) worked at photographing stones in Richland cemetery around the corner from our facility. The students have taken on a project to photograph all of the existing stones for our records. A good two hours work was undertaken before they were driven out by the rain. Our thanks go out to history club members: Ken and Cary, Dan, John. Back at the facility, Ian Lowery, another student worker assisted in insulating an interior wall on the second floor.

Our dinner was donated by Barbara Brown of Palermo, and consisted of three choice hams, scalloped potatoes and salads. Roberta Cleveland also brought one of her famed tossed salads that this writer is particularly partial to.

Tours of the nearly completed 2nd floor room were ongoing through the day. We need to install a drop ceiling before the room is put into use. Right now our insulation and the beams are exposed. The work has come along very well though, and we are grateful to the contractors as well as our volunteers and donors.

Effective Monday October 26, our librarian George Widrig will be working from the Barclay Court House Historians office off the elevator over DMV. George will be there Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 9-noon. On Fridays this writer will generally be there from 2 until 5 pm. We have moved our family files to this location for the winter, and many other research items are available for perusal, including access to our ancestry.com and footnote.com accounts.

We have had a couple of new life members: Bob & June Walker of Chaumont, NY and Edwin Fisher of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Mr. Fisher has also made several archival donations in the past year. He is researching the Gurley, Laney, Hazzard and Edgar families of Central Oswego County. Life memberships are available for $250.00 while our regular membership is $12 annually or $25 per household.

Half-Shire can be reached at halfshire@hotmail.com or on the web at www.halfshire.com. Our mailing address is P.O. 73, 1100 County Rte. 48, Richland, NY 13144. 298-3620 for hours or inquiries.

October 16, 2009

On Saturday October 24, the society will open its doors from 10am until 4 pm for a full day of research. At noon the society will serve a roast ham lunch just prior to our regular monthly meeting. The meeting and lunch are open to the public. There are many new research volumes on the shelves, and even those familiar with our collections will be surprised.

As the season goes forward we still continue to welcome researchers from near and far. Over the weekend of October 11, we had a research her in from Utah looking for information on Blakeslee and Kitts ancestors who lived along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario as well as the foothills of Tug hill.

Also on the 4th and the 11th Ian Lowery assisted us in some winter storage work. We began at the Heritage Hall on the fairgrounds, and put away the last of the remaining exhibits from the 2009 fair. Some items were then transported to Half-Shire for storage.

On October 2, the Agricultural Society of Oswego County held their annual meeting and dinner. Officers were elected for the upcoming year which include: President, Carol Sweeney; Sr. Vice President, Fred Potter; Three Jr. Vice Presidents: George Commins, Shirley Rice and Robin Seaman.; Treasurer Kathy McPhearson and Secretary Anne Gibbs. One third of the jurisdictional directors were also up for election, new among the list are Margaret Sullivan for Fulton; Kathy Mulcahey for Minetto and Betty Atkinson for Sandy Creek. The 2010 County fair will be held the first week of July at Sandy Creek.

Fall cleaning has begun at the Court House office of the Richland Historian in anticipation of relocating Half-Shire’s research center for the winter months of December-March. We’ve added a new set of shelves to try to alleviate some of the congestion. More information as the move gets closer.

Two seniors from Pulaski Schools have been meeting and communicating with us on their proposed projects for the school year. Colin Wansink will be starting a digitalization project that will focus on photographs from the Pulaski Masonic Lodge collection. Colin prepared his proposal and looked over the work area last week, and hopes to begin soon. Another student is looking to work on re-mapping of area cemeteries. More on that project as we get closer.

Half-Shire can be reached at www.halfshire.com or halfshire@hotmail.com. Our mailing address is P.O. 73, 1100 County Rte 48, Richland, NY 13144

October 2, 2009

With the first week of autumn now past us, we still continue to see several researchers dropping in at Half-Shire. George Widrig is available to work with people during his regular hours at the facility each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am until 1 pm. Erma Schroeder follows George on Fridays keeping the doors open until 4 pm. For out of town researchers we can also open up by appointment most anytime.

George has been adding many new volumes of “topic binders” on the research shelf. One particularly interesting set is a three volume folio set on the Salmon River “from the source to the mouth” which is loaded with images, articles and even some poetry. A companion book on the 1983 Tube races is also available for review, with many familiar faces evident, including this writer as a 17 year old participant.

On September 26th several Half-Shire members spent time at the Silver Mine in Sandy Creek to take part in a Cancer society benefit organized by Trustee Glenna Gorski of Williamstown. Gorski has been undergoing treatments for several months now, and wanted to do something to advance the research into cancer cures. All proceeds raised were sent to the Cancer society. Williamstown Supervisor “Chip” Hamlin was also present to support his town historian.

Later in the day, Shawn Doyle, Roberta Cleveland and Anne LaDuke were among those who attended the 50th wedding anniversary of Warren and Florence (Pizon) Gardner held at the Sandy Pond Sportsmen’s club. Florence, our trustee from Albion was very surprised, and both were pleased to have all four of their daughters in attendance.

Work on the southwest classroom seems to be progressing well, the closet doors are all now attached and the primer coat of paint applied. We are going to be at a standstill on the drop ceiling until we raise a little more money, but none the less are quite pleased with the progress so far.

The Oswego County history consortium has set Saturday October 24th as a county-wide day of open houses for all historical and Cultural locations. Half-Shire will be open 10-4pm and offer chili and free coffee and cider to mark the day, along with full access to our research materials. More information will follow in future columns.

Half-Shire can be contacted at halfshire@hotmail.com or 1100 County Rte. 48, Richland, NY 13144. 298-3620

We have a winner!!

The drawing for the beautiful American Flag afghan was conducted, and Phyllis McNitt of Boylston was the winner. Trustee Margaret Kastler later delivered the afghan. Thanks go out again to jodi Wickert for making the amazing coverlet that was a profitable fundraiser for us.

Kelsey Munz drew the winning ticket for us.

September 26, 2009

The annual meeting of the society was held on Saturday September 19, at the Richland headquarters. Trustees Rose Graham (Orwell); Mary Munz (Osceola-Florence); Mary Lou Guindon (Parish); and Charlene Cole (at-large Trustee) were all reelected to succeed themselves. In other business, President Doyle went over the progress in the SW classroom, and outlined some broad goals for the upcoming year. The assemblage wished Mary Munz a Happy 80th birthday, complete with a cake sent up by her daughter in law Amy. Cards were signed for many members who were sick or had lost loved ones. (Mary pictured right)

Former Vice President Keith Willis was in attendance, and told the membership about his recent activities with Albany’s Vale Cemetery. Other reports were given by Vice President Monette and Trustees Munz, Gardner, Kastler, Graham, Rombach and Secretary Widrig. A delicious meal was prepared by Trustee Erma Schroeder. The next meeting will coincide with Archives week activities across the county on Saturday October 24th. A lunch at noon will be both preceded and followed by research programs from 10-4 pm.

Also on September 19, the society attempted an exhibit on the Civil War at the Barclay Courthouse foyer. Member Richard Cooper staffed the exhibit for three hours and saw one person. This event was planned to be part of the Salmon River Fest in the park, which otherwise was a great success.

Back a couple weeks, the Redfield Old Home days were quite successful, and Half-Shire sold a few books and took in some membership. Thanks to Erma Schroeder for her good work at the booth both days.

Visitors to the society recently have included members of the Edger and Gurley families who left an extensive file for our records. These folks travelled here from Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Several other local visitors have come in during our museum days open.

On Sunday September 20, over 350 parishioners and guests filled the shrine of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel in Florence for a thanksgiving mass conducted by the honorable Bishop Emeritus Thomas Costello of Syracuse. Costello, a “son of Florence” had agreed to assist the community of faith in December 2006 when the former church was slated for demolition. Since that meeting less than two years ago, over $200,000 has been raised and the church is now restored and in excellent repair. The mass blended Catholic liturgy with several homilies on the historic church and its people. Following the service the graves were blessed by the bishop, (seen left) and doves released. A reception was then held at the Florence Hotel. Representatives of most all of the legendary Irish Catholic clans of Florence were in attendance, and this writer was one who enjoyed the day immensely.

Other Half-Shire members who were noticed in attendance and who had contributed to the restoration included John & Ann O’Mara, Thomas Clark, Bob & Susan (Archibee) Hemings, Leo Seaton and Sue Kidney, Stedman & Mary Lou Twiss, Mary Adams Lambie, Sylvia Yerdon Adams, Doreen Tilton, Barb Paufe, Dorothy Fey, Jack Plumley, Matthew Clark, Martin Clark, Michael Clark and Monica Clark—the last named siblings being central to the renovation efforts. It was a proud day for Florence and for those among us who appreciate history.

Half-Shire is open through the falls months Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 9-1 pm. Friday afternoons usually until 4 pm. We can be contacted at http://www.halfshire.com/ emailed at Halfshire@hotmail.com. Our mailing address is P.O. 73, 1100 County Rte. 48, Richland, NY 13144

September 4, 2009

On Saturday August 22, Half-Shire hosted our monthly lunch meeting at Richland. Following a lunch of stuffed pork chops with all the fixings, there was a short meeting and some historical discussion.
On Saturday August 29, we hosted the 25th annual Redfield Schools Reunion. The event was a great success with over 30 people present. Three members of the surviving graduates of the Redfield high School were present: Ron Jones, Meda Perry Yerdon and Edward Simson. Meda Yerdon was cited for her commitment to her alma mater in organizing the first reunion 25 years ago, and most of the subsequent ones through the years. A large contingent of Yerdons was present, so a family photo was taken which represented descendants of Abraham Yerdon (1837-1923) through two of his daughters and three of his sons.
Vernon V. Randall was the most senior member present, and of those who attended Redfield Schools Don Yerdon the youngest. Officers of the group were re-elected for another term: Mike Yerdon, President; Shawn Doyle Secretary and Fay Ann Yerdon Colvin Treasurer. Those in attendance enjoyed browsing Half-Shire’s extensive collection of Redfield photographs and scrapbooks, and also shared many good stories!
Also with us on the 29th were two researchers from the west—Mila Behunin Anderson and Nola Behunin Durall. Both of these ladies are descendants of Albert Bohanan, one of Richland’s earliest settlers who located at the mouth of Snake Creek on Lake Ontario about 1803. They brought with them some very good information on the family which was footnoted well. Going through our files the ladies found additional information to add to their files, and they returned the next two days meeting with George Widrig and Erma Schroeder. The current information seems to lead to a direction that the Bohannan/Behunin family was of French Canadian descent.
On September 5, the Ballou and McCaw families of Redfield will gather in Redfield for their 20th Family reunion. Half-Shire has an extensive collection of documents on these early Oswego County families in our collection. Half-Shire will conduct a display/sales booth at the Redfield Old home Days on the 5th and 6th from noon until 6 pm each day.
Half-Shire’s Richland research facility is open four days a week—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9-1pm and Fridays 9-4 pm. We are also pleased to schedule any other appointments. Our faculty is located in the former Richland hamlet school, 1100 County Rte. 48, Richland, (PO 73) or on the web at www.halfshire.com.
halfshire@hotmail.com

The 152nd Oswego County Fair ended on Sunday July 5 with bright sunny skys—a contrast to an otherwise overcast week. Despite the poor weather attendance was steady for the five day event. In our Heritage Hall the crowds were not at all lessened by the weather. Each day we were very busy from early morning through the evening. Of the 22 townships of Oswego County historians from all but three participated in the week’s activities.

Photo: Roy Weldon of Howardville won the trophy as “Sr. Spelling Champion” for 2009 at the Oswego County Fair. Weldon stood with third Cousin Shawn Doyle for this photo.

The main competition in or building each year is the historic room display competition. This year’s competitors did a tremendous job and the three judges had an unenviable task. West Monroe’s historic barn interpretation took the blue ribbon, followed by Lakeshore Hardwood’s historic woodworking shop. New Haven’s model of a working farm in miniature took third place. All entrants are congratulated for their hard work again this year.

During the week our digitalization project moved along at a brisk pace with several volunteers and community service workers taking a turn at scanning some of the thousands of photos brought in for us to copy. The family of the late Malcom and Joan Noble loaned us a large collection of family photos that much time was spent copying and organizing. Included with this collection are many interesting images of the Nobles and their friends snowmobiling on Tug Hill during the 1950s and 60s. The early sleds are quite interesting to see.



The take-down of the Heritage Hall also went better the usual, with most all items returned to their place on the Half-Shire shelves within a few days. Thanks are extended to all who volunteered or assisted during this very busy week.



Back at Richland we met with Andrew Clemens and his three brothers on July 11. The Clemens family was all in the region to attend the annual reunion in Osceola that weekend. Several pages of early data on the Clemens, Blazier and their related families were exchanged, as well as scanned images of Redfield and Osceola photos. All of the brothers are now among our members.



Chances are still available on the amazing American flag afghan donated by Jody Wickert of Fernwood. Tickets went out in the mail with the summer newsletter and will be available at our Pulaski Farmer’s Market stand each week. Drawing will be at our September 19, annual meeting in Richland.

Half-Shire is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 9am-1 pm or by appointment. We can be reached at P.O. 73, Richland, NY 13144 or on the web at http://www.halfshire.com/

Half-Shire Historical Society
July 3, 2009

As this column goes to press the 152nd Oswego County Fair should be in full swing at Sandy Creek. During the previous week the Heritage building was stocked full with many new and unique exhibits. We even brought down a piano for some live music! An interesting week of interactive history is planned, with historians from across the County and region present. Many unique crafters are also planning on being present at various times.

Special exhibits are set up for the communities of West Monroe, Amboy, Redfield, Minetto, Parish, New Haven Volney, Granby, Mallory, Sandy Creek, Pulaski, Williamstown, Richland, Oswego town, Schroeppel and Boylston. Rae Allen will be there each day to quilt and do demonstrations. Carol Thompson, Mary Mason, Florence Gardner, Julie Paintor are on tap among our crafters. Friends of history who wish to learn more about specifics of any given day can reach us at the Fair 387-3257 or 532-5919.

Last week I submitted a correction to an earlier column, and in the apology I cited Phyllis LeBeau, Sandy Creek Historian’s Office volunteer. I mixed up Phyllis’ maiden name which should have read Rowe. Her Dad was J. Hunt Rowe, and there was the mix up. I again offer my apologies.

On June 24, Shawn Doyle and volunteer Ian Lowery worked at bringing more materials to Heritage Hall in Sandy Creek. Later in the day the two set out a government marker for the late Elwood Bristol in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Florence. Bristol, a decorated soldier in the Second World War was a Redfield native. Following his death in 2003, Bristol was buried with his parents in St. Mary’s along the back tree line. This marker is the first monument to his life and service.

While in “the east end” Lowery & Doyle worked at some landscape work in Redfield cemetery, and then joined other town youths in the traditional summertime ritual of “jumping the bridge” to cool off. The reservoir was a perfect swimming temperature, and a couple dozen area residents were also enjoying the waters under a cloudless sky. In this writer’s opinion there is no better season then summer in the Tug Hill/Eastern Lake Ontario region where we have so many recreational opportunities. The Redfield Reservoir is another “hidden gem” in our county that is often overlooked.

Our sister organization to the north, the Historical Association of South Jefferson has published a new book on the history of Lorraine. The book will be on sale at the fairgrounds, and later at Half-Shire. Editor Debbie Quick has penned several local books, and this one is sure to be similarly popular.

Congratulations to Virginia Chrisman Peter of Lacona and Shirley Potter Purvis of Vero Beach, Florida for each correctly guessing the identity of this past newsletter’s “Guess Who”. The mystery man in the child photo was Fred Potter of Boylston. Virginia and Shirley each will be credited a years’ membership and receive a 2009 calendar—and as it is late in the year, a 2010 calendar when they are printed.

In our membership list printed in the last newsletter we omitted several names among those members are Francis Sullivan, Fulton; Kay Dealing, Sandy Creek; Sharon Robarge, Richland; Joan Carter, Charlottesville, VA and life member (Secretary) George Widrig. The printing of the list –and gathering corrections, is helpful before we fill out our annual state report with membership numbers, so if you feel you were omitted please contact us.

Half-Shire can be reached at P.O. 73, 1100 County Rte. 48, Richland, NY 13144
Or on the web at halfshire@hotmail.com www.halfshire.com

It's Fair Time!

The 152nd Oswego County Fair is soon to be upon us, for the past couple months many volunteers have devoted countless hours to setting up exhibits and maintaining the grounds. The Fair is again not charging admission, and the buildings and exhibits are also free. Prices vary on the midway and the grandstand, but are still quite reasonable.

Heritage Hall has a full week of events planned, with historians from the various townships onsite during their themed day. Several crafters will be on hand, demonstrating spinning, chair caning, weaving, quilting, tatting and crochet work. These demonstrations alone are quite interesting and worth the trip up to see.

On site photo scanning will take place again. If you have some precious photos you’d like to allow us to copy for our records this is a great time and place to take care of things. We will have volunteers behind the counter most of the day who can scan your photos or entire collections. Last year we had a few friends of the society come in with the proverbial shoeboxes, and they left with organized collections, in sheet protector’s compliments of the society. Please call ahead if you have a big collection, 532-5919 or the Hall 387-3257.

We will have Kelsey Munz of Osceola one of the days in the hall, playing her harp. As of this writing that date has not been set. On July 4, Florence Gardner is expected to play some patriotic tunes for us on her keyboard.

There will be iced tea and lemonade available most of the week, with fresh coffee in the morning. The Heritage Hall has two sitting area where folks can rest and enjoy a nice conversation. On Tuesday evening we will have our informal kick-off reception from 5-7 to coincide with “Special Times” on the grounds.

On Wednesday July 1, the commemorative stamping will take place from noon-3pm with the Sandy Creek Post Office on site. This year’s design is again from our good friend Heather Sweeting of Sterling, NY. The theme for Wednesday will be the Oswego River Valley towns of Volney, Oswego, Granby, Minetto, Hannibal and the two cites. Historians from these regions have been asked to attend and meet with people.

The parade will run through Sandy Creek on Wednesday night, and Jerry & Lorraine Orton will be part of the Half-Shire group marching.

On Thursday July 2, it is “North Shore day” where the theme will revolve around the towns of Constantia, West Monroe and Hastings. We expect to see many friends form this region.

On Friday July 3, it will be Central township day with Mexico, New Haven, Palermo and Scriba highlighted.

On Saturday we will honor our veterans with Military History Day. Researchers can consult experts on Revolution, War of 1812 and Civil War topics on this day. Photos from the Pulaski historical Society World War I & II collection of servicemen will also be able to be perused.

On Sunday July 5 the eleven Half-Shire townships will be the focus: Albion, Amboy, Boylston, Florence, Osceola, Orwell, Parish, Redfield, Richland, Sandy Creek and Williamstown along with the villages of Lacona, Sandy Creek, Pulaski and Altmar. Local authors will be on hand from noon until near 4pm to sign books and meet with people.

10am and 7pm each day we are planning roundtable discussions on various history topics. Call ahead for more information, or check out the schedule as it evolves on our blog; halfshire.blogspot.com.

We had another error in the column two weeks ago, in the photo caption Olga J. “Pat” Frye was the proper listing, and I had “Pat” listed as a Weed, which was her mother’s name. Please let us know when we make mistakes so that we can correct them in print. Thanks to Leitha Wills for helping us there.

The June newsletter is out, and should reach homes by this column. We have enclosed a set of raffle tickets for your consideration on a beautiful American Flag design afghan made by Jodi Wickert of Pulaski. We don’t like to go to the members more then once a year on a raffle, but this was donated mid season and is a gem. A September 19, drawing is planned at the annual meeting.

We were very shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Parker of Pulaski. Jack and Bonnie have been members for several years, and have been very supportive of our organization. Several years ago when the lawn mower in Richland broke, Jack donated one to us that lasted for over 5 years of continuous use, which if anyone is familiar with the size of our lawn, that is pretty good for a little push mower. Our thoughts are with Bonnie and the family at this difficult time.

Half-Shire can be reached at the fair all week, 387-3257 or on the web at halfshire@hotmail.com. Please stop in and see us during the week!