Office of the County Historian
Calendar of Events
Wayne County Historical Society, Museum of Wayne County History, 21 Butternut Street, Lyons. Hours Tuesday-Friday 10-4. Saturdays 10-1 April 1-May 28; 10-4 June 4-October 22. Closed Nov 11; Nov 24, 25; December 14, 2011-Jan 9, 2012. General admission is $4 for adults and $2 for students. Wayne County Historical Society members are free. To find out more about the museum, its exhibits, programs, special events, and volunteer opportunities, call 315 946-4943 or visit the Wayne County Historical Society website at www.waynehistory.org.
Songs from the Old Jail CD The CD “Songs from the Old Jail” are available in the gift shop of the Museum of Wayne County History and Dobbins Drug Store in Lyons. They retail for $7 plus tax and can also be bundled with the book “A Jail among Us” for $19.95.
Newark-Arcadia Historical Museum and Gift Shop open Saturdays all year 1-3 pm. Wednesdays July - September 7-9 pm. Located at 120 High Street, Newark. Wheelchair accessible. Admission is always free, with donations gratefully accepted. Exhibits on Spiritualism, Jackson& Perkins Co., C.H. Stuart Co./Sarah Coventry, Bloomer Bros., Edgett-Burnham Canning Co., and more. Newark-Arcadia Historical Society (N-AHS) arcadiahistory@gmail.com Phone: (315) 331-6409. Exhibit, "Civil War: The Newark Connection” in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the start of the Civil War, continues through March 31, 2012. Across the street from the museum is Newark Public Library & Hoffman Clock Museum
Orders are now being taken for high-quality and matted prints of N-AHS member Oscar F. Anderson's Ye Hills of Wayne watercolor painting. Print size: 13.5" x 10.25". Size, matter: 16" x 20". Price $25. Postage & Handling: $5. The painting includes seven scenes of Wayne County in all seasons, plus three stanzas from Mary Ashley Townsend's (native of Lyons) famous poem, "Ye Hills of Wayne". For information, or to place an order: 315-331-6409. N-AHS, PO Box 289, Newark NY 14513-0289
High quality prints of a watercolor entitled "Sodus Light" by artist Craig L Davis are available. Painted in 2006, the size is approx. 15" x 11". A framed example is on display in the museum's Arts & Entertainment Room. The prints are $100 each, of which $25 will be donated to the N-AHS. Craig Davis is a graduate of Syracuse University School of Fine Arts. He is a Newark High School graduate, Class of 1978. He currently lives in Colorado with his wife Jennifer Bach and their two children.
Butler Historical Preservation Society has 2 museums. Butler Center Church Museum is located in Butler at 4518 Butler Center Road. Roe Cobblestone Schoolhouse is located 4576 VanVleck Road, Wolcott at the intersection with State Route 89. They are open May – October the first Saturday of the month from 10 am- 2 pm. Or call 315 594-2332 for an appointment. www.bhpsbutlerny.org
Galen Historical Society has 2 museums located in the Village of Clyde. The Mill museum located at 14 Sodus Street houses a large collection of farm implements, household items, and the Sports Hall of Fame. The Brick Church Museum located at 31 North Park has displays including the Clyde Glass Works, Morrison Printing Press, Modes of travel, Business, Military, Churches, and a large collection of Genealogy Records. Summer Hours June 1 - August 31: Saturday and Sunday 1-3pm with expansion during Clyde Community Days. Open during Farmers Market in the Park 5-7pm first and last Thursdays May-October. Key holders are available to open Museum for tours at request. Galen Historical Society 315-923-7150 galenhistoricals@aol.com http://www.galenhistoricalsociety.org
Lyons Heritage Society tours of the Hotchkiss Essential Oil Co. Peppermint Office corner of Water Street and Leach Road, Lyons are available by calling 315 946-4492. Lyons Heritage Society also has a number of gift items for sale: Lyons Coverlets, Hotchkiss label tea towels, Leman's Gourmet Peppermints, Hotchkiss History Books, peppermint sticks and copies of "World War II Prisoner of War Camps in Wayne County, New York And Their Prisoners" by Annette T. Harris. All proceeds go to the Lyons Heritage Society for its ongoing commitment to preserving the history of Lyons, NY.
Lyons history "Winston Dobbins' Old Geezer Network". Several years ago, the late Winston Dobbins, a man who loved all things Lyons, created the “Old Geezer Network”. The network is an informal e-mail sharing of pictures, newspaper articles and memories of life in early Lyons. When Winston became ill and could no longer head the network, he asked Allyn Perry and Andi Evangelist to take over his position. Topics covered vary from week to week. Most recently there was an active discussion about car dealerships. The question, “Who sold Studebakers in Lyons and where was the shop located?” set off a flurry of varying opinions. Eventually the question was answered to everyone’s satisfaction after photos of newspaper ads were offered as proof. Some members are quick to become involved in the e-mail conversation and others just sit back and read what others write. Either approach is fine. The present “Geezer” membership ranges in age from 30ish to 90ish and includes people who still live in Lyons and those who have long since moved away. There is no fee to join. Anyone who is interested in remembering or learning about Lyons history is welcome to join. For more information or to sign up to become a member of Winston Dobbins’ Old Geezer Network, e-mail Andi Evangelist at aevange892@aol.com.
Marion Historic Association Museum 3827 North Main Street, Marion. Open during programs (listed in Events below), or by appointment. Contact Carolyn Adriaansen 315 926-4436.
Ontario Heritage Square Museum open Saturdays and Sundays 1:30-4pm June 4 – October 2, 2011. Closed July 4 and Labor Day weekends. 7147 Ontario Center Road at the Brick Church Corner, Ontario. www.heritagesquaremuseum.org
Heritage Square Museum Opens for the Season
W.Y. Emery 1867 Schooner artifacts and photos featured this summer at the Town of Ontario’s Heritage Square Museum, Ontario, NY
Featured this summer at the Town of Ontario’s Heritage Square Museum is a display in the Hojack train station of artifacts and photos of the sunken 1867 two masted schooner, the W.Y Emery. This ship sank in 1899 off Bear Creek Harbor in the Town of Ontario in Wayne County. A painting by R. Stevens of the famous Lake Ontario 1787 English war ship the H.M.S. Ontario is also on display. Learn about Bear Creek Harbor’s history from the early days of iron ore to atomic energy today.
Located at Brick Church Corners, 7147 Ontario Center Road, Heritage Square Museum is owned and operated by the Town of Ontario Historical and Landmark Preservation Society. This 19th century crossroads community is a 13-acre site that includes historical buildings such as the Ruffell log cabin (discover the secret behind the mantel clock), the Brick Church one-room schoolhouse, the Warner house (have you ever seen a Seraphine?), old town jail, apple dry house, Baptist Meeting House and the recently restored Hojack train station. All buildings have been carefully furnished with period artifacts and great displays. And don’t forget to visit the gift shop in the Hojack station to take home a special memory.
Historic Palmyra: Museums open for summer season June 1- midSeptember(Historic Palmyra's 4 Museums Open attachment)
- The Alling Coverlet Museum, 122 Williams St, Palmyra is open daily 1:00 - 4:00 PM.
- TheMarket Street Museums are open Tuesday - Saturday from 11:00 until 4:00 PM. They include:
- Palmyra Historic Museum, 132 Market St
- Wm. Phelps General Store and Home Museum, 140 Market St
- Print Shop Museum, 140 ½ Market St
Share in the experience of this unique, one of a kind, “Historic Palmyra’s History Trail along the Erie Canal”. We would be happy to accommodate special hours and special tours for those who would like to contact us. Please call the Palmyra Historic Museum at (315) 597-6981 or www.historicpalmyrany.com Any tour size is acceptable.
Historic Palmyra is Where History Comes Alive, because our history is alive. Call for information at (315) 597-6981 or e-mail bjfhpinc@rochester.rr.com or visit our web site www.historicpalmyrany.com.
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society Museum and Gift Shop open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 1-4pm, June 15 - September 15. Located at 4130 Mill Street, Pultneyville. Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society web site: http://w-phs.org WPHS hotline: (315) 589-9892
Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum open Tuesday through Sunday, Maythrough October 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays except holidays. Located at 7606 N Ontario St, Sodus Point. Sodus Bay Historical Society web site: www.soduspointlighthouse.org. Phone: (315) 483-4936
Walworth Museum 2257 Academy Street, Walworth. Museum Hours, June - September, Sundays & Wednesdays 2-4 p.m. To schedule a visit please call Keymel 315 524-9205 or Scott 315 524-9528.
Wolcott Historical Society Northup Carriage House open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Located on Jefferson Street, Wolcott.
The Discovery Edition of "Legend of the Lake," the story British warship HMS Ontario is now available with many fantastic images of the shipwreck that Dan Scoville and I, Jim Kennard, found in May 2008. For a full description of the contents of the book see our website page: http://www.shipwreckworld.com/story/legend-of-the-lake-discovery-edition.aspx
May 2, Wednesday, 7pm, Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society Meeting “Tony Bennett – His Life and Music” at Gates Hall, 4107 Lake Road, Pultneyville. Guest speaker: Doris Adamek. Come and learn more about this engaging entertainer who has been a legend in his own time! Event is free and open to the public. www.w-phs.org
May 8, Tuesday, 7 pm, Macedon Historical Society Meeting. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
May 10, Thursday, 5:45pm, Wayne County Historical Society, Annual Dinner. At Wayne Hills Country Club, 2250 Gannett Rd, Lyons. This year there will be a silent auction of various themed baskets and a live auction of a Clyde Glass Cane, a beautiful quilt and an 1800’s Wayne County map. We also have invited Angela Libertella Calabrese, who has performed, among others, with Tri-Cities Opera, Brevard Music Festival and V.O.I.C.E Experience at Epcot Center, for a musical interlude. For more information: 315 946-4943 www.waynehistory.org
May 12, Saturday, 9-5, Wayne County Historical Society, “The Jailbird Antique Festival” At Museum of Wayne County History, 21 Butternut Street, Lyons 14489. For this one day event, the museum’s three floors will be filled with Antique Dealers. Lunch will also be available and admission to the museum is free. For more information: 315 946-4943 www.waynehistory.org
May 16, Wednesday, 6 pm, Town of Ontario Historical & Landmark Preservation Society Annual Dinner Meeting. At Brick Church, 7200 Ontario Center Road, Ontario. Dish to pass dinner followed at 7pm with a presentation by Dennis Bielewicz, author of “Heroes in the Attic – the Untold Story of Two Civil War Soldiers”. A saga of two college students who abandon their classes to fight in the Civil War. In a secret room of an abandoned house, the author uncovered the documents which led to research and a retelling of the complete military service of H Seymour Hall and Benjamin Coffin. The story defines the heroism of common men against the backdrop of history. www.heritagesquaremuseum.org
May 17, Thursday, Historic Palmyra Program, War of 1812. At Palmyra 14522. www.historicpalmyrany.com
May 17-19, Thursday 9-8, Friday 9-4, Saturday 9-noon, Heritage Square Museum Gigantic Spring Barn Sale. At Heritage Square Museum, 7147 Ontario Center Rd, Ontario NY. www.heritagesquaremuseum.org
May 18, 19, 20, Friday- Sunday, Historic Palmyra Heritage Weekend featuring War of 1812. At Palmyra 14522. General John Swift, Rhoda Swift, and Mrs. Wm Howe Cuyler will all be there. Tours of all museums given $7 per person. www.historicpalmyrany.com
May 19, Saturday, 9-5, Wayne County Historical Society, Spring Yard Sale At the Pure Oil Station (formerly Pacello’s gas station) on Rt. 14 and Canal Street, Lyons 14489. For more information: 315 946-4943 www.waynehistory.org
May 19, Saturday, 1-4 pm, Macedon Historical Society Open House with 1:30 talk by Katie Aldridge, author of No Freedom Shrieker. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. Katie Aldridge, author of “No Freedom Shrieker, The Civil War Letters of Union Soldier Charles Biddlecom” (of Macedon), will speak as part of the Farmington 1816 Meetinghouse lecture series, at the Macedon Academy. This event is sponsored by the 1816 Farmington Meetinghouse Museum, Macedon Historical Society, Wayne County Historian’s Office, and Macedon’s Books Etc. Parking is available at the United Methodist Church parking lot just west of the Academy. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
May 21, Monday, 6:15 pm, Walworth Historical Society pot luck dinner and annual meeting and program “Mr. Lincoln’s Army”. At the Lodge at Ginegaw Park, Walworth 14568. Following the brief meeting that will include election of officers, we will present our Community Service Award to an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to our community. Our featured speaker for the evening will be Preston Pierce, Ontario County Historian. Dr. Pierce will tell us about “Mr. Lincoln’s Army.” The program tells the story of how the Union Army was recruited, expanded, and changed to fit the needs of the Civil War. The story is told through documents and images typically found in local and state government archives, as well as those family researchers may encounter in personal files or local historical societies. This will be an EXCELLENT program, so please save the date. www.walworthhistoricalsociety.org
June 2, Saturday noon-4, Heritage Square Museum Village Faire & Opening Weekend. At Heritage Square Museum, 7147 Ontario Center Rd, Ontario NY. Wayne Community band 2-3pm, Ontario Piece Keepers Quilt group, Pie contest, car show, Hot dogs, ice cream, bake sale, Chamber of Commerce Business Fair, Animal Rescue groups. www.heritagesquaremuseum.org
June 3, Sunday, 2-4 pm, Macedon Historical Society Open House in conjunction with Bicentennial Celebration of the United Methodist Church of Macedon Center. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
June 5, Tuesday, 6pm dinner and program, Rose Historical Society Annual Meeting at Rose Grange, 4101 Rt 414, Rose. Dish-To-Pass Supper. Jim Ryan will present a program to be announced.
June 12, Tuesday, 7 pm, Macedon Historical Society Meeting. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
June 16, Saturday, 7:30 pm – 2 am, Beyond Ghosts of Buffalo. At Alling Coverlet Museum, 122 William Street to meet, and hunts at Market Street Museums, Palmyra 14522. Tickets online at www.BeyondGhosts.com www.historicpalmyrany.com
June 21, Thursday, Historic Palmyra Ice Cream Social. At Palmyra 14522. Tours of all buildings and Ice Cream Sundaes. www.historicpalmyrany.com
June 23, Saturday, 2-4 pm, Cookies and Lemonade Reception with Henry Zerbe. At Sodus Point Information Center, Willow Park, Bay Street, Sodus Point. Long-time Sodus Point resident, Henry Zerbe will be sharing Penn. RR history and photos. All are invited to attend to honor Henry Zerbe and learn some more local history. Sponsored by Neighborhood association of Sodus Point. Rain date Sunday, June 24.
June 30 – July 1, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-3, Fort Ontario’s 2012 French & Indian War Encampment. At Fort Ontario State Historic Site, 1 East 4th Street, Oswego NY 13126. French, British, Colonial, and Native American Camps. Drills, camp life, and battle reenactments. Living History demonstrations. www.fortontario.com
July 10, Tuesday, 7 pm, Macedon Historical Society Meeting. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
July 23, Monday, 6:30-7:30 pm, Historic Palmyra Village History Tour. At Palmyra 14522. call 315 597-6981 for reservations. www.historicpalmyrany.com
July 27, 28, Friday 7pm, Saturday 3-8pm, Walworth Festival in the Park. Historical Society in parade and has booth. At Ginegaw Park, Walworth 14568. www.walworthhistoricalsociety.org
July 28, Saturday 10-4, Heritage Square Museum Wine and Cheese Tasting. At Heritage Square Museum, 7147 Ontario Center Rd, Ontario NY. Blue Ridge Country Ramblers, Guided museum building tours, hot dogs, ice cream social, meat raffle drawing, art show and sale. www.heritagesquaremuseum.org
August 7-9, Tuesday-Thursday, Historic Palmyra Archeological Dig Camp. At Palmyra 14522. $30 per student archeologist, all supplies furnished. Limited attendance, call for reservations 315 597-6981. Big Reveal on Pirate Saturday, August 11. children ages 11-15, and adults. www.historicpalmyrany.com
August 10, 11, Friday, Saturday, 11-4, Historic Palmyra Pirate Whitley’s Cave. At Palmyra 14522. Stories, fun and history scavenger hunt. Headquarters of Pirate supplies. www.historicpalmyrany.com
August 14, Tuesday, 7 pm, Macedon Historical Society Meeting. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
September 8, 9, Saturday, Sunday, Macedon Lumberjack Festival. Macedon Historical Society events. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
September 11, Tuesday, 7 pm, Macedon Historical Society Meeting. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
September 13-15, Thursday 9-8, Saturday 9-noon, Heritage Square Museum Fall Barn Sale. At Heritage Square Museum, 7147 Ontario Center Rd, Ontario NY. www.heritagesquaremuseum.org
September 14, 15, Friday, Saturday, Palmyra Canaltown Days. At Palmyra 14522. All Historic Palmyra Museums open, and a booth uptown. Ghost walk and hunt at the Market Street Museums 8-11 pm both nights, $15 per person. . www.historicpalmyrany.com
September 17, Monday, 7:30 pm, Walworth Historical Society meeting. At Walworth Museum, 2257 Academy Street, Walworth 14568. www.walworthhistoricalsociety.org
September 29, Saturday, 8-10 pm, Historic Palmyra Murder, Mayhem and Mystery Walk. At Palmyra 14522. $10 per person. www.historicpalmyrany.com
September 29, Saturday 10-4, Heritage Square Museum Harvest Festival. At Heritage Square Museum, 7147 Ontario Center Rd, Ontario NY. Craft & antique sale, kids games, horsey bingo, hot dogs, bake sale & produce sale, guided museum tours. www.heritagesquaremuseum.org
October 6-7, Saturday & Sunday 1:30-4, Heritage Square Museum Last Weekend for Museum Tours. At Heritage Square Museum, 7147 Ontario Center Rd, Ontario NY. www.heritagesquaremuseum.org
October 7, Sunday, 2-4, Walworth Historical Society Open House. At Walworth Museum, 2257 Academy Street, Walworth 14568. www.walworthhistoricalsociety.org
October 19, 20, Friday, Saturday, 6:30 pm and 8 pm, Historic Palmyra Cemetery Tour. At Vienna Street Cemetery, Palmyra 14522. $10 per person. Call 315 597-6981 for reservations. If weather is really bad, Tour held at all the Museums. www.historicpalmyrany.com
October 21, Sunday, 2-3:30 pm, Walworth Historical Society and Walworth-Seely Public Library program. At Walworth Museum, 2257 Academy Street, Walworth 14568. www.walworthhistoricalsociety.org
November 15, 16, 17, Thursday, Friday 10-5, with lunch; Saturday 10-3, no lunch, Historic Palmyra Holiday Bazaar. At Palmyra 14522. www.historicpalmyrany.com
November 19, Monday, 1 pm, Walworth Historical Society meeting. At Walworth Museum, 2257 Academy Street, Walworth 14568. www.walworthhistoricalsociety.org
December 9, Sunday, 7 pm, Macedon Historical Society Annual Christmas Open House. At Macedon Academy, 1185 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Center. macedonhistory@gmail.com http://www.macedonhistoricalsociety.org
Ongoing:
Now available: Newark-Arcadia Historical Museum Gift Shop “East of Newark, West of Lyons: The Board Game, Long Play Edition” $24.95 Based on the very popular trivia book of the same name, by David Benjamin, this new board game is sure to be equally popular as well as a collectors item. Profits from the sale of the games benefit the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society. Museum located at 120 High St, Newark. Open Saturdays 1-3, and at other times by chance or appointment. For information, call 315 331-6409
Now: "Gillette Wall Map 1858 Wayne County, New York" books available for $10 each at the Office of the County Historian Wayne County NY, 9 Pearl Street, Lyons. The office is above the Dept of Motor Vehicles. These newly reprinted books contain indexed maps of each town and hamlet in Wayne County in 1858. The index cross-references settlers/businesses names and locations. An original Gillette Wall Map is on the wall of the County Clerk's Office located on the first floor of 9 Pearl Street, Lyons.
This December 2004 printing is currently Sold Out...
Town of Butler CD with over 100 historic photos is being offered by Butler Historical Preservation Society. Included is an interior view of the Roe Cobblestone Schoolhouse, a 1917 photo of the Butler Center Church, and a description of each photo. Contact Jim Chatfield (315) 594-9425, email: jchatfie@rochester.rr.com Cost is $15 plus $2 shipping. A booklet of the photos will be available soon.
Andrea Evangelist, author and president of the Lyons Civic Club, Inc. is pleased to announce that copies of the book, A Look At Lyons: History and Images of Lyons, New York, are now available (December 2006) for purchase at four locations in Lyons: the main and branch offices of the Lyons National Bank, 35 William Street and Routes 14 & 31; Dobbins Drugs and The Old Pharmacy Gift Shop, 52-58 William Street; and James S. Sullivan Agency, 36 Canal Street. This 250-page, soft-covered, indexed, 8 1/2' x 11' publication contains over 300 captioned pictures that chronicle the history of Lyons. The Lyons National Bank and the Robert G. Boehmler Community Foundation generously sponsored the club's first publication. Chapter titles of the book include Early History of Lyons, Early Government, Lyons Village, Lyons Fire Department, Lyons Schools, Lyons Library, Entertainment, Medical Care In Lyons, Slavery & Underground Railroad, Taverns & Hotels, Joppa, Prohibition, Transportation, The Canal, Communication, Alloway, Ethnic Heritage, Lyons Organizations, Lyons Businesses, Lyons Churches, Memories, Myths & Trivia, The Easterly Murders, and Appendix. Books are being sold for $25 a copy. Profits made from book sales will go to fund future Lyons Civic Club, Inc. publications and club activities. To order a book for shipping, please call 315-946-3367 or 315-946-9340. There is an additional $5 charge to cover shipping and handling costs.