Books for Sale
• • •
At the Genesee County History Department
3 West Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
To order a book please make your check payable to:
Genesee County Historians Association
| Book No. 1 | |
| Book No. 2 | |
| Book No. 3 | |
| Book No. 4 | |
| Book No. 5 |
Back To Top
History Home Page
Book No. 1
GENESEE COUNTY, NEW YORK
20TH CENTURY-IN-REVIEW AND FAMILY HISTORIES
This hardcover volume features family biographies, histories of area churches, organizations, businesses and schools. Photographs are found on nearly every page that helps to illustrate this detailed text. A unique chapter is the 20th Century-in-Review which includes a chronological timeline highlighting events that shaped our county for every month between 1900 through to 1999.
Complied by Susan L. Conklin, Genesee County Historian and Judy Stiles, Genesee County History Department’s Research Assistant
$80.00 [Plus $6.40 tax (8%) and $5.00 shipping and Handling]
Introduction
I began reviewing the Proceedings of the County Supervisors/Legislators, The Daily News, local history books and the History Department files. I also contacted the Municipal Historians and asked for their input. My goal was to include events that would record the history of the county and I made every attempt to document the growth of county government, industrial changes, social issues and military activities.
I added events that happened nationally and/or globally, noted the Presidents and Vice-Presidents, the New York Governors, their years of service and political affiliation, [(R) is for Republican and (D) is for Democrat] and the county population for each decade. These items are located at the beginning of each year and are intended to provide the reader with a broader sense of history. The county events are listed in chronological order (whenever possible). I noted weather with floods, snow storms and temperature extremes. I recorded major fires and health concerns such as the outbreak of scarlet fever during 1901. I documented the growth of the centralized school systems, sports activities and a few humorous anecdotes.
While reading through the wealth of information, I had a difficult time selecting which event would spark the most memories. If I left out something you consider noteworthy, I apologize, however it was impossible to include every occurrence. The photographs were added to provide a visual remembrance for our senior readers and to show younger generations what Genesee County looked like during the past one hundred years.
If, after reading this "Century-In-Review," you wish to learn more about the events listed, you are welcome to do so at the Genesee County Department of History. This collection captured only the highlights and for a more detailed account you will need to refer to the list of resources that were used to create this summary.
May we all enjoy the next century . . . .
Susan L. Conklin, County Historian
Sample from 1920:
1920
18th Amendment Became Law-Prohibition Began January 16
19th Amendment Was Ratified-Women Won the Right to Vote, August 26
Total County Population - 37,976
- Oakfield's bronze tablet for World War veterans was unveiled during an impressive ceremony which was attended by 450 citizens and ex-service men. (January 2)
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy was the guest speaker at the Batavia Chamber of Commerce dinner where he addressed over 200 at the Batavia Club. (February 21)
- Stafford celebrated its 100th birthday. It was formed from Batavia and Le Roy on March 24, 1820. (March 24)
- A special meeting for women was held in Elba to allow them a better understanding of the Constitution when they vote. (March 31)
- Ten barrels of wine were removed from a home located on Ellicott Street, in Batavia. The barrels were taken to Buffalo where they were destroyed. (April 8)
- The Baker Gun and Forging Company's factory in Batavia was converted to manufacture automobile parts. (April 19)
- A charity drive raised $8,914 for the Children's Home in Batavia. (April 28)
- The Bethany Center Baptist Church noted its 100th anniversary. (May 1)
- The Batavia Triangle Radio Club set up antennas on the roof of the YMCA to receive messages from up 2000 miles away. (May 22)
- State troopers captured 151 cases of whiskey. (May 26)
Book No. 2
SUPERNATURAL GENESEE
The Historians' Private Collection of 240 articles on Body Snatching, Grave Robbery, Bones, Circus Folks, Ghosts, Legends, Magicians, Out of the Ordinary, Spiritualists and UFO's Genesee County, New York
Complied by Susan L. Conklin, Genesee County Historian and Judy Stiles, Genesee County History Department's Research Assistant
$14.95 [Plus $1.20 tax (8%) and $2.50 shipping and Handling]
Supernatural: Existing or occurring outside the normal experience or knowledge of man; not explainable by the known forces or laws of nature...Webster's Dictionary
Please note this collection may not be suitable for young children and is not recommended to be read on a dark stormy night!
INTRODUCTION
The Genesee County History Department staff and volunteers for the past 20 years have discovered unique stories which were found while conducting research on other topics. These stories were collected and shared with the Daily News reporters who annually requested such tales for their Halloween feature. In addition the Genesee County Municipal Historians also found stories and added them to this collection. When the collection had grown to require a notebook over a file folder for storage, the historians decided to print them. The stories were sorted by topic and include articles printed in newspapers, local history books and written by area residents. Unlike our other books, this collection does contain stories from other communities as they document what people in our county were reading.
Whether you believe in ghosts, UFO's or Spiritualism, have never heard of body snatching in Western New York or were unaware of magicians in Batavia, I hope that you will enjoy reading these accounts. This collection was assembled to entertain and to share the collection with all who enjoy an unusual tale. These stories also document local history as they record events of the times and include the names of area residents.
Unfortunately not every story has a conclusion and I want to assure you that the collection will continue to be added to as additional articles are found.
Susan L Conklin
Genesee County Historian
2004
Sample Story:
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
The Daily News April 7, 1881
Lack Dean A Resident of Lyon Street
Sees a Ghost
He Is Badly Frightened And Relates His Experience With The Woman In Black-What Others Say About The Apparition.
Our readers are perhaps not aware that a ghost appeared in the city of Rochester some time ago which created a great deal of sensation among the skeptical of the city. It appears from the many stories that are floating around this village that the Rochester ghost has taken up its abode here in Batavia, and stationed itself in the vicinity of Eager's brewery, where it has been seen at certain hours of the night and by persons who are well-known residents to that locality.
The "Ghost Story" as it comes to us is as follows: Lack Dean a resident of Lyon Street which branches off from Main Street near the brewery, while on his way home at an early hour a few evening's since, saw ahead of him a person apparently dressed in female attire. As he neared the object, he said "good evening mam" but upon receiving no response he took a second look and was greatly startled by the sudden disappearance of "Madam Ghost" Lack, according to his own story, took a "two-forty" gait homeward, where he arrived partially breathless and exhausted. On relating the story to his wife, Mr. Dean retired for the night, since which time we learn that he has been confined to his house, owing to the fright which he received. The occurrence has created a great deal of talk among the people living in that neighborhood, which will doubtless end in a more thorough investigation of this startling disclosure.
It is rumored that several other persons living in close proximity to Eagar's brewery have seen the same or a similar apparition, which so frightened Mr. Dean.
THE GHOST'S ATTIRE
It is said by those who have seen this ghost like woman, that her wearing apparel consists of a plain black dress and black veil, covering her entire bonnet. She is reported as being from six to seven feet in height and as straight as an old-fashioned tallow candle. Whether the excitement will result in a reality, or die away in imagination yet remains to be seen. We advise those living in that neighborhood to be on their guard less someone else be frightened nearly out of their wits.
Book No. 3
ANIMAL TAILS FROM GENESEE COUNTY
Compiled by Susan L. Conklin, Genesee County Historian
$5.00 [Plus $.40 tax (8%) and $2.50 shipping and Handling]
INTRODUCTION
I decided it was time to take a serious look at what had been gathered. When I was appointed the County Historian, one of the first files I added to the collection was labeled "Animals" because I could not find a folder in which to place a newspaper clipping about a dog. Often while doing research you discover unrelated but interesting information that you want to keep for another project. Over the years, the History Department staff has added local newspaper articles and stories from history books to the Animal File. Regular patrons of the History Department's Research Library and the Municipal Historians started to find animal stories and these were also added to the collection. As time went by the Animal File had grown and so many stories had been collected that I could no longer answer the question "Hey, do you guys have the one about the...?" I decided it was time to take a serious look at what had been gathered.
I began to sort the stories alphabetically by the different animals, reptiles or birds. I rechecked each story and noted the source, including the date the newspaper article was printed or book title and page number where a story had been found. In order to assemble the stories into a "user-friendly" format the file folder was replaced with a notebook. After working on the collection I decided that there was enough material for a book and selected the best stories from the notebook collection.
Today, as we begin a new century, it is difficult for us to imagine what it was like when the County was first formed. It must have been an adjustment for the wild animals who roamed freely through the woods. Two animal articles recalled what pioneer life was like for both the first families and the creatures that lived here. From F. W. Beers' Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, New York 1788-1890 comes the following description titled "game, etc." -
The country abounded in game. The deer were at their very doors. The more dreaded bear was a frequent but not so welcome visitor. It is related that on one occasion a bear with two cubs made an unceremonious call to a store on West Main Street (Batavia). A clerk grabbed a musket, pursued the intruders, and brought back with him a cub which he had shot down in the encounter. It is not recorded whether these grizzly customers returned for another charge.
More destructive and a greater enemy to the settler were the large number of wolves which abounded. Their hides were quite a source of income to the hunter. A bounty of $1.00 per hide was first offered, which was increased until it reached, in 1810, $10.00 per hide, such was the havoc of the wolves among the herds.
Among the deadly intruders, into even the cabins and cellars of the settlers, was the rattlesnake. An innocent instance is given of one of the intruders which shows that, as venomous as it is, it had a power to charm. It was in the family of a Mr. Douglas, whose little daughter, accustomed to going out in the field to play, was on one occasion forbidden by her mother, but who yielded to the persistent begging of the child, who said she had a kitten she wished to play with. The mother's curiosity induced her to watch the child, when to her alarm and horror she saw a 'rattler' partaking of milk from the same dish with the daughter. The little one was cautiously called away and the species of a 'pet kitten' quietly disposed of.
A Daily News newspaper article entitled "Rich, Fertile Soil Awaited Settlers", written by Jeanne Pontius Rindge, appeared July 8, 1950. It recalled the early pioneers' encounters with the native creatures and their introduction to domesticated beasts:
In the woods you may encounter bears, wolves and deer (mostly in the hilly part); also elk, a large species of deer weighing 600 pounds, and a few panthers. Foxes, martens, mink, otters, and muskrats abound. Squirrels are so numerous that upwards of 2,000 have been killed in a day -- a special day often being set aside for this purpose.
The rattlesnake is the most remarkable of the reptiles, while pigeons frequent the country in large numbers Spring and Fall. Their feathers are used for bedding. There are partridges and quail, and wild fowl and fish are abundant in the waterways.
It has been supposed that this region is unsuitable for raising horses. This is erroneous. If salt is given them, they are exceptionally healthy on the natural herbage here. Oxen grow uncommonly large, and are mostly used for work. Sheep and hogs are thriving, and the growth of cattle is rapid because of the excellence of pasture -- a cow frequently bringing forth a calf at 20 months.
The bears, wolves, panthers and elk were hunted into extinction in this County. The smaller forest creatures found their homes being replaced with farms as trees were cut down and the land developed for cows, sheep, hogs and horses. As communities grew, pets became popular with dogs and cats being important members of our families. These stories capture the changes in our society and how we view animals. They are important because they reveal daily life, humorous moments and record history.
As County Historian I hope that you will enjoy this collection. The stories from the local newspapers were copied, for the most part, as originally written. In a few of the articles the grammar and punctuation have been corrected. If you would like to read additional stories, please visit the History Department and review the Animal Notebook. I assure you that the History Department will continue to add more stories.
Susan L. Conklin
County Historian
Sample Story:
ORANGUTAN
"GEORGE" JOINS THE JURY
Charles Thatcher of Boston, an animal trainer, had previously visited Batavia and purchased an orangutan from Henry Forrestal, who had bought the animal in New York, where it had been shipped from Burma on Captain John Blanchard's ship, Octavia, in 1825. Forrestal named the animal "George" and trained it and gave exhibitions at Main and State Streets, the orangutan doing a grimacing face-washing act, a bottle drinking scene and gustily eating sweet cakes thrown to him by the crowd.
One day while District Attorney Heman J. Redfield was trying a case in the old Ellicott Hall Court House on Court Street, "George" climbed up the side of the building, leaped through a window and entered the third floor room, taking a seat on the jury bench.
| The Past and Present Column The Daily News February 5, 1949, Page 5 |
FAMOUS GENESEE – Book #1
The Historians’ Collection of Newspaper Articles Featuring Distinguished Residents & Prominent
Complied by Susan L. Conklin, Genesee County Historian and Judy Stiles, Genesee County History Department’s Research Assistant
$13.80 [Plus $1.20 tax (8%) and $2.50 shipping and Handling]
INTRODUCTION
The staff of the Genesee County History Department decided in 2005 to sort and organize articles on famous residents and famous people who had visited the County. In order to be considered for the collection the person had to do something that would involve New York State, the country or had an international impact. They were also included if they had done something special or unique The definition of famous is one who is widely known or celebrated, who is distinguished, prominent, prestigious and/or honored for their achievements. Much to our surprise we had enough articles to publish a series of books which will feature our Famous Genesee.
Book 1 includes our distinguished residents and prominent visitors. It is by no means to be considered an encyclopedia for the county on this topic, but rather a collection of articles selected by the historians. Please note that all entertainers, sports personalities, politicians, and heroes will be used in other books for this series. The articles used for this project include those printed in local newspapers, local history texts or were researched and written by the department staff, the Municipal Historians. A few were provided from our patrons, who contributed information about one of their noteworthy family member.
I want to assure you that the collection will continue to be added to as additional articles are found, we are visited by someone famous or a local resident becomes famous. For a small rural county we defiantly have had numerous famous visitors and helped to foster a great many famous sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. I invite you to please visit the Genesee County History Department and see the collection, as I think you too will be impressed.
Susan L Conklin
Genesee County Historian
2007
Sample Story:
“JOSEPH ELLICOTT”
SET 12 INCH FOOT AS STANDARD MEASURE
Daily News
By Miss Charlotte Read, Genesee County Historian Ca. 1960
How many really know that― “As the chief of survey for the Holland Land Company, Joseph Ellicott was the first to use 12 inches as the standard for a foot in the United States.”
There’s not a building― be it a modest home, a “castle”, a modern industrial plant, a country road or a superhighway, the garments we wear, the food we eat, nothing, in fact, that has to do with our daily lives, that doesn’t depend on this measure!
To Genesee County’s founder, our own Joseph Ellicott, goes the honor of having established the 12-inch foot as a standard of measurement when he surveyed this area in 1797-1799 for the Holland Land Company.
It seems that when Mr. Ellicott was selected by the Dutch proprietors in 1797 as chief of survey, there was no accepted standard for the foot. The Holland Land Company’s holdings― some 3 ½ million acres-virtually covered all of Western New York and it was highly important that his measurements be accurate when he surveyed the wilderness into townships and ranges.
It was very important, he knew, that the maps he was to prepare for the records of the Holland Land Company, the state, and the landowner himself, should be correct in order to prevent future boundary squabbles.
Up to this time, surveyors had not agreed on just how many inches made a foot, and Ellicott realized that this discrepancy must be corrected before he could accurately survey so vast a region.
Accordingly, he first collected and compared a number of rulers then in use. He selected the ones that agreed nearest in length to each other.
From a mean proportional of their several lengths, he then formed one of exactly 12 inches. This then became the unit of length for a foot on all Holland Land Company surveyor’s chains and maps. Having made this decision, Mr. Ellicott reported to the Dutch proprietors:
“ I have, in order therefore to perpetuate my standard of measurement, so highly important, affixed twelve-inch rulers made of brass to the backs or covers of the several filed books, by which all chains forever hereafter made use of in surveying those lands, ought to be adjusted.”
Thus did Genesee County’s founder give the world a standard twelve-inch ruler.
Fortified with this perfected innovation, and with another, the transit instrument― invented by his brother, Benjamin Ellicott, who had it manufactured in Philadelphia since no instrument possessing all the qualities desired, was then to be found in the United States― Mr. Ellicott and his principal surveyors arrived on The Purchase and in 1798 began to ascertain and correctly establish the east line known thereafter as the Transit Line― a “line running due north from the monument established at the southeast corner on the northern boundary line of the State of Pennsylvania to the boundary line between the United States and the dominions of the King of Great Britain in Lake Ontario, according to the deeds and conveyance from Robert Morris to the company…”
Ellicott’s lines and measurements, accordingly, stand practically true today ― with very little deviation.
By 1801, Mr. Ellicott selected Deo-on-go-wa, the Indian Site at the “Big Bend of the Tonnewanta,” placed his office there and proceeded to lay out, like the spokes of a wheel, what was to be Batavia. The plans he followed were based somewhat on those used in laying out the nation’s capital where he had gained his surveying skills under his oldest brother, Andrew Ellicott, Surveyor General of the United States.
Famous Genesee II
The Historians’ Collection of Newspaper Articles Featuring
Distinguished Heroes Politicians & Reformers
Complied by Susan L. Conklin, Genesee County Historian and Judy Stiles, Genesee County History Department’s Research Assistant $13.80 [Plus $1.20 tax (8%) and $2.50 shipping and Handling]
Famous Genesee Book II is now available at the History Department. This book is a continuation of the Historians' collection of newspaper articles. Book 1 included our distinguished residents and prominent visitors. Book 2 features our distinguished heroes and politicians, local connections to President Lincoln and prominent visitors who were heroes, politicians and reformers. It is by no means to be considered an encyclopedia for the county on this topic, but rather a collection of articles selected by the historians. For sale at $15, Book II includes more than 100 articles and 25 photographs. The Historians are offering a special discount of $25 if you purchase Famous I & II together.
For additional information, please contact Sue or Judy at (585) 344-2550 Ext. 2613.
