We’ll be straying a bit from the Genesee River today, but not too far as we delve into the life of James L. Blodget, the Hermit of Hermitage. Much has … Continue reading The Strange Life and Death of James Blodget – Hermit of Hermitage
Author: Laurinda Wallace
Author and history enthusiast, I love discovering the fascinating history of the Genesee River Valley in Western New York.
The Piano King of Castile, NY
One of the most influential and successful businessmen in Castile, NY, between 1861 and 1908 was Willis Frederick Graves. Born on January 14, 1831 in the Town of Eagle, Willis was the second child of Ralph Graves, who had … Continue reading The Piano King of Castile, NY
Murder & Mayhem – Death on the Tracks
Two deaths in the village of Castile in the fall of 1913 were connected to the Erie Railroad. The first was a murder in September, and the other was ruled … Continue reading Murder & Mayhem – Death on the Tracks
Battle of the District Attorneys
The attorneys who tried the case of the People vs. Robert Brunt a/k/a Robert Van Brunt were no legal lightweights. The prosecutor was Eugene Myron Bartlett, Wyoming County’s young district … Continue reading Battle of the District Attorneys
The Portage Bridge
The iconic vista of the Portage Bridge high over the Genesee River is unforgettable for any visitor to Letchworth State Park. It’s certainly a favorite place for me. And if you’re … Continue reading The Portage Bridge
Genesee Valley Canal
With the Erie Canal’s opening in 1825 and its success in moving goods and people across New York State, canal enthusiasm ran high. Western New York residents, with the support … Continue reading Genesee Valley Canal
Scoundrel Extraordinaire – Ebenezer Allan
One of the Genesee Valley’s most colorful and perhaps despicable inhabitants was Ebenezer “Indian” Allan. Born September 17, 1752 somewhere in New Jersey, Allan had likely moved to Pennsylvania by … Continue reading Scoundrel Extraordinaire – Ebenezer Allan
A Portageville Man – Edward Quested
Many of us are exploring family trees to find our origins and how our ancestors found their way to the United States. Investigating my husband’s paternal grandmother’s family brought some … Continue reading A Portageville Man – Edward Quested
Gibsonville – Vanished Village
One of the “vanished villages” along the Genesee River is Gibsonville. The long-ago thriving community was located in the Town of Leicester in Livingston County. Its former boundaries are now … Continue reading Gibsonville – Vanished Village
St. Helena – Another Vanished Village
St. Helena was another ghost town along the Genesee River that saw its heyday in the 19th century. Located in the Town of Castile, St. Helena was part of Mary … Continue reading St. Helena – Another Vanished Village
Along the Genesee 