Village of Forestville, New York, 14062

Footprints of Forestville - Article 15

As I told you on the ForestHistory 15 page, I was given some newspaper clippings which I found interesting. It is now officially Spring and we have just experienced several months of winter. I have been reading the experiences of those who settled Chautauqua County in the early 1800s. It boggles the mind to realize what those hardy pioneers went through. We, today, really have no idea–as we sit in our comfortable homes–insulated, heated (which can be changed by adjusting the thermostat), turning the faucet for hot water, cooking or baking on an electric or gas stove, using the microwave, sleeping in a bed which has an electric blanket (with dual controls), and the list goes on. We want to go shopping and we check to see if the plow has cleared the road. We are indeed a spoiled generation. The clipping which brought these facts to mind was found in the Dunkirk Evening Observer on Tuesday, April 18, 1978. It is entitled “Retired Hanover Highway Chief Recalls Plowing With Iron Kettle” and is writen by Holly Hewitt. I will not quote the whole article, but I hope you enjoy.

“SILVER CREEK–Granted , spring has arrived and we should turn our thoughts to those of the approaching summer months, but let’s just for a bit look back at the winter season to hear a story of winter road conditions in the early 1920s and before. People used horse-drawn sleighs before the days of snowplows, William “Jim” Hilliker
of Hanover Road, Smith Mills, said in a recent interview. Mr. Hilliker, who remembers those early days, went to work for the town of Hanover Highway Department in
1926 and retired from that department in 1956. He went back to work for the deparment on a part time basis for a while following his retirement.

When the snow became too deep for the horses to travel over, Mr. Hilliker explained,highway department crews would hitch a four-foot in diameter cast iron maple syrup Calendar kettle to a couple teams of horses and drag the heavy kettle down the road. The kettle would be dragged back up the road again, making a path in the roadway just wide enough for a team of horses to travel over. This method, he said, was used prior to his employment with the highway department.

The snow would get packed down along that path and in the spring when the snow began to melt, the snow packed path would protrude from the road, making travel difficult. Then the highway department crews would go out onto the road with field plows and other pieces of farm equipment and scrape down the ridge of packed snow. Mr. Hilliker said that this was a tedious job.

Around 1923, Mr. Hilliker remembered, he and his parents had to drive their Model T Ford from Smith Mills to Forestville via Silver Creek, he said. The roads weren’t plowed, but he noted, “We put chains on the car tires. Those Model T’s would go anywhere.”… The first snowplow that the town of Hanover purchased was wooden. That arrived in the town in about 1927. With the advent of this new plow, it meant that more roads in the town could be cleared of snow. Before the wooden plow was purchased the kettle helped in only a small way to free roads to travel. The wooden plow, a Climax wooden grader, was used behind a Caterpillar tractor. When the snow got too deep, Mr. Hilliker said, another vehicle was hooked to the rear of the tractor to push.\

In the 1920’s, the town received its first Baker steel plows. This meant that even more roads would be open to traffic during the winter months. In the 1940’s, the town purchased four-wheel drive Walters plows. It wasn’t as rough to plow roads anymore. …Born in 1901…Mr. Hilliker quit school when he was 14 and obtained a working
certificiate so he could get a job to financially help his parents out with the large family. He had first attended the Rathburn District School, a one-room school house. He fondly spoke of how it was to go to a one-room school house. He had to walk a mile and a half to school each day at one point in his life. “There weren’t any school buses in those days.”…..

Reflecting back to earlier days, Mr. Hilliker said that when he first began working for the town of Hanover he worked for 50 cents an hour. He said he used to make 15 cents an hour picking and typing grapes when he was young. In 1924 he bought a new Model T roadster for the grand sum of $275. Gasoline in those days was about 15 or 16 cents a gallon. From kettles being dragged through the snow to make winter roadways more passable to four-wheel drive Walters snowplows, and from $275 Model T Fords to $6,000 present day cars, Mr. Hilliker has experienced great changes in our mode of living, all of which have occurred within the past 50 years or so. Perhaps the years to come will offer us just as many drastic steps forward so that winter travel will be just as easy as the traveling we do in the summer. One might question, however, what the price of the vehicles in which we will travel will be at that future point in time.” (And also the price of a gallon of gas!)

Footprints of Forestville - Article 14

Another short article is found at the bottom of the fourth column on the front page. It reads as follows: Basket Ball Be at practice every day. A letter will surely come your way. See if you can make a score. Keep on playing and make some more. Every practice will help you. To make the team–so don’t get blue. Be present there at every game. Anyone, it’s all the same, Luder,  Hall, we’ll support you, Lead to victory–We’ll be true.

Another article is captioned “Armistice Day At School.” It reads: Monday morning, November 11, was a morning of wonder in Forestville High School.  Everyone wondered what the Armistice Day program would be. The school soon  found out that the speaker was Mr. Drake, principal of Silver Creek High School.  The first number on the program was the singing of “America, the Beautiful” by the school. After Mr. Riegel read the scripture, the eighth grade sang “Faith of our Fathers.” Next, the chorus sang “At Pierrot’s Door.” Mr. Drake spoke on “Be Yourself.” He said that people could win just as much fame being peaceful as they could fighting in great battles. Lincoln, Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt did not win their fame by leading great armies to victory. Three outstanding characteristics which these men had will help us to be ourselves. These three are: Do not get on the sucker list, be subtle, be humble. Mr. Drake’s address was taken to heart by everyone who heard him. At the conclusion of the address Miss Taylor sang “There is No Death” by Jessie O’Hara. Several students had been asking her to sing, as everyone enjoys her songs.

Assembly closed with the singing of “America.” At eleven o’clock silence was observed while Eddie Brenneman played “Taps.”

Back then, the school paper and the yearbook were financed by advertisements obtained by staff members from local merchants in addition to sales. 

The experience of soliciting ads, setting them up and accounting for the monies involved was excellent training for students. On Page 2 we find a message from “The Echo Staff” which reads: “The ECHO Staff” wishes to express its appreciation to the students, faculty, and townspeople for their splendid support of last months’ “ECHO.” Through your support “THE ECHO” was able to pay all its expenses connected with the paper and had a small surplus left. The Staff hopes that you will continue this spirit and knows its wishes will be fulfilled.

The ads fascinate me. Most of them are 1 1/4 by 2 inches–three are twice that size. They are attractively set up and tell us that Forestville was a busy place. Most are familiar names, but the first one is new to me.

  On Page 5:

1. Home Baked Meals at the Forestville Inn. Phone 10-R on Saturdays for Sunday Chicken Dinner Reservations. Home Baking Efficient Service Daily meals also served Mrs. Jennie Smith, Prop.
2. Stearn’s Grocery Get Your Groceries At Stearn’s for That Thanksgiving Dinner
3. Try The G L F For Flour and Feed Phone 63 GROVER TOWN
4. Mansfield & Son Red & White Store and Meat Market
5. The People’s Garage Real Service Phone 58 Forestville, New York
6. You Can Not Buy Insurance When You Need It Most WHY WAIT CHAS. RECORD
7. W. F. MILLER Manufacturer and Dealer in Hard and Soft Lumber Manufacturer of GRAPE BASKETS Telephone 44-R
8. DR. F. M. EVANS Dentist At Forestville Every Wednesday and Evenings By Appointment
9. Phone 44 J R. MORGAN General Store Fancy Groceries, Boots and Shoes Forestville, New York
10. All Kinds of Insurance Insure and Be Sure Ralph S. Waterman Phone 11-J Forestville, New York
11. Save Your Child From DIPTHERIA with toxin - antitoxin DR. H. F. HUTCHINSON Health Officer
12. [Double one] A FEED FOR EVERY NEED A. E. DYE MILLING CO. Forestville, New York

On Page 6:

1. W. H. Parson & Co. Druggists School Supplies
2. Main Street Restaurant Just Opened Regular Meals Fish Fry Every Saturday Evening
3. THE CHRISTMAS STORE We Specialize in 25c, 50c, $1.00 Gift Goods Come in and look them over BIE BROS.
4. Frank T. Valone Florist Cut Flowers and Floral Designs Phone 23, Forestville, N.Y. Flower Shoppe, Silver Creek Phone 340
5. Compliments of A. E. HAZEL County Representative of The A. Nash Company Golden Rule Nash of Cincinnatti Made to Measure Garments
6. Ingersoll Pens $1.00 Parker Pencils $1.00 HORN BROS.
7. When you need a Hair Cut and a Shave Why Don’t You Go To TONY WANTI’S  Barber Shop We won’t promise, but we’ll do it to fit.
8. INSURANCE All Kinds All Lines CHARLES L. DIX
9. GAGE & BRADIGAN Meat and Poultry
10. CORZETT’S SERVICE STATION General Automobile Repairing Phone 32 Battery Service Towing, Tires, and Accessories Also Denatured Alcohol
11. SMILER’S Ice Cream Candy For Any Occasion–And How!
12. [Double one] Compliments of the FIRST BATIONAL BANK of Forestville, N.Y. Help Make the School 100% Solid Membership School Savings
13. BIE & NEUENDORF Hardware and Farm Implements Forestville, New York
14. R. MILLER Suits Made To Order Cleaning and Pressing
15. A. L. MERRILL Groceries Paints and Oils Forestville, N. Y.
16. [Double one] PHILBRICK & PHILBRICK Furniture and Mortuary Lady Assistant Phone 42 or Res. 94 Forestville, N. Y.

Footprints of Forestville - Article 13

I am continuing the pupils listed in the Forestville Training Classes. I have  heard from many in all parts of the United States that they enjoy reading the lists of graduates and have found ancestors, family friends and acquaintances.

• 1922: Marie Cummings, Marian Dawley LaQuay, Mary McCutcheon Dinsbier, Jessie Irene Flatt, Evelyn M. Fox, Adah Helena Hook, Minnie La Dow, Margaret  R.  Schine, Arlene Smith.
• 1923: Harold Bie, Ralph Bradigan, Marian Cole, Ethel Coxe, Glenola M.  Dean, Gayle H. Everett, Pauline McCutcheon, Donald O. Putney.
• 1924: Edmund  Berndt, Margaret Babcock, Clara Brown, Jessie M. Campbell, Phoebe Dean, Pauline Dye, Beulah Miller Treble, Mabel Press Moss, Evelda Shattuck
    Volk.
• 1925 Francis Childs, Roger Danker, Earl Mathewson, Clarence Town, Walter Wilson, Catherine Budd Berndt, Jean Fox Martin, Marian Newcomb Pagett, Florence Oesher Nopper, Lelah M. Phillips, Marjorie M. Smith, Blanche Taylor Bie, Lucile G. Weaver Mathew, Marilyn R. Wightman.
• 1926: Nathan Abbey, Record Barris, Arthur Berndt, Cicely E. Butcher Warner, Myrtle Crowell Towne, Grace L. Edmonds Williams, Russell Everhart, Roy C. Hopper, Cora Kniese, Mabel Luder Wilson, Clarance Marvin, J. Horton Montgomery (d), Robert D. Rider, Lyle P. Ruttenbur, Elsie Senn, Gertrude Stookey Long,  Adele B.  Terry Tanner, Edna M. Towne Ruttenbur, G. Lois Van Rensselaer,  Lyda Jane Wright.
• 1927: Lois Buckhout Reddy, Lucille Chesbro Eddy, Francis Childs, Blanche Crowell, Grace H. Fox Luder, Marietta McCoy., Schuyler Marvin, Dorothy Matteson, Hugh
    C. Newcomb, Anna C. Pfleuger Hare, Dorothy L. Richards Summerlee, Florence Irene Snider Shraff, Thelma M. Snow.
• 1928: Helen L. Allen Genevieve J. Brink, Thelma M. Budd, Milton H. Danker, Cassie E. Domenico, Huldah A. Dye Hooker, Lois B. Houck MacNamara, Norman W. Matteson, George M. Press, Alice L. Reynolds, Gladys C. Ryder Colvin, Jennie D. Schoening, Dorothy M. Stearns Polisoto, Grace E. Warner, Edgar B. Woodard, Milton H.
    Yonkers.
• 1929: Lucy Arrigo, Mary Alice Birdsey, Anna Chapman Hilliker, Earl Cross, Violet Farnham, Mary Harper, Nellie Harper, Harold Hurd, George Kingsley, Jane Kniese
    Franwyck, Clarence Pagett, Marion Manning, Faith Schrader, Florence Van Wormer Everhart, Ruth Whipple.
• 1930: Anna M. Ball Cross, Edmund T. Brenneman, Ethel Bowker, Deon Cookson, Esther M. Fluker Blakely, Mildred Jones Snow, Florence Mead, Beatrice Moline, Violet
    Mosher Mount, Tressa R. Oehser, Ella M. Roberts, Edith A. Secord Strickland.
• 1931: Lawrence C. Bock, Alden Cooley, Burton Dawley, Merritt Howard, Louis Militello, Donald Town, Frances Ball, Gladys Bentley, Dorothy Brown, Edna Cook, Maude Cross, Ivah Crowell Moss (d), Grace Gage Sumner, Ina Lucas, Lillian Pagett, Zoe R. Pritchard, Angelina Polvino, Dorothy Rider Shattuck, Ada Van Rensselear, Ruth Waterman,Louise White Miga, Matilda Yonkers, Grace Zodle.
• 1932: Alma Angrom Tadt, Anna Louicy-Clarke Hilliker, Edwin Crowell, Gerald Dickenson, David Earle, Madelyn Earnst, Emma Lou Greer, Marguerite Hall, Melvin Hall, Helen Ruth Hall, Arlene Kramer, Evelyn Kramer Edler, Elsie Mayers, Alice Mosher, Warren Park, Donald Phillips, Dorothy Prichard, John Powers, Richard Remington, Lucile Tachell, Helen Towne, Richard Parkman.
• 1933: Isabelle Aldrich, George Becker, Alene Belote, Ethel Crowell, Saidee Dankert, Olga Davies, Genevieve Earle, Gladys Earle,Ruth Gage, Edward Goggin, Mildred
    Hall, Doris Horton, Inez Howard, Beatrice Johnson, Rudolph Miller, Clifford Mount, Jack Pattyson, Evelyn Richter White, Arlene Ruckh, Marvin Washburn, Frances Witherell, Margaret Woolley.

  This completes the listing of the graduates of the Forestville Training Classes, 1867-1933.

Footprints of Forestville - Article 12

This brings me back to the Civil War. Gurdon L. Pierce was the 1st Lieutenant of Company 3, 112th Regt. N.Y. Vol. Infantry, and one of the most promising young officers in the Regiment. Col Drake, on assuming command of Brigade, took him upon his Staff as Acting Assistant Adjutant General. At the Battle of Cold Harbor, he was last seen in advance of the line, beckoning on the men who were storming the enemy’s works. When and how he fell is not known. A Captain of the 48th N.Y.V. reports finding his body at night and burying it. (Hyde’s History, p. 165) According to Rev. Kates, Lieutenant Pierce’s body was buried on the battlefield at Cold Harbor, Va. where he was killed in action June l, 1864, aged 24 at the time of death. A monument to his memory stands in the family plot in Hamlet Cemetery, Town of Villenova, Chautauqua County. GAR Post #439 was named in tribute to the gallant young officer.

About two weeks ago, I had a delightful phone conversation with a man who had found my name as Historian on our web site, www.forestvilleny.com. He was speaking about Forestville native son, William Colville. He sent me a biography of Colville, giving me permission to edit it any way I wish. His name is Kurt Rosselit of Minneapolis, MN. With a bit of family history added, I am using his notes in full.

Did you know that Forestville was the birthplace of William Colville, son of William Colville, Jr., and grandson of William Colville who came from Scotland in 1820 and settled in Forestville? He bought a farm on which the village now stands and the grist mill early built by Jehiel Moore, which he enlarged and improved. Wm. Colville, Jr. formed a partnership with Albert Camp and engaged in the mercantile business. He was supervisor of the Town of Hanover for four years. Our native son, William Colville, Brevet Brigadier General William Colville, was born on April 15, 1830. in our village. After moving west to Minnesota, and at the outbreak of the Civil War, he served first as Colonel and commander of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 1st Minnesota Heavy artillery. He participated in several engagements during the war, but his most famous, and arguably most critical act of command, came at a little town in southern Pennsylvania in the summer of 1863.

During a critical time on the second day at the Batle of Gettysburg (July  2, 1863), the Union center line along Cemetery Ridge was under direct assault by a force of over 1500 Confederate troops. Union General Winfield Scott Hancock, seeing the situation was grave, knew unless he found someone to plug the quickly forming hole in the Union line, the Confederates would flow through, undoubtedly collapsing the Union center, and likely more. Looking around, all General Hancock saw to send against the charging Confederates was a group of 250 men from the 1st Minnesota. He ordered their commander, Colonel Colville, to charge into the oncoming Confederates, and hold them off for 5 minutes, enough time for Hancock to bring up reserves and shore up the line. Gen. Hancock’s words to Colville: “Colonel, take those colors!” Immediately, the Minnesotants under Colville charged across open groound right into the fury of the oncoming Confederates. Colonel Colville and his men stopped the Confederates despite the odds, giving General Hancock not the 5 minutes he required, but 10, which was enough time for Union reinforcements to come up and force the Confederates to withdraw their charge.  Colville, and his Minnesotants, for their gallantry, suffered a heavy toll. In their tenacious stand, Colville’s First Minnesota suffered 82% casualties, one of the highest casualty rates of any one unit in the history of the United States Military. Colville himself was wounded, and suffered the lingering effects of those wounds for the remainder of his life. General Hancock later wrote the charge of Colonel William Colville and his 1st Minnesota had no equal in all of modern warfare. Their action undoubtedly saved the day for the Union, likely the whole battle, and possibly the entire war. He was breveted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for “gallant and meritorious services.” Wm. Colville survived the battle, and the war, becoming a newspaper editor and prominent citizen of Cannon Falls, MN. He also served as Minnesota Attorney General from  1866 to 1868. He died on June 13, 1905 at the age of 75.

Today a distinctive monument for the lst Minnesota stands on South Hancock Avenue near the fields in Gettysburg National Military Park, where the regiment made their brave charge. An impressive statue of Colville stands in the Cannon Falls Cemetery, overlooking his grave, as well as those of his wife and other family members. The statue is adorned with plaques describing his life and the service he gave to his country. Perhaps some day some kind of monument will reside in Forestville, describing for all to see the contribution one of Forestville’s town gave in the cause of freedom. Forestville should be proud!!!!

In conclusion, there is a headstone inscription at a grave in Maple Grove Cemetery, Town of Hanover, of James Haley, Private, Co. K, 9th Regt., NY  Vol. Cavalry, who died Feb. 7, 1865, aged 17 years, 10 months. It reads:  I left my home at the North, My Country to save. I have done my Duty and  fill a Soldier’s grave.

Footprints of Forestville - Article 11

After Holiday Vacation, we are continuing the pupils listed in the Forestville Classes. I have been pleased with the response from many of you who found relatives in the listing.

• 1908: Glenn Cook, Ray M. Cooley, Belle Ferry Campbell, Alta Hooker, Anna M. Hubbard, Bertha Kewley, Eva Knowlton, Mary Matters, Fannie Swift.
• 1909: Claude Congdon, Zella Crosby, Lena Heald, Martha Johnson, Florence Kingsley, Charles Nobles, Daisy Pattyson, Elson Priess, Seward Ransom, Florence Scott,
    Henry Manley, Jeanetta Wolfe, Edna Miller, Helen Phelan, Fannie Swift.
• 1910: Heena Dewly Annis, Ralph Gage, Grace Hubbard Houseknecht, Clarke Merrill, Levi Miner, Gertrude Pattyson, Lee Sharp, Lucy Sheffield,  Julia Thies. Ethel
    Van Schoonhoven, Lillian Warner, Mildred Whatford, Jeanetta Wolfe.
• 1911: Nellie E. Barmore, Agnes G. Bie Neuendorf, Philip Cary, Ward Fancher, Olive Hosier, Vera E. Johnson Crowell, Dora W. Mathewson, Helen E. McManus Putney, Hortense M. Parsell Ellis, Hazel R. Smith, Carl Stearns, Bessie L. Swift, Jessie Turnbull, Flora M. Tanner Cary.
• 1912: Ellen S. Abbott Ball, Clara B. Barmore (d), Floyd G. Bradigan, Leila F. Brown Rossiter, Elizabeth J. Dahlman, Elizabeth E. Ensign,  Martha J. Frantzen  Bigler, Bertha B. Frost Johnson, Addie H. Howard Lampson, Mary E. Jones Wolfe, Lester L. Putney, Daphne Record, Ruth Record, R. H. Shannon, Beulah Sharpe Decker, Edna E. Van Schoonoven Barris, Mildred B. Van Vlack Bradigan, Florence G. Vinton Tone, Charles Whatford, Mary B. Walters.
• 1913: Dela Brown, Nettie Craswell Davis, Doris Dalrymple (d), Clara Ensminger Van Vlack, Mildred E. Forest, Esther Gens Belote, Glenna Howard Palmer, Raymond
    Kuhrt, Coralyn Remington, Clara A. Snow Colvin, Mabel Tanner Jones, Florence R. Wimmer.
• 1914: Blanche Baker Smith, Ellen Catell Osher, Elmer Gens, Hazel Greene Myers, Nora Horton Thies, William Kuhrt, Lora Marsh Crowell, Emma Martin, Helen Morey, Sylvia Parsell, Glenna Pattyson, Willis Putney, Ruth Rogers Ohlson, Bernice Samuelson Smith, Mabelle Stafford Spencer, Ray Waxham.
• 1915: Blanche Baker Smith, Edith Barris Wills, Allen Fancher, Floyd Pattyson, Christine Ticknor Dailey, Charles Dailey, Mabel Deering, Grace Fisher Abbey, Florence Hascall Dailey, Nelson Homan, Edith Horton Feeney, Howard Shofner.
• 1916: Hazel Blanding Stearns, Edwin Butcher, Violet Cross, Ava Dalrymple, Emma Faulkner Blair, Christine Nelson, Euretta Palmer, Edna Sackett, Gertrude Wells
    Sackett, Roy Bie, Lotta Crowell Cockburn, Leigh Dailey, Ernest Donahue, Metta Baker, Ethel Stoddard Denea.
• 1917: Belinda Palmer Rider, Fern Pierce Ealsesser, George
    M. Senn, Grace Senn Glasford (d), Ethna Taylor Wentworth, Lucile Wright, Gladys Buchanan Snow, Luella Dickinson, Hazel Martin Frye, Ruth Pattyson Ahling, Genevieve Smith Graf, Elsie Tower Opp, Zola Wilmont Patterson,  Ruth Oesher Cooley, Helen Mead Townly.
• 1918: Doris Buchanan, Allen W. Cole, Harold A. Dalrymple, Nina Rugg Francis, Caroline Shumaker, Clara Van Rensselar, Annette Dawley Laquay.
• Class of 1919–No Data Available.
• 1920: Frank Beer Jr., Blanche Bentley Wollemon, Carrie Biondolillo, Edna Campbell, Dorothy Downer Keyes, Olive Dunley, Vivian Waite Grantier, Evelyn A. Huyck,
    Marian Loomis, Mildred Martin, Cecelia McCutcheon, Eva Pagett, Margaret Rugg Aigner, Nina Rugg Francis.
• 1921: Lillian Bowker Wallace, Winifred Budd, Florence Churchill Munson, Martha Clement Cone, Helen M. Cooley, Ethelyn Grace Kuhrt, Irene Pinney, Eva Ruckh, Esther Town Wolfe.

Footprints of Forestville - Article 10

• NEW DRUG STORE. The undersigned having fitted up a nice room in his new block, for the sale of Drugs and Medicines! And having laid in a choice selection of the Purest the Market Affords! invites his old friends and the public generally to call and inspect his stock. Wines and Liquors of the Best Brands! Remember–My Specialty is to quality. The Department of Perfumery, Toilet Articles & Confectionery–of the best quality–will be under the charge of my son. My Consultation Room is in the same building, and I will continue to treat the afflicted as aforesaid.
• A. P. PARSONS, M.D.
• Sleigh Shoes! BOB SLED and CUTTER SHOES, All lengths and sizes. L.J. PIERCE, Forestville,1872
• Forestville Banking Company, Forestville, N.Y. Transacts a General Banking Business, Government Bonds, Notes, &c, bought and sold, Collections promptly attended to. W. Ward, Cashier. N. Smith,  Pres.
• Furniture Rooms. F. D. ELLIS, Manufacturer and Dealer in FURNITURE. Latest style constantly on hand. Parlor Sets, Hair Cloth, Reps and Terry, Chamber Sets, in Walnut and Oak. Bedroom Sets, of all kinds. Every and all kinds of Chairs, Bedsteads, Stands, Extension and Fall Leaf Tables. BUREAUS, All Prices the  Cheapest and Best. All work warranted as represented—-to——COFFINS AND  CASKETS Always on Hand. UNDERTAKING Attended to at all times of day or night. Agent for  the Metallic Burial Cases. F. D. Ellis.

[There is at the Center, the remains of a Captain's chair. You will find on the bottom of the seat stamped F. D. Ellis, Forestville. This was found and donated by Ed Domenico, Jr. when he had his antique shop, "Walnut Creek Antiques" in  part of the store on Main Street, now known as Victorian Treasures. 1986]

In most issues, there could be found a column titled “Married” and one titled “Died”. Dec. 21st issue:

• Married: N. B. Marriage Notices should be accompanied by a fee of fifty cents. GOULD–GAGE. In Hanover, Dec. 15th, at the residence of the bride’s father,  by Rev. Nelson Gage, Mr. Charles H. Gould to Miss Sarah Gage, daughter of the officiating clergyman–all of Hanover.
• LINDSLEY–MOTT. In Versailles, Nov. 28th, by Rev. T. T. Horton, Mr. R. C. Lindsley to Miss Henrietta Mott.
• DIED. N. B. Notice of deaths, other than simple announcement of name, place and date, will be charged at the rate of five cents per line.
  • McMANUS–In Hanover, Aug. 17th, Joseph McManus in the 79th year of his age. Mr. McManus was born in Newton, Sussex Co., N.J. Dec. 23d, 1793, and  came with his father to Hanover in 1811, where on the homestead he resided when  he died, for more than fifty years. He experienced religion and joined the M.E. church at an early day, and was licensed as a local preacher by Elder Mack, as early as 1832; which office by successive renewals he held until his death. He was called out with the militia in the War of 1812, and was stationed at Buffalo when that city was burned by the British troops. He was, in reality, one of the pioneers, having felled the first trees in that part of Forestville lying west of Walnut Creek, on the lot where Dr. A. R. Avery now resides. He was a quiet, peaceable, honest citizen, and had the confidence and respect of the community. It has been said that a man is best known in his own family, and that his true worth and character may be best estimated by the training and culture he gives his children, and by their character and conduct before and after leaving the paternal roof. If so, it is sufficient to say, that he raised a family of twelve children, all of whom, with once exception, survive him, and are filling places of respectability and usefulness.

In a column titled “Business Cards”:

1. ELIAS CARRINGTON, Proprietor of the Morrison House, Forestville, N.Y., keeps a full bar, sets a good table, and owns a first class livery; charges very reasonable.
2. MISS L. B. Sleeper–Announces to the citizens of Forestville and vicinity that she is just in receipt of a large, varied and fine asssortment of Ribbons, Laces, Corsets, Hair Goods, and all the many articles of a first class Millinery Store. She is determined to please and hopes for a fair share of patronage. Call and Examine if you don’t buy.

Footprints of Forestville - Article 9

Just in case you are looking at this page before my Forestville History page,  I am back after an absence of several months because of open heart surgery.  I have been listing Forrestville High School graduates, followed by a listing of Teacher’s Training Class graduates. I must admit that I wondered if this would be of interest to those who visited the website and am glad to report that I have heard from several who enjoyed finding relatives–grandfathers, grandmothers, greataunts, etc.–and that has encouraged me to complete the listing as available.

• 1899-00: Nellie Ball, Winfield Brown, John Counradt, Claude R. Dye, Helen N. Foster, Mary Gould, William C. Gould, LeRoy Harrington, Paul V. Hoyler, Bert Kirkland, H. Edith Morton, Mortimer Rian, Nellie E. Rian, Edna Shearer, Bessie E. Town, Flora M. Towne.
• 1900-01: Frances Bolvin, Mary Broderick, Pearle Campbell, Nellie M. Dye,  Maude Houck, Mabel Jackett, Lily Matteson.
• 1901-02: Minnie L. Cash, Helen Curtin, Mae Grannis, Charles F. Haight, Rose P. Kearns, Evelyne O. Lawton, Ethel E. McCullough, Hattie A. Ruttenbur, Glen  R. Severance, Edward Slintz, Grace V. Smith, May True.
   

The following information is taken from a pamphlet “prepared and disributed by the Class of 1933 to honor the Instructors and pupils of the Forestville Training Class. We are told that this organization is sixty-six years old. We regret that so little data of an early date is available. We thank our friends for supplying us with the information here printed. Kindly pardon unintentional omissions and errors. We present this list of names hoping that as years pass they may recall ‘many a sweet dream of youthful years.’ Respectfully submitted, Saidee Dankert, Chairman, Margaret Woolley, Inez Howard, Edwin Goggin, Arlene Ruckh, George Becker, Evelyn Richter White.”

• 1903: Susie E. Bennett, Charlotte Conradt Wheelock, Marcia Tousey Hall, Dr. Emory W. Flagg, Maude E. Moffitt, Blance V. Horton Montgomery, Ethel G.  Smith, Blanche S. Spencer, Sadie Newton Zodle.
• 1904: Agnes Adams, Blossom Bolvin Ault, Beulah Brown, Mabelle Gilson Deland, Edna Kewley, Mae Gage Parkman, Marguerite Melvin Reid, Eva Newcomb, Gladys
    Kewley Sigler, Bessie Libbie Woolley, Claude Stanley, Maud Tanner, Alice Calhoun Hall, Dr. Hall Van Vlack
• 1905: Edna Blowers, Bessie Brownell Sage, Mrs. Dr. Mercy Van Vlack, Walter Hall, Della MacPherson Cadwell, Abba Manley, John C. Olson, Floy E. Parker, Bernice Pope, Mabel Warner, Clara Smith Parkman, Claude J. Stanley, Maude C. Tanner Canfield, Katie Vail Thrasher.
• 1906: Miles Leigh Baker, Levi E. Putney Irving, Florence M. Senn, Bessie Andrews, Edith Dye Hills, Hazel Fisher Phelps, Raymond Fisher, Harry Morse, Nellie Pattyson Hills, William Ranson, Alida Ruttenbur Tanner, Carol Souter Washburn, Marian Senn, Lorin Smith, Pearl Stearns,Tena Sutton, Elizabeth Gould Brender.
• 1907: Isabelle Adams, Myrtle Boss, Cressie Brown Cooley, Belle Brownell, Lora Fuller, Ursula Horton Hemphill, Frances Howlett, Estalla Pattyson, Edna Scott, Lizzie Taylor.

Footprints of Forestville - Article 8

Continuing the listing of graduates of Forestville High School:

• Class of 1891: Walter Downer, Edna Farnham, Charles Fennell, Alpa Meeder, Belle Sweet.
• Class of 1892: Clara Counradt.
• Class of 1893: Mary Aldrich, Hascal T. Avery, Daniel P. Farnham, Elizabeth Hostater, Harry F. Hutchinson, Effa Meeder, Nina Salisbury.
• Class of 1894: Mary Boss, Bert Cook, Perry McManus, Floyd Melvin, Albert Pierce, and Allene Warner.
• Class of 1895: Alice Cook, William Cook, Fred Hostater, James T. Merritt, Herbert Sackett, and Clarence Smith.
• Class of 1896: Merville Adye, Frank Bates, Carrie Budd, William Laquay, Edith Patterson, Fred Record, Grace Reynolds, Walter Cooley.
• Class of 1897: Jennie L. Brown, Mary Burnham, George French, John W. Hall, Nellie Rian, Estelle Shepard, Ethel Turnbull, Richard Wood.
• Class of 1898: Mortier Barris, Otis Crowell, Ethelyn Edwards, Herbert Everhart, Mary Gould, William C. Gould, Nellie Hewes, Bessie Husted, Maude Jewett, Roy Pattison, Roy Strickland.
• Class of 1899: Esler Barmore, Winfield Brown, Carroll Chase, John Cook, Claude Dye, Benjamin B. Gould, Mary Hyatt, Luella Moon, Wallace Newcomb, Seth Record, and Mortimer Rian.
• Class of 1900: Frances Bolvin, Franklin Calhoun, Pearle Campbell, Frank P. Dye, Paul V. Hoyler, Rose Kearns, Bert Kirkland, Philip Mead, Bessie A. Merritt, Theodore Wagner.
• Class of 1901: Charlotte Counradt, Charles F. Haight, Mabel H. Jackett, Everell W. Jewett, Warren M. Markham, Rith O. Sanford, and Foster B. Turnbull.
• Class of 1902: Alice Calhoun, Agnes Dye, Clyde Hall, Roy Higgs, Ellizabeth Lewis,Grace Parsons, and Alice Slawson.
• Class of 1903: Blossom Bolvin, Elizabeth Gould, Walter Hall, Hall VanVlack, and Lynn VanVlack.

Following the list of graduates of Forestville High School in this Catalogue are listed Teacher’s Training Class Graduates. Training Class Certificates were first issued in June, 1896. These Certificates were valid for three years, and were renewable under the same conditions as first grade certifacates.

• 1895-96: Nettie Ball, Carrie Budd, Delos Dye, Belle Edwards, Effa Gardner, Edith Halstead, William Laquay, James T. Merritt, Albert Turner, Ethel Turnbull, and Laura White.
• 1896-97: Mortier Barris, Walter Cooley, Eva Nevins, Merville Adye, Frank Bates, Louis Budd, George French, Clarence Hubbard,  and George Hopper.
• 1897-98: John Fancher, John W. Hall, Herbert Everhart, Edna McManus, Margaret McEvoy, Seth W. Record, Curtis Sharp, and Marguerite Shepard
• 1898-99: Mabel Bebee, Jennie Brown, Esler P. Barmore, Otis Crowell, Letha Dikeman, Ethelyn Edwards, Nellie Hewes, Bessie Husted, Maude L. Jewett, Jessie Lewis, Warren Markham, Clayton Mansfield, Wallace]R.  Newcomb, Minnie C. Rian, Theodore Wagner, Beatrix A. Ward, and  Edna Wright.

Footprints of Forestville - Article 7

This time I am giving informatiion taken from a Catalogue of Forestville High School. Annual Announcement 1903-4, Issued July, 1903. Forestville, Chautauqua County, N. Y. The courses offered at this point in time certainly show what an excellent education one received after attending school here for four years.

Page 12 shows The Table of Academic Subjects. Group I is Language and Literature.
Under English you could earn credits in the following: Advanced English: English Composition: Rhetoric: American Selections:  Advanced English Composition: English Selections: English Reading: and History of Literature. Under Modern Foreign were taught: 1st year German: 2nd year German: and 3rd year German. Under Ancient are found: 1st year Latin: Caesar’s Commentaries: Virgil’s Aeneid:  Sallust’s Catiline: Cicero’s Orations: Latin Composition: Virgil’s Eclogues: 1st year Greek: Xenophon’s Anabasis: Homer’s Iliad: and Greek Composition. Group II are courses offered in Mathematics: Advanced Arithmetic: Algebra: Advanced Algebra; Plane Geometry: Solid Geometry: and Trigonometry. Group III is Science. Physical: Astronomy: Physics: and Chemistry. Geologic: Physical Geography: Geology. Biologic: Botany: Zoology: and Physiology and Hygiene. Group IV is History and Social Science. Elementary U. S. History and Civics: Greek History: Roman History: Medieval History: English History: Advanced U. S. History and Civics; Civics: and Economics. Group V represents Other Studies. Book-keeping: Advanced Book-keeping: Drawing and Advanced Drawing.

Officers of the Board of Education were:

• Oscar Jewett, President.
• William H. Parsons, Secretary.
• S. L. Hurlbert, Treasurer.
• Members: W. H. Marvin, Oscar Jewett, J. C. Hutchinson, W. H. Parsons, and  H. G. Allen.

Faculty:

• A. C. Anderson, Principal.
• Alice Cook, Preceptress.
• Elizabeth  E. Sager, First Assistant.
• Mary Phelan, Second Assistant.
• Mary A.  Sager, Intermediate Department.
• Nina L. Salisbury, Primary Department 
• Maude L. Jewett, Assistant Primary.

Graduates are Listed as follows:

• Class of 1875: Emma F. Bates, Minnie Dennison, Jennie Dorr, Rose Eddy, Carrie Hull, Laura Knapp, and Lottie Smith.
• Class of 1876: Charlotte Cooper.
• Class of 1878: Maggie Burke, Sara Burke, Lillian Carder, Hattie  S. Eddy, W. H. C. Ensign, Allen Hyatt, Julia Parsons, Matilda  Senn, Effie Southworth, Elizabeth Thatcher, and John Tuxford.
• Class of 1879: Alice A. Berry, Perry Miner, Julie Shepard and William Waite.
• Class of 1880: Jennie Ellis, Albert Hull, Antis Ingalsbe, May McLaury, Franklin C. Southworth, and Mary White.
• Class of 1883: Carrie Horton.
• Class of 1884: Edwin C. Berry, May Dye, Virginia Hillebert, Florence A. Hurlbert, Sylvia W. Hurlbert, Martha McAndrew, and Louise Washburn.
• Class of 1885: Agnes McAndrew, Elbert Moon, Elton Warner, and Amy White.
• Class of 1886: Alice Beardsell, Mary A. Johnson, Carrie Livermore, Joseph Pierce, Mary Shattuck, Angie Southworth, Charles Southworth, Martha Thatcher, and Josie Weiss.
• Class of 1887: John Hurlbert and Jeremiah Hurley.
• Class of 1888: Fred Carr, Mabel Corey, Merton Corey, Glenn Phillips, Ophelia Pierce, Kate Sanford, and Rolin Snow.
• Class of 1889: Dora Chaffee, Leon Fancher, George Gage, Bert Nugent, Arthur G. Reynolds, Julia D. Sherman, and Lizzie Slush. 
• Class of 1890: Agnes Avery, Bessie Avery, William Bettis, Agnes  DeNise, Katherine Edwards, Johanna Hart, Grace Moon, and Clara
    Tower.

Footprints of Forestville - Article 6

Education has always been an important part of our lives. It is  the tool which has enabled us to live a fuller life, to better understand our surroundings and develop our thinking in various fields. The early settlers who came to Forestville were education conscious and extended their efforts to provide the best possible education for their citizens. In early days “Readin’, Ritin’ and Rithmetic” were the basic components of the curriculum and, for a short time, seemed to meet the needs of the people. Those of us living today in the days of advanced education and technology may see the three R’s as meager and limited and certainly in great contrast with the varied curricula available today.

Historical records report that the very first school in Chautauqua County was, “in the vicinity of Forestville”. The date given is 1806, two years before the coming of Jehiel Moore to this area. One source tells us that a dozen families “made a bee” and built a log schoolhouse with a roof of bark. Little definite knowledge is known of this school, its teachers or its pupils. One teacher mentioned was Mr. McDaniels in 1816. Another record shows that a one-room school was erected at 9 Main Street. (Now part of the gas station lot owned by Cave’s.)

A deed dated January 10, 1824, gave to the “Trustees of School District No. 14 and their successors” a lot on which a brick school house was built. This is the lot at 8 Pearl Street now owned by Robert and Nellie Benchley.. Records do not indicate how long this brick school building was used but it is probable that its use continued until the completion of the next building of 1839-1840.

In a pamphlet entitled “Forestville Training Classes, 1867-1933″ is found a copy of a certificate granted to the great grandmother of two of Forestville’s teachers, Daphne and Ruth Record. It reads:

  “We, the Subscribers, Inspectors of Common schools for the Town of Lisle in the County of Broom do certify that we have examined Mariah Clough and do believe she has a good moral Character and sufficient learning and ability and that she is in all respects well qualified to Instruct a common school. Given under our hands  at Lisle this 2nd day of March 1828.”

Jehiel Clark Inspectors
Richard Clark of  Com. Schools

This school of 1840 was located on what was then called a “Common”,  but we would refer to this location as “the foot of the school house hill”. This building proved inadequate in a short time and before another school could be built, rooms were rented in various places about town. One room was rented in Hull’s Hall located at the corner of Main and Pearl Streets. There was also a machine shop operating in the same building. One can well imagine the difficulty of both teaching and learning under such conditions. (This building no longer exists.)

From this humble beginning was later developed a district school and in 1863 a Union Free school was organized-the first in the county, under the leadership of the Town Superintendent, Cyrus D. Angell.  An early development was the chartering of the Forestville Free Academy in 1865, which maintained a high rank for many years. This then became known as the Forestville Free Academy and Union School.  In the next pages I plan to list the administration and graduates since they have left their “Footprints” on our village.