The Fox sisters, credited with the birth of Spiritualism in the United States, got their start in Hydesville, New York, once a hamlet in Wayne County, not far from Rochester. … Continue reading The Fox Sisters – Early Rappers?
Tag: Western New York history
Caroline Bishop, Letchworth State Park’s First Superintendent
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
Lemuel M. Wiles, Genesee Country Artist
One of the Genesee Country’s finest artists grew up just outside the Village of Perry on Suckerbrook Road. If you take a drive out that way, you’ll find a historical … Continue reading Lemuel M. Wiles, Genesee Country Artist
Brush Strokes from the Past
Tucked along the shady banks of Wolf Creek in the village of Castile were the homes of two pairs of sisters—Annie and Jennie Myers and Frances and Jane Judson. Extraordinarily, … Continue reading Brush Strokes from the Past
It’s Fair Time!
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!
The Tale of Five Waterfalls—The Hamlet of Wiscoy, a/k/a Mixville
Many readers have likely enjoyed the beautiful Wiscoy Falls nestled in the Genesee River Valley between Fillmore and Portageville. Whether hiking, swimming, or fishing on the Wiscoy, the scenery is … Continue reading The Tale of Five Waterfalls—The Hamlet of Wiscoy, a/k/a Mixville
The Letchworth Park School
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
Castile Girl, Dr. Clara A. Swain
The old hymn entitled “Little is Much When God is in It” is an accurate summary of the life of Dr. Clara A. Swain. Born on July 18, 1834, in … Continue reading Castile Girl, Dr. Clara A. Swain
The People of the State of NY vs. Edward Russell
Wyoming County’s First Hanging Note: Thanks to Nancy, one of Along the Genesee’s readers who suggested today’s post. While contractors hired to construct the Portage Bridge were finalizing plans to … Continue reading The People of the State of NY vs. Edward Russell
The Last Council Fire
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
Along the Genesee 