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.

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

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 bank 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.

Port Byron Central School Post Card

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.

Dana L. West Drama Club to Perform July 31st

Heritage Days will be featuring the Dana L. West Drama Club at the Town Hall at 2 PM on July 31st.  They will be performing the play Persistance-The story of the purchase of Alaska written by David Connelly for Auburn's 2009 Founders Day.

Pictured above are Emma Aversa as 12 year old Erica and former member Christian Cobb as William Seward.

William H. Seward of Auburn, NY was President Abraham Lincoln's first Secretary of State.

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:

Lockwood Post #175

To learn more about the Woman's Relief Corps:

http://www.suvcw.org/WRC/index.htm

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

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.

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

Memorial Day Tribute

Local artist Herb Roesch completes another shed mural.  This time, the subject matter could not be more meaningful.  The mural is dedicated to the memory of Robert W Emms of the United States Navy.  If you look closely, you can see the outline of a Navy ship floating on the blue horizon with our National Flag as a backdrop.