Village of Forestville, New York, 14062

Forestville New York History - Article 15

I recently was given an envelope of newspaper clippings and in the assortment I found much of interest. I have chosen one for this Forestville History Page and another for the Footprints Page. I hope you find them interesting . I was  appointed Historian for the village of Forestville in 1985. I can’t believe that it has been that long, but I do enjoy it. (I must be having fun for time has really flown by!!) I took over from Olive T. Clark. Mrs. Clark taught Art for many years in the Forestville School system. I don’t know if she ever taught in any other school system, but she was here for many years–my husband had her and our daughter had her too. Probably many of you took Design or Representation or Mechanical Drawing from her if you attended Forestville High School/Forestville Central School. When Mrs. Clark was historian, she used to write articles about Forestville and they were published in the Dunkirk Evening Observer. I know everyone enjoyed them and the following was found in the March 15, 1982 issue,
Page 7. It is entitled “A Historical  Glimpse: Origin Of Forestville And Its Streets , by Olive T. Clark, Forestville Historian”

“Forestville — I can easily imagine the man, Jehiel Moore, talking to his friends in Butternuts, N.Y., about ‘The Falls.’

It was located about six miles inland from Lake Erie. The area was densely wooded with walnut, cucumber, beech, maple and other hardy trees. The Falls provided a never failing source of water and he wanted to ‘go west’ and build a sawmill there. He had heard that 12 families already were living there in their log cabins that formed a settlement.

Moore was born in Connecticut in 1774 and came to Otsego County, N. Y. with his parents. He was married and had a family, but the desire for adventure was strong and in 1808 he set out, probably on horseback, to follow his dream.  After reaching his destination, he found that the setting was ideal, but he needed a road to haul supplies and equipment to the site and only trails led to the Falls.

His first undertaking was to have a bush road cut from the lake. We do not know just where that road was cut, but the shortest distance seems to be approximately where Route 428 now runs. There is only one stream to cross on that road and the point of crossing could have been forded. Within a short time, the settlement was known as Walnut Falls. In 1820, a man named George Love prevailed upon the citizens to call their village Forestville.

A Main Street is found in most concentrations of population and is self explanatory. From our Main Street, we have Walnut Street, following the creek past Walnut Falls. On the other side is Water Street, following the stream, far out into the country.  Chestnut Street parallels Walnut, on the other side of the Creek, but makes an abrupt right turn and at once becomes Cedar Street, making a bee-line for Center. Park Street runs toward the hill where a school building has stood since 1866, so the street in front of it is Academy Street. Prospect runs parallel to Park, but continues past what is sometimes called Prospect Cemetery or the Upper Cemetery and continues out into the country that is known as Ball Hill. Main Street divides into a ‘Y’ that becomes Pearl Street or Route 428, and Lodi Street. Gowanda was called Lodi about 1824, but the only Lodi known to man seems to be a city in northern Italy, near Milan. Napoleon defeated an Austrian Army there in 1796. Wouldn’t it be interesting to know the man, who would name a settlement in America, Lodi? Of course, our street is named Lodi because that is the route one would take to get to Lodi (now Gowanda).

Pearl Street is the longest street in the village, but Route 428 soon goes off to the right on Center Street, which isn’t the center of anything. After Cedar Street is passed, we have Eagle and Swan Streets that go to the right. Samuel Swan was the first blacksmith to come here. Perhaps he had his shop at that point, or maybe the Eagle just needed another bird for company. Following the railroad tracks is Erie Street, a few rods long. with one building on it. However, we turn right suddenly and are on Second Street, which runs to Swan. Third Street parallels it and runs from Pearl, to Route 428 again, which is at that edge of the village. Not to leave anyone out, there is also a Fourth Street which is a dead-end street with two houses on it. Roads are often named after people. Crossroads like Keaches Croners, Dennison Corners also came to be known by the names of people who once lived there.

I would be happy to hear from anyone who has facts or a story about anything touched on in this article.”  ( Next time I will have some more information about the streets, their names, and miscellaneous facts found in the 1867 and 1881 Chautauqua County Atlases,  as well as comments about roads outside the village.)

Forestville New York History - Article 14

Since this is the Holiday Season, I am going to share with you some “goodies” appropriate to the season which I hope you will enjoy. I was given items by Clyde Conklin for The Historical Center, one of which was a copy of The Echo, November 1929, published by the Students of the Forestville High School. It is Volume III,  No. 2, Forestville, N. Y., November 21, 1929, 10 Cents. It consists of six pages, measuring 10 1/2 inches wide by 14 inches long.

The following is information found on Page 2 in the upper left corner. It says: “THE ECHO, published by the FORESTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, Subscription Price, per Year….$.60, Single Copy…$.10 Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Cheif, Cameron Bie; Literary Editor, Julia Congdon; Associate Literary Editor, Edith Crowell; News Editor,  Evelyn Kramer; Boys’ Sports Editor, Elmer Pierson; Girls’ Sports Editor, Rachael Taylor; Business Manager, Lawrence Bock; Associate Business Manager, Earl Austin; Advertising Manager, Myril Hall. Class Reporters: Training Class ‘29, Tressa Oehser; Senior, ‘30, Allene Horn; Junior, ‘31,__________; Sophomore, ‘32, Janet Bie; Freshman, ‘33, Jennie Bradigan; Junior High, ‘34, Holly Bowker. Member Western Interscholastic Press Association.”

Each page has four columns. The articles are interesting, meaningful, varied and well written. Obviously, proofreading was done for there are very few errors to be found (more than we can say for today’s journalism). Sports were important then as now; scholarship and manners played an important part in school life; current events were included. I am quoting several articles.

On the front page: “Dr. Elizabeth Avery, Eminent Alumna, Dies. Dr. Elizabeth Avery, Class of ‘90, died in New York, Augus 12, l929, after an operation following a long period of ill-healh. She was one of the most distinguished graduates of this school….Her early life was spent at Forestville, the childhood home of her parents. She was a grand daughter of Dr. A. R. Avery, one of the early residents of this village, and descended from pioneer stock on both sides of her family. After graduating from the Forestville Free Academy, she entered Cornell University, graduating with honors in 1895. She began her teaching in Forestville, and taught in a number of other schools. For some years, she
  was at the head of the English department of one of the Rochester High Schools…….in 1920 she was called to Smith College, to organize the courses in Spoken English.
  She remained the head of that department until her death…..She held degrees from the Universities of Wisconsin and New York, and from Oxford, England. In collaboration with two others, she was the author of “First Principles of Speechmaking,” one of the standard text books on her subject…..”

  ATHLETIC JOURNAL PRINTS UNIQUE CODE FOR SPORTSMANSHIP—

1. I shall consider my opponents as my guests.
2. I will always cheer the opposing team when it appears upon the floor.
3. I will clap for the opponent who makes a good play.
4. I will remain quiet while opponents are making free throws.
5. I will cheer an opponent who is injured in the game.
6. I will give the opponents a yell after the game.
7. I will never deride any official.
8. I will be courteous to all visitors.
9. I will remain until the game is over.
10. I will play fair and hard until the last whistle blows.
11. I will remember that the reputation of the school depends upon my conduct during the game and after it. ……
12. I believe that good sportsmanship means the application of the golden rule.
13. I will endeavor to make this district known for its good sportsmanship.

  HONOR ROLL (90% or above).

• First Grade–Ruth Wilson, Jack Ruttenbur, Albert Wanti, Agnes Kingsley, Jean Bowker, Jennie Dauria, Sarah Dauria.
• Second Grade–Evelyn Mayers, Virginia Richards.
• Third Grade–Geneva Czysz, Myrtle Henry.
• Fourth Grade–Norma Jean Livermore.
• Fifth Grade–Milton Barris, Rose Grisanti, John Bradigan, Mary Valvo.
• Sixth Grade–Ward Koch, Frank Grisanti, Edna Mayers, Philip Dauria, Halward Homan, Leigh Waterman, William Tryczenski.
• Seventh Grade–Jane Woodward, Gilbert Seegert, Robert Homan, Florabel Bradigan, Joyce Kramer.
• Eighth Grade– Alfred Putnam, Mary Jane Putnam, Holly Bowker, William Bowker, Agnes Ball. Freshmen–Jennie Bradigan.
• Sophomores–Eudora Byers.
• Juniors–George Becker.
• No  Seniors.

HONORABLE MENTION (85 to 90%)

• First Grade–Edith  Leugemors, Russell Militello, Robert Bartlett, Dennie Crowell.
• Second Grade–Jean Taylor, Jane Taylor, Phyllis Pierson, Gern Ferry, Genevieve Bartlett, Winifred Barris, Anthony Valvo, Pauline Glasford.
• Third Grade–Dorothy Kingsley, Richard Remington, Edgar Hall, Raymond Young, Gladys Grover, Elizabeth Ransom, Norman Kramer.
• Fourth Grade–Maria Hills, Chester Kuciapinski, Erwin Kramer.
• Fifth Grade–Grace Zodle, Henry Doris, Kenneth Scott.
• Sixth Grade–Mildred Militello, Dorothy Thoms, Joseph Militello, Carter Montgomery.
• Seventh Grade–Armand Dix, Clifford Willis, Arthur Becker.
• Eighth Grade–Frank Militello, Irene Czysz, Thomas Valone, Florence Kuciapinski, Maude Hills, Carl Valvo, Geneva  Tryczenski.
• Freshmen–Ellen Mayers,  Mary Pratt,  Martha Grisanti, Edith Perkins.
• Sophomores–Allene Belote, Dora Springer, Frances Elias, Irene Gage, Marvin Washburn, Elsie
    Mayers,Gilbert Chesbro.
• Juniors–Frances Ball, Lawrence Bock, Ethel Crowell,  Myril Hall, Doris Horton.
• Seniors–Clifford  Hall, Lena Villafrank.

There were three wedding announcements.

Crehan-Hancock: Miss Grace Hancock of  Smith  Mills and Edward Crehan of Buffalo were united in marriage, November 11, by Rev.  Barnard  of Fredonia. Kathryn and Jasper  Taylor atended.  The bride is a graduate of  Forestville High School. Mr. and Mrs. Crehan will live in Buffalo.

 Gage-White. Miss Margaret White and Lyman Gage were united in marriage October 31st at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.  Mr. and Mrs.Ellis Boquin attended.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. C. J. Burton. Miss Louise White, sister of the bride, played the wedding march. The bride was dressed in white. She was a former student of F. H.  S. The young couple will live near Forestville. 

Congdon-Blakely. Miss Nirl  Blakely and Raymond Congdon were united in marriage Thursday, October 24th, at the home of the bride. Esther Flucker and Earl Blakely attended. Mrs. Congdon was Formerly a student of F. H.S. Mr. and Mrs. Congdon will live near Forestville.

Forestville New York History - Article 13

Continuing the story of the weather of the year 1816:

But New England bore the brunt of the severe 1816 weather, the Gazette of  July 9 of that year publishing an “extract of a letter dated Waterbury, Vt., June 9, to a gentleman in Windsor”, as follows, in part: “During the 6th inst, the snow fell rapidly in all the towns about here…in Williamstown it was 12 and in Cabot, 18 inches deep; the ground at Montpelier as generally covered during the whole of yesterday….I can find no person who has ever before seen snow on the earth in June….Great coats and mittens are
almost generally worn as in January, and fires are indispensable.”

 In this connection, one of the records shows that on June 10 the temperature in some Vermont places was only 24 degrees.

“Fears were entertained that the sun was cooling off and throughout New England all picnics were strictly prohibited,” according to one old record. “July was accompanied with frost and ice. Indian corn was nearly destroyed. August was more cheerless, if possible…ice was formed half an inch thick.

“Almost every green thing was destroyed…very little corn ripened in New England and the Middle States. Farmers supplied themselves from corn produced in 1815 for seed in the Spring of 1817. It sold from $4 to $5 a bushel.” 

 September saw the ice an inch thick. October was cold and November was cold and snowy but “December was comfortable and the Winter following was mild.”

Newly settled Chautauqua County suffered also in 1816, a “History of Chautauqua County” relating this:

“The recollection of that remarkable year is still vividly impressed upon the memory of surviving pioneers. (This was written several score years ago and published in 1894). January in 1816 was a very mild month. The sun shone every day and the little snow that fell quickly melted. February was even milder than January until near the last of the month, when a great snowstorm came, followed by cold and boisterous winds which continued into March. The last half of this month was mild. April was like January; toward its close, it grew colder, ending With snow and ice. May was cold; ice formed an inch thick on the streams; flowers were frozen and the entire corn crop was killed. June was colder than May; snow fell, frost and ice were common. Farmers abandoned all attempts to raise crops and were compelled to hoard those of the previous year….

“July was accompanied by frost and ice. The 4th was cold and raw. Blustering winds swept the entire Atlantic Coast. On the 5th, ice was formed as thick as window glass in New York City and Pennsylvania. In August, ice half an inch thick was frequently seen. September and October presented the nearest approach to summer weather, yet they were cold and frosty. In November, extreme cold weather again began and continued with little intermission, until April 1817.”

There was an even more unusual July 4 in Utica in 1912, when, City Editor J. Nelson Griswold of The Buffalo Evening News recalls, snow fell and a cold wind made people, wearing overcoats, shiver as they attended the dedication of Roscoe Conkling Park.

After all that, dear reader, you’re entitled to a “bit more warming information–so, January 22, 1906, right here in Buffalo, the thermometer stood at 70 degrees and shirt-sleeved persons perspired on this warmest January day on record. The coldest January day in Buffalo of all time? January 25, 1884–14 below zero!”

After reading the above article and comparing it with this year’s weather, 2003, I don’t feel we have much to complain about. Beside the obvious, we are not living in a wilderness. We live in insulated houses with all modern conveniences. But I think we should study the past and try to gain an appreciation of what those who went before us had to endure. I hope you enjoyed this bit of history. want to take this opportunity to thank some people who have recently given me some srticles and memorabilia for the Historical Center. I am so grateful and wish to acknowledge the gifts: Glenn and Wilma Crowell, Jim English, Joel Hamlet, “Winnie” Belote, Joe Bolivard, A. Jim Tofil, Marguerite Wray, Robert Baker, Clyde and Irene Van Rensselear, Agnes Howard, Mickey Crowell, and Jim Everhart. Jean Knott of Sheridan did a beautiful job restoring some clothing donated. Myrna Moss contributed a wonderful record of the Nashville Cemetery. I urge everyone to keep the Center in mind when doing fall cleaning. Thanks again.

Forestville New York History - Article 12

The new pages for Forest History 12 and Footprints 12 are slightly “off  track” again  this month. Since I can do my own thing, I am considering you a captive audience.  Yesterday, June 14, 2003, the Forestville American Legion had an open house.  They have been working hard for several months and the Hall has been refurbished. Commander Phil Baker asked me to speak in my capacity as Historian of the Village.I want to share my speech with you:

I will apologize first for reading my speech, but I shall be mentioning names and dates. I prefer to be accurate so I hope you will forgive me. Also, in that way, I will keep on the subject, not going off on tangents. Historians tend to do that–they get carried away in their enthusiasm for the subject at hand.

I wish to offer my congratulations to the American Legion Post for the great job they have done. I realize how much time, planning and hard work go into a project like this. Money and cooperation are also required. They should be so proud and Forestville should be proud of what they have accomplished.

I will touch briefly on the story of this building. Some of you may not know that it was once the old Forestville School gymnasium. It stood on the north side of Academy Street across from the high school in 1928. Members of the Legion thought that it would make a permanent home for the Post and Charles Dix proposed the sale to the Board of Education at the request of a committee, consisting of Raymond Jewett, Henry Dye and Floyd Pattyson. On August 10, 1928, motion was made by Henry Dye, seconded by Fred Waterman that the treasurer send a check to the School Board for $1.00. And another motion was made that the Building Committe, Milton Barris, Elmer Gens and Fred Waterman, have full charge of removing the building and completing it on the Legion Grounds. It was then decided to tear down the building and rebuild. Boy Scouts directed by Nelson Homan helped in removing the nails from the used lumber. Sam Boss and Fred Hostater were hired to work, along with many volunteers. The building
 was completed and a houewarming held on January 1, 1929. The land where the building sits was purchased from Asa Dye. This was the first Post in the County to own its property, even though they also had a first and second mortage and a Demand Note at the bank. Forestville should be proud.

When thinking about our military history, you realize how many men, young and old, have given their lives. You realize how many families have been touched in the struggle to secure our freedoms. Many have participated in the service in our Nation’s wars. I quote from a book by Rev. Frederick Kates, “Tell them of us and say–For Your Tomorrow We Gave Our Today.” Should you walk through our cemeteries, Pioneer Cemetery and Prospect, both of which are quiet, peaceful resting places, you will find the tombstones of soldiers from all our wars. In Pioneer Cemetery, you can find the graves of Revolutionary soldiers including John Ferry and his wife, Susannah Mum Ferry, who was an Army Nurse;Robert Love; Isaac Van Camp, and Christopher McManus.

There are veterans of The War of 1812. Jehiel Moore, the first settler of Forestville, who was son of an active and important Revolutionary soldier,  was Captain of  Co. F, 18th Regiment of the NY militia. John Bartoo, a drummer. Samuel J. Smith. Martin B. Tubbs had command of troops in the first engagement of the War, at  the mouth of Canadaway Creek, west of Dunkirk, in action against landings from British gunboats. Benjamin Tubbs. and James Bennett. Many of you remember Kathryn Taylor. She was the great granddaughter of James Bennett.

Many sons and brothers answered the call of President Lincoln in 1862. Two companies, C and K, were recruited largely from Forestville and vicinity. In 12 days 108 men had given their names. The 112th Infantry Regiment NY Vols.; the Ninth Cavalry , and the 68th NY Infantry Regiment were the pride of the area. The Gurdon L. Pierce Post 439, Gramd Army of the Republic, was formed in the village. The first book of the minutes of the meetings is missing. If anyone should find it in a trunk or box of papers, please send it home. The last book of minutes from 1885 to 1929 is in the Post’s keeping. I was allowed to borrow and read it. It was a privilege–and a tear jerker. The last member,  Charles McNeal, died January 4, 1932, aged 91. Looking back, we find a quotation from an editorial in the May 25, 1900 issue of the Forestville Free Press, under the heading, The 112th Regiment, rather ironic: “Modern Forestville does not know and probably never will know what it is to see her young men go forth to fight for their country. But the Forestville of the 60s knew what it was to send about 300 of her best men to fight for the country.” I am going on to tell of the service in other wars, but will come back to theCivil Was shortly.

The J. Carter Knapp Post 953 American Legion was organized in 1923 and continues to the present. Carter was killed by a German sniper’s bullet in the Battle at Talma Farm. France. Application for the charter was signed by many familiar names, including: Leroy Merrill, Leigh Dailey, Elmer Gens, Warner Swift, Floyd Pattyson, Lynn Crowell, Harry Nobles, Henry Dye, Ernest Donahue, Raymond Jewett, George Senn and Roy Bie. The Legion has sponsored many activities. Bylaws were changed to allow World War II veterans to join. The permanent memorial on the village mall was dedicated Memorial Day 1945. Korean veterans and Vietnam veterans are welcomed as will be those veterans of Iraq. Forestville should be proud!

As many of you know, I am not a native of Forestville though I have lived here more years than in any other place. I came to teach school in the fall of 1939. I have seen many changes take place just as you have. I am a very patriotic person–I love my country, I respect its flag and I am well aware of the story of its past. I have traced my genealogy and have had ancestors fight  in every war since its beginning. I am a member of the Major Benjamin Bosworth Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and was allowed to join the re-enactors of the 9th Cavalry Unit. I read the names on the Memorial in the mall and I am saddened–I remember Francis Grisanti as a sweet, shy, quiet boy who struggled to learn to type because he had large hands and fingers. Philip Perkins took Introduction to Business and heartily disliked trying to reconcile a bank statement and checkbook. (He told me he’d never need it because he probably  would never have any money in the bank!) Roger Wolfe was q quiet boy who sat in the back of the classroom, wore glasses that kept sliding down his nose, and never came to class without having done his homework. And there were many others who were my students and our paths crossed. I read the names on the ceiling tiles and I am touched. I was told that two of your members donated the money to buy tiles for Gurdon Pierce and William Colville. Thank you, Richard Bradiganand Dick Mosier

Forestville New York History - Article 11

It is now May 2003 in western New York and everything is bursting into bloom. We are enjoying the beauty of trees starting to leaf out, forsythia, magnolia trees in full bloom, cherry orchards, green grass (with dandelions), daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinths–and the list goes on. But whenever people get together, the conversation inevitably turns to the long, hard winter we just experienced. Days were long and dark, snow came, winds blew, and we thought it would never end. But we were lucky. Most of us enjoy insulated houses, electricity, heat with temperature controlled with the touch of a finger, hot water for bath and shower and other creature comforts. I hope you find interesting the contrast found in the article below.

I was given a copy of a scrapbook kept by Elsie Gage and her daughter, Irene, by Allen and JoAnn Gage. In it I found a newspaper clipping from the Buffalo Evening News of January 21, 1945. It is entitled, “1816 Was ‘The Year Without a Summer”. It was writen by Jack Meddoff and I quote: “Speaking of the weather, which everybody has been doing lately, there was the memorable year of 1816, known as “The Year Without a Summer,” when folks in July wore greatcoats outdoors and kept fireplaces buring indoors tokeep warm.

Recorded historically as “the coldest Summer of which there is any record, either before or afterwards,” the 1816 weather phenomenon was general all over Northern United Sates. Snow fell in Buffalo in May and June, and hard frosts occurred several times in June and July.

The late Merton M. Milner, Buffalo Evening News editorial writer, in his “History of Niagara Frontier,” published in 1931, wrote: “Buffalo appears to have fared beter than most of its neighbors, but vegetation and crops here were badly damaged. The season was so exceptional that it never passed from the memories of those then living, and it has continued to be an active tradition after more than a century.”

In terms of spectacular storms and severe weather, the years of 1878, 1917 and 1936 stand out in Buffalo Weather Bureau records here, in the form of well-preserved notes, tell of the “great snowstorm” in 1878, when 18 inches of snow fell in a 24-hour period on Dec. 23 with an additional six inches the following day. There were high winds, railroads were blocked and it was “the most severe storm ever known in Buffalo” at that time.

The 1917 December storm was comparable, with snow starting Dec. 8 and continuing two days, the 25-inch fall setting an alltime record for a single storm.

Then there was that unforgettabale snowstorm of less than nine years ago, March 17, 1936, when the weather gods celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by blanketing Buffalo with 19 inches, the alltime 24-hour snowfall record here.

But getting back to that famous weather year of 1916, Robert W. Bingham, director of the Buffalo Historical Society, in his recent “A History of Buffalo,” wrote that “the temperature of the Spring and Summer of 1816 was far below normal; snow fell late into May and freezing was experienced in June, causing a great loss of crops….”

The files of the Buffalo Gazette, a weekly published when Buffalo was only a five-year-old village, contain almost incredible reports of amazingly cold weather in all the territory from Albany to Erie. “The late extraordinary weather, it appears by accounts from the different parts of the country,” reported the Gazette Tuesday, June 18, 1816, “was even more severe than here, and extended almost universally as far as we have heard. The fact of the fall of snow in June, we believe, is unparalleled in this climate.”

Under date of June 11, from Canandaigua, the Gazette printed this: “The cold weather for a week past has thrown a deep gloom over the prospect of the season. Since the beginning of the present month, we have experienced the chilling winds of Autumn, and the withering effects of foliage has given to the fields a dreary aspect…. To make us comfortable, fires have been necessary in our houses, and greatcoats when we go out.”

The Gazette in a dispatch dated July 20, 1816, from Erie, stated: “The season continues extremely cold. Severe frosts were experienced on the 7th and 8th of this month. Tuesday, last, was so cold as to render fires necessary for comfort within, and greatcoats over woolen clothing without doors.”

Forestville New York History - Article 10

One of the nice things about writing these Web Pages is that I am allowed to pick and choose my subjects. I can make my own choices and this month I am doing just that. Since I am writing during the Holiday Season, I am doing something different which I hope you will enjoy. To give you a bit of background, I knew when I was appointed Village Historian that at one time a paper was printed here in the village, which was known as “The Chautauqua Farmer”.

I had never seen a copy until about a year and a half ago. I was browsing in a Fredonia antique shop when I found a copy in good shape, bought it, took  it down to Hanover Custom Framing in Silver Creek where Kathy Tampio matted and framed it for me. I have donated it to The Forestville Historical Center. For the last three years or so, I have also visited the Museum at Perrysburg, New York. I had known the former Historian, Lorraine Marvin, and after her death, introduced myself to her successor, Jody Shaw. I enjoyed going over to use their research materials, (my paternal ancestors came from Cattaraugus County),  to admire their collections and, of course, drool with envy at their space and their display cabinets. (Incidentally, I discovered, to my amazement, that William Cooper who was the founder of Perrysburg was related to me. He was my great great grreat uncle.) Jody and her competent and enthusiastic assistants, Nancy Reid and Myrna Moss, were very kind to me. They have been busy organizing and rearranging materials, cataloguing and unpacking boxes which were stored .. They have given to me (Forestville) manila folders labeled “Forestville”, which contain miscellaneous clippings. I went over in the fall of 2001 and went into orbit. They gave me a year’s bound volume, 1872, of “The Chautauqua Farmer” in remarkably good condition!

In Andrew Younng’s “History of Chautauqua County” on Page 634, he tells us about the paper “The Chautauqua Farmer was started–a small sheet–in Dunkirk, by John M. Lake, printed at the office of the Advertiser & Union, the 1st of Jan., 1869. In September of that year, Mr. Lake bought scant materials, and removed the paper to Forestville. About the 1st of February, 1870, the office was purchased by A. G. Parker, fresh from the editorial chair of the “Cooperstown (N.Y.) Republican and Democrat. Shortly after his purchase, he sold a partnership to Harvey I. Russell, from the above office, a practical printer, the firm name becoming Parker & Russell; A.G. Parker, editor….circulation at that time was 950. In Feb., 1871, Parker bought out Russell, and immediately sold a half interest to Francis Hendricks, an employe of the Dunkirk Journal office, the firm name becoming Parker & Hendricks,…It has steadily increased in importance and circulation, until it numbers upwards of 3,400 subscribers, and and has a commanding influence in the agricultural and local affairs of the 33d district  of Western New York. Its staff includes Wright L. Patterson, office assistant;  John A. Mixer, floral department; James M. Beebe, apiary; Dr. J. W. Pond, poultry; and many correspondents.”

On this page and Footprints10, I am going to quote from advertisements, a column found in each issue called “Business Cards”, and other items of interest featured in the December issues, 1872.

1. Hides Wanted: Wm Farnham will pay 7 1/2 and 8 cents for hides delivered at his Tannery, near Forestville, on the Laona Road.
2. J. G. Record, Lawyer,  Forestville, Chaut. Co., N.Y.
3. YOUNG HYSON TEA at 50 cents a lb at S. P. FOX. Jr., Dealer in Teas, Spices, Chocolate, Can Fruits, Soaps, Citron, Molasses,  Tobaccos and Cigars, SUGAR
     AT BOTTOM PRICES . Pure Coffee Ground Here. Union Mills Flour, Warranted. Oysters, Coinfectionery, Binghampton Buckwheat Flour. Forestville. 1872
4. OLD  CHAIRS. I am prepared to re-seat splint-bottom chairs, having a good supply of tip-top material on hand. My shop is at my residence on Laona road, opposite the yellow mill. N.A. MATTESON, Forestville, 1872
5. Boots & Shoes. G. G. SANFORD would inform the citizens of Forestville and vicinity that he has removed his BOOT & SHOE SHOP To the room vacated by Miss Eddy in Farnham’s Harness Store, where he is prepared to do all kinds of Making and Mending to order. He will be pleased to see all his old customers and as many new ones as may see fit to give him a call. G. G. SANFORD Forestville,  Dec.1872
6. NEW STOCK OF GOODS Just received at N. B. BROWN’S, consisting of Dress Goods, White Goods, Shawls, Hats and Caps, Notions, Ready-Made Clothing, Groceries, Crockery, Boots and Shoes, and all goods usually kept in a Country Store. All of which will be sold C H E A P! as my motto is: Quick Sales and Small  Profits. All kinds of PRODUCE taken in Exchange for Goods. Forestville, 1872

I wish to make a correction before a reader corrects me. When writing about Perrysburg, I stated that William Cooper “founded” Perrysburg;  I should have said that he was “one of the prominent early settlers.”

My “thank  you”: Many thanks to those who have recently donated items to The Forestville Historical Center.This includes: Dick and Marilyn Crowell, Thelma Campaign, Frank Schneider, Joe Bolivard, Dolores Valvo, Karen Frederickson, Phyllis Quackenbush, Marguerite Wray (Sheridan), George Sinclair (Dunkirk), Michael Barris (Fredonia), Al Nugent (Maryland), Ron Merritt (Saudi Arabia), and Russell Bagley (Germany).

In trying to help Russell Bagley, I learned an  interesting fact that I’ll share. He sent me a copy of his family tree and  was trying to find where the Bagley property was situated. I found it on an 1867 Town of Hanover Map, located on the stretch of Route 39 that runs from   Allen Gage’s property to Parsell’s Corners. We know that hill now as the  Golf Course Hill, probably because the Tri-County Country Club was organized on part of that hill in 1923. The Bagley farm was across the road and the hill was formerly known as “Bagley Hill”.

If any of you have items that you would like to loan or donate, anything that relates to the village or the surrounding area in any way, I promise to see that it is properly cared for and made available for others to see and appreciate as well. We lack many issues of The Forestville Free Press. In the material I “inherited” there is no picture of the Forestville Depot in its prime, nor is there a picture of Valone’s Greenhouse. Can you help? I would love to have photos, letters, diaries, calendars, books, anything!!!
  Millie B.

Forestville New York History - Article 9

Hello. I’m back after several months’ absence due to open heart surgery. I find recuperation to be slow going, but I am trying to be patient. In the last page I was detailing an eighth-grade final exam from Kansas 1895. Continuing:
  (Section 8 under the heading, Orthography)

8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the  sound: Card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze,  raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical  marks and by syllabication.

Geography (time, one hour)

1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America.
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecia,  Yukon, St.   Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U. S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give inclination of the earth.

This gives the statement of an early 20th century person that “she/he  had only an 8th grade education” a whole new meaning, doesn’t it? I wonder  how many of our college graduates of today could answer these questions.

Before I get back to the story of Forestville, I want to share with you my latest efforts at preserving Forestville’s past. I’m sure you are going to think that the Historian of the Village of Forestville is a real character. Perhaps I am, but, to me, this is exciting. (But then, I also think finding lost ancestors and cemeteries are exciting!!) I have been working on putting together a collection of postcards–my thanks to Frank Schneider who has shared many of his collection with me–and they are in a a notebook at the Center for anyone to browse. One of these cards shows a tree and, beneath it, a horse watering trough which were situate in the middle of Park Street between the Hotel and the former Red & White Store. I came to Forestville in the fall of 1939 and I remember the watering trough (not the tree). At some time it disappeared and I later saw it at the home of Lester Deering /Art Howard, across from the Law Office of Lee Towne Adams, Esq. where I worked for about eighteen years. In April, 2001, I spotted the trough–not the pedestal–on the Lodi Street side of the same house, now  owned by Kevin Johnson. So I talked to Kenneth Johnson, Kevin’s father, showed  him the postcard and asked if they might consider returning it to the Village. They were kind enough to consent. At this point the watering trough sits outside the entrance to the Forestville Historical Center. On the other side of the entrance is a hitching post which came from the Terry Homestead on Dennison Road. I have a picture of that homestead, given me by Terry Tanner, which shows the hitching post in the front yard, near the road (Vintage, 1880’s). I am indebted to Pat Valvo for getting the hitching post and setting these artifacts in place.

Forestville New York History - Article 8

I have been writing about Education in Forestville in the last two pages of Footprints. I was recently sent an e-mail about education which I should like to share with you. Remember when our grandparents, great-grandparents, and such stated that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the  8th grade in 1895?

This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina, KS, USA. It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina, KS and reprinted by the Salina Journal.

  8th Grade Final Exam: Salina, KS - 1895

  Grammar (Time, one hour)

1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters.
2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph.
4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb? Give Principal Parts of do, lie, lay and run.
5. Define Case, Illustrate each Case.
6. What is Punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation.
7. - 10. Write a composision of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.

Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)

1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weights 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cts./bushel, deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 a month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. of coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per metre?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a s quare farm at $15 per acre, the distance around which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.

U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)

1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Discribe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607; 1620; 1800; 1849; 1865

Orthography (Time, one hour)

1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication?
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?
4. Give four substitutes for caret “u”.
5. Give two rules for spelling words with tinal “e”.  Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a  word: Bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non,inter, mono, sup.
8. (to be continued)
    

Forestville New York History - Article 7

Before I get into the history of Forestville this month, I want to thank some of the people who have been so kind and made donations to the Forestville Historical Center. Perhaps those of you who have just become acquainted with these pages do not realize that the Village Board has finally made some space available for materials and memorabilia of the village. Ever since I was appointed Village Historian in 1985, following in the footsteps of Olive Clark, Grace Abbey, and Daphne Record Town–I wanted some space where photos, papers, books, etc. could be available to the public and where such could be seen and preserved for those coming after us.

I wrote innumerable letters to the various Boards, appeared before them many times, wrote several letters to the Dunkirk Observer, always asking for a room. When I went to workshops for the preservation and management of records, that was the first thing I was told–that such records should not be kept in one’s home and intermingled with  personal collections. But I had no other recourse. When the Village was making plans for a new building to house equipment, I requested space there. However, when that new building was completed, the office of the Village Clerk was moved from the Municipal Building to the building next door and I was given her room. At last!! I  have already outgrown that space and have a display case and other items outside my room, but still under lock and key and available where people can come and see some of the things we have. I am there the first Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, and other times by appointment. Working up there, putting files in order, displaying, arranging, etc. has been a labor of love. Time-consuming, but very rewarding. We officially opened last November and were given a nice writeup in the paper. Since that time, people have visited, looked around and enjoyed seeing what we have. Comments have been favorable, but, of course, I probably would not hear any unfavorable ones.

My thanks to the Norm Schneider Family (he donated a display case that was originally in Wallace’s Department Store); David Bishoff (who repaired the aformentioned case and put castors on it for me): Joe Bolivard (who fixed it so that it could be locked and also gave clippings, pictures, etc.); Anita Sage; Jim Tofil, of Keepsakes Auctions; Ed Domenico, Jr.; Sheila Kroon, Cassadaga Village Historian; Agnes Howard; Russel Polisoto, who brought down to my house a bench that was at one time in Rose Gage’s TeaRoom: Jim Everhart, who donated clothes and helped hang items on the walls; Jean Knott of Knott’s Landing Country Loft in Sheridan, who helped dress “Sarah”  and who has done up linens, etc. so beautifully; Winnie Belote, who has donated pictures and clippings; Thelma Campaign; Clifford Genovese, who watched for Forestville items for me; Amy Cave of Justa Barn, who has been very kind and also keeps Forestville in mind; Frank Schneider, who has helped with the collection of Forestville  postcards; Terry Tanner, who allowed me to borrow and copy old photos which I have in a notebook; Iva Bernett McClenathan, who donated several books and photos which I copied; Thais Parker; Jared Woolley, who rescued some Odd Fellow regalia and records; Wm. “Bill” Murphy, who contributed cemetery transcriptions and Civil War lists,  as well as card catalogs of soldiers from the area who served; Clyde Van Rensselear, who donated many interesting items.

Now that I have a “place”, donations are starting to come in. In the past month Jack VanZile donated a copy of the Chautauqua County Directory, 1873-1874. Yesterday Norwood and Lois Barris (both of whom grew up in Forestville and were students of mine in school)  brought pictures and other “goodies”–one picture was  of a Grange degree team and there is nothing of the Grange in our records except for a photo of the building and a copy of an article found in the Assembly Records, describing the annual cattle show and fair of the Chautauque County Agricultural Society for 1852, donated by Karen Ellis. Another donation from the Perrysburg Historical  Museum came yesterday and I am so grateful. We now have (I still have a hard time believing it!!) a year’s issues, January 13, 1872-December  21, 1872, of The Chautauqua Farmer, which, according to Andrew Young’s  History of Chautauqua County, page 634, “was started–a small sheet–in Dunkirk, by John M. Lake, printed at the office of the Advertiser & Union, the 1st of Jan., 1869. In September of that year, Mr. Lake bought scant material, and removed the paper to Forestville. About the 1st of February, 1870, the office was purchased by A.  G. Parker…..Shortly after his purchase, he sold a paratnership to Harvey I. Russell, from the above office, a practical printer, the firm name becoming Parker and Russell; A. G. Parker, editor…circulation at that time 950….In February 1871, Parker bought out Russell, and sold a half interest to Francis Hendricks, an employe of the Dunkirk Journal office, the firm name becoming Parker & Hendricks…..”

So I want to thank everyone who has contributed in any way and also to invite you to donate anything from Forestville’s past that you would like to see preserved. If you would like to visit, you will be most welcome. I suggest one or two at a time since the room is small. Please support us.

Forestville New York History - Article 6

(Continuing the story of “Ashes”)

A more valuable product than potash was pearl ash or saleratus. Special ovens were required to make it. There were asheries in many towns-Ashville had four, which accounts for its name. The process started out the same as for potash with the leaching of ashes and boiling of the lye, but it was not boiled so long. When the black mass was sticky it was called “black salts.” It was caustic and had to be handled carefully as it was poured into a trough dug out of a big log, something like a dugout canoe. This could be hitched by a chain to the ring in the ox-yoke, and dragged to the ashery, or a forked pole could be hitched to the ring, and the trough laid across the fork, with pegs to hold it from sliding off. The forked pole was used for any sort of heavy load where there was no road, because it would slip between the trees without upsetting. It was  called a “go-devil.”

At the ashery the black salts were put into brick ovens and baked, almost burned, until they turned gray in color. When they were taken out and cooled, they became pearly white saleratus. There was no baking powder in the stores in those days, but saleratus was used with sour milk for cakes, johnny cake or corn bread, pancakes, and  hot biscuits; also with molasses for gingerbread.

Pearl ashes from the asheries of Chautauqua County were shipped to England by way of Montreal until the opening of the Erie Canal; also to New York by wagon. Later they went in barrels on the Canal.

With the timber gone the ashery business died out in Chautauqua County, which was said to have manufactured more ashes than any other county along the shores of Lake Erie. Nothing was left to recall the earlier days but the stump fences. At the time when the trees were cut down, it was common to leave the stumps and plow around them for a season or two, until the farmer could spare the time to dig around the stumps, hitch his oxen to them, and haul them out. Many fields were fenced by these huge stumps, turned on their sides with the roots and little rootlets making a lacy pattern against the sky. Gradually through the years, the rootlets withered and broke off, giving the fences a gnarled and gloomy look.

Now even these fences are gone. Nothing remains to remind us of a thriving commerce.

Back to the story of Forestville. Daniel Holbrook in 1817 put in operation a carding and cloth dressing establishment and in 1820 Albert H. Camp opened the first store. Daniel Anderson rebuilt a grist mill which had burned and a saw mill. A few scattered houses,  perhaps two or three saw mills, a grist mill, a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse, an inn, and probably a store comprised the settlement in 1817.

Samuel Swan is believed to have been the first blacksmith in Forestville. He was followed by another blacksmith, Daniel Barber, who was the first overseer of the poor and school trustee. He built the brick school house in 1824. In 1812, James Bennett opened the first Inn and a section was devoted to the sale of general merchandise. In 1824 arrived John Hurlbut, a blacksmith and wagoner. Eleazar Gardner had the first tannery, Samuel J. Smith also a tannery. Mr. Smith’s tannery was still operating in 1854. He served his community well,  being the first town clerk of Hanover.