One of William P. Letchworth’s final requests was for his longtime secretary, librarian, and executive assistant, Caroline Bishop, to become the first superintendent of Letchworth State Park, which was honored … Continue reading Caroline Bishop, Letchworth State Park’s First Superintendent
August in Western New York means it’s time for county fairs. They are a long-established tradition in New York State that began as early as 1793. Generations of Western New … Continue reading It’s Fair Time!
In the early settlement days of the Genesee River Valley, schools were built as the need presented itself. These were neighborhood schools within walking distance of the students’ homes, which … Continue reading The Letchworth Park School
Six Nations Background Arguably, the most historic event organized by William Pryor Letchworth took place on October 1, 1872. It was held on the Council Grounds overlooking the Glen Iris … Continue reading The Last Council Fire
****************************Headline from The Castilian November 18, 1904 INDIAN-WHISKEY JEALOUSYCaused the Murder of Dr. Alfred Silverheels the night of Sep.30.BURIED IN POTATO FIELDJames Jemison Accused Of the Murder by His Wife and Daughter,Is Still … Continue reading Crime Along the River: The Killing of Alfred Silverheels
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
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
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
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 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 