tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63400926193974640472024-03-12T23:10:22.975-07:00Memories and Moments of MarshallAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-39736866950856311582018-02-11T13:34:00.002-08:002018-02-11T13:34:34.308-08:00Captain Waterman & His Bison<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They said it
couldn't be done, but during the 1940s until 1962, Julius Waterman, on the
Deansboro-Waterville Road - State Route 315 - was able to train two buffalo,
named Ned and Ted. With infinite patience and hard work, over time Waterman
taught them to do simple tricks, such as counting; but perhaps his biggest accomplishment
was in calming them down, so that they would lick his face, shake hands and not
lunge at visitors. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A man of many talents, he was also proprietor of a popular
dance hall, a dealer in pork and purebred beef, and provider of ice for
Waterville patrons. Prior to training the buffalo, he trained and traveled
during the 1930s with a pair of oxen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Captain
Julius Waterman was born in 1879, the son of George and Lydia Waterman. In
1896, he served in the Spanish-American war, in Company E, 1st regiment of New
York volunteers. The company was mustered out in February, 1899. In 1901, he
married Mae Byaska of Brookfield. They had three sons: Earl, Leon, and Harold.
For a while, the family lived in Brookfield, then bought the property in
Dicksville, as it was then called, on the Deansboro-Waterville Road, from
William Brooks. At one time there was a sawmill and cider mill on the property,
which the Watermans operated until it was destroyed by fire in 1920.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1922, Waterman
built what was called Willona Hall, a dance hall named for the stream running
south-east which we now refer to as Big Creek. The dance hall was 90'x30', and
there was plenty of room for parking. Refreshments featured were those such as
ice cream and strawberry shortcake. Dancing was to the music of Gus Detlefsen's
orchestra; the "popular jazz music" of the Kelly orchestra; Masters
of Harmony, a 10 piece orchestra; Nick Hawk's Orchestra; The Albro Orchestra; even
the Waterville Band under the direction of A.W. Mallory. Both round and square
dancing were offered, and assurances were made to dancers that they would be
instructed on the finer points of the popular fox trots of the day. Private
dancing parties were also given: the Home
Bureau held a dance there in 1935; and in 1936, a party by "some
Swiss families" was held, featuring what was reported as very fine
yodeling. Prizes were offered, and
through the 1930s, Willona Hall dances went merrily on, the last mention of
them being in 1936.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Captain
Waterman must have been a restless man, who recognized the public's hunger for showmanship, because in 1940, he set out to train a
pair of buffalo. He had trained oxen, as mentioned above, and showed them -
with 100-year ox cart! - at several centennial celebrations around the country; however,
the centennial business fell off little by little. After getting permission
from Washington and the Canadian government, he traveled to Canada with one of
his sons to capture two calves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What we
commonly call "buffalo" are actually bison. Both buffalo and bison
are from the same family (Bovidae) but are different genus. The bison, found in
cooler climates, have thick fur, short horns, a big head, and a distinctly
large hump. Buffalo have longer horns and no hump, and can be found primarily in
Asia and Africa. Bison were misidentified by early European settlers as
buffalo, but although the difference was later clarified, today the terms are
used interchangeably by most people. Habitat loss and unregulated shooting led
to the near-extinction of the American buffalo, or bison, which once roamed the
country in the millions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Permission was granted to Captain Waterman by
the United States government to capture two bison calves, with the caveat he'd
have to catch them himself, attached with the warning that he'd risk being
gored by the calves' outraged mother. But he was determined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First, he
engaged the services of a few cowboys in North Dakota to catch a couple of
calves, but when the cowboys' truck was smashed during the process, the transaction
was called off. Undeterred, Captain Waterman contacted the government of
Canada, requesting permission to capture the calves. Canada agreed but again cautioned
that bison were wild animals and the mother bison would be enraged at anyone
who tried to take her young. The Watermans were charged $50.00 apiece.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1940,
Julius Waterman and two of his sons set off for Canada, arriving in Saskatoon,
in the province of Saskatchewan. They cut brush and created a kind of
"duck blind," behind which they hid, waiting to lasso the first pair
of calves which passed by. Two 8-month old, 900-pound bison calves were
captured, and, with great difficulty, they managed to get them into the large
truck. Consequently, Captain Waterman left them in the truck for four weeks
once they got back to Deanboro, hoping they would be so hungry, they'd be easier
to handle. With the help of his neighbor, Virgil Eastman, he led the bison from the truck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even so, at
first the bison pawed the ground and lunged toward him. Over time, with
infinite patience and kindness, he was able to train them to the point that
they got used to halters and could be led around with a rope. How they got to
be so docile is what Waterman called a "trade secret," one even the
Ringling Brothers didn't know, he said; but it had a lot to do time, hard work
and perseverance, until the wild bison became gentle pets. According to
research, bison are very aggressive animals and very difficult, if not
impossible, to domesticate. But Captain Waterman did it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The bison were named
Ned and Ted. The pair learned to dive from a ten-foot high
platform into the waters of Willona Creek - Big Creek - just behind the house,
which was a relief during the hot summer weather. They could be seen on Route
315 on the front lawn of the Waterman farm, where they were tethered with
50-foot ropes attached to iron stakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Captain
Waterman exhibited his bison several times at the Madison County Fair in
Brookfield. Ned and Ted, with Captain Waterman, traveled with the James M. Cole
Circus for 24 weeks. They were a hit: no one had ever before seen bison led
into a circus ring to perform. They then joined the Wallace Brothers Circus,
and traveled all over the country. They were briefly with the J.C Harlecker Circus
and the Cole Brothers Circus, but Captain Waterman mostly enjoyed showing Ned
and Ted at fairs and rodeos, letting people experience them up close.
Fascinated visitors shook hands with them, watched them roll a barrel and do
their diving trick, and let them lick their faces. The bison were also featured
on television, on the Arthur Godfrey Show, and with Gerry Moore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps the
most important lesson Captain Waterman, with the help of Ned and Ted, taught
the public was of the near-extinction of these noble beasts, and how they were
protected by the government. At one time in the bison's history, 40 to 60
million of them roamed the United States; they were the principal food source
of the Native Americans. When the 20th century began, there were fewer than
1,000 remaining. However, due to successful breeding and the regulation of
hunting these beasts, they are no longer endangered and almost 500,000 can be
found across North America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In April of 1962,
after more than two decades of a very varied, unusual and triumphant career,
Captain Julius Waterman retired. He sold
Ned and Ted to Freedomland USA, an American history museum in the Bronx, where
they continued to bring awe and admiration to the public, thanks to the perseverance
of their master. Captain Waterman died May 17, 1962, just a few days short of
his 83rd birthday. He leaves a legacy that few can match: he showed the world
how love, kindness, and patience can tame even the wildest of beasts; and
brought joy to millions of men, women, and children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-58669256579604823632018-02-11T13:24:00.004-08:002018-02-11T13:24:45.797-08:00Moyer or Military Road<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Town of
Marshall was originally part of Tryon County, but morphed into Montgomery
County, then to Herkimer County, to Oneida County in 1798; and then to the Town
of Paris from 1792-1827 to the Town of Kirkland in 1827. We finally came into
our own in 1829 as the Town of Marshall, named in honor of Supreme Court
Justice John Marshall (1801-1835). All
this is to explain the Moyer Road and how it came to be part of the Town of
Marshall history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Moyer
(or Military) Road, which ran westerly from German Flatts (Frankfort), through Sauquoit, to Bogusville Hill Road and beyond
undoubtedly originated as an Indian trail, but was also used by settlers who
believed soldiers, led by a General Moyer, traveled this trail, hence the name.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, no
such general can be found to have existed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">More likely, the name came from a
Dutchman named Moyer who ran a tavern on the trail. It is further theorized
that on April 19, 1799, a Col. Goosen Van Schiack and a detachment of 55 men
used this trail to raid the Onondaga Indians. Also, to add insult to injury,
early settlers claimed that Gen. John Sullivan led his troops over this road to
massacre Indians to the west. He is supposed to have reconstructed sections
with logs found nearby, as he advanced and camped just east of the Oriskany
Creek near Bogusville, while his men attempted to erect a bridge over what they
termed the Oriskany River. This cannot be verified, but if Samuel Kirkland was
their chaplain and the Brothertown Indians their guide, as is alleged, this
would be interesting indeed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the part
of the trail travelling west from Post Street, called Concanon Road, later changed
to Maxwell Road, is the site of an ancient Indian campground. In her notes,
former historian Dorothy McConnell comments that her ancestors collected what
they thought were arrowheads from the area, until they were examined by a Dr.
Grayson of Hamilton College, who explained that they were actually spear points
thousands of years old and used before the invention of the bow and arrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The trail
ran down a steep ravine by Turkey Creek, named because the wild turkeys found
in this area by settlers and Indians. The bottom of the ravine was also known
as Moyers Hole, and was a resting place where travelers watered their horses,
probably in Turkey Creek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Further down
the trail was what was known to early settlers as Whitney Corners - later
Lumbard Road - past the abandoned Peck Road, which led to Hanover, a bustling
place until around 1837, when the Chenango Canal opened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The trail went
on past the intersection of Grant Hill Road and Austin Road, then down past
Gridley Paige Road and over Oriskany Creek. At that point an Iroquois Indian settlement
was established, and it was here that Col. Heinrick Staring was brought after
being captured by Indians during the Revolutionary War. It is said he escaped
in the dead of night as his captors slept, ran into the woods and swam
downstream in Oriskany Creek, and eventually made his way to Fort Stanwix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The trail
continued to Bogusville Hill Road, so named because of the manufacture and
distribution of counterfeit coins by a man named Hurd who was ostensibly
fabricating silver spoons. On Bogusville Hill Road is an inaccessible
Brothertown Indian cemetery, which is believed to be the burial place of Samson
Occom,</span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">leader of the
Brothertowns. The Moyer, or Military, Road continued up Bogusvillle Hill to
Knoxboro and Munnsville, and on to Oneida Castle. The Brothertown Indians, who
didn't completely settle until after the Revolutionary War, seldom traveled the
trail eastward, but used it to travel to Stockbridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Little is
left of that trail of antiquity today other than geographical landmarks, but
one can imagine what the Moyer orMilitary Road must have been like all those
years ago, and can appreciate how it was a boon to travelers in those times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-6247317404874174112018-02-11T13:22:00.001-08:002018-02-11T13:22:02.748-08:00McAdam Stock Farm<div class="MsoNormal">
At the turn of the 20th century, off Gridley-Paige Road just beyond the intersection with Shanley
Road, was a showplace, a farm of about 500 acres where pure Holstein-Friesian
cattle were bred. The farm, which started out as a modest 70-some acres, had
been owned by generations of Gridleys, from Nodadiah, one of first settlers,
whose son Asahel Gridley built the brick main house, to Josephine Gridley,
widow of Joseph Gridley. It was Josephine McAdam Gridley who, in 1900, sold the
property to her brother, Quentin McAdam. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Although he grew up in Deansboro in
the Town of Marshall, McAdam lived in Utica and was treasurer and general
manager of the largest cotton milling concern in the world, Quentin McAdam & Co., which eventually became the Utica
Knitting Company. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Quentin McAdam was an ambitious person - he joined the
knitting mill at age 16 and was running it little more than 10 years later - and
he started right out to make the Gridley property, which was at that time called
the Brothertown Stock Company, the outstanding farmstead it was to become. New
barns were built, more land was purchased, and repairs and modernization were
made on the old buildings. The farm had its own fire department, compete with
helmets, in the first part of the long barn (now converted into a home owned
by, I believe, Dave and Tanya Brown).</div>
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Once the outbuildings were complete, McAdam, with the help
of E.B. Van (or Von) Heyne as business manager, purchased 20 purebred
Holstein-Freisians. Among them were four daughters of what was then the
greatest sire of the breed; and included the famous Sadie Vale Concordia, who broke
the world's record of 7 and 30 day milk and butter production. Many more
successful cows came in succession, giving Brothertown Farms world-wide fame.
Everything was done on an up-to-date scale, including an automatic watering
system for the stock. Nothing was more important than the cattle breeding
business. Wonderful care was given to those animals. It is reported that a
nine-week old bull, with impeccable parentage, sold for $4,000, a price
unheard-of at that time. The farm was one of the best of many outstanding farms
at that time, with the land being cultivated as skillfully as the livestock was
treated. Eventually, there were 100 head of cattle, young and old. The calf
barn was "ablaze with electric light at night...looking like the busy
marts of trade."</div>
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Over the years the acreage increased, as more and more
neighboring farms were purchased. Besides the manor house were about six homes
for the workers on the farm, creating a unique community. Once the stock farm
was dissolved, the houses became private homes on a dead-end road - McAdam
Road. Joanne Bolan, who lived up there, remembers it as a social kind of place
where you knew and valued your neighbors. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Early in his ownership of the
estate, Mr. McAdam set about to beautify the acreage. Surrounding the manor were
acres of tilled, fertile farmland, as well as woodland and parks. At one time
there were bridges over a trout brook, and deer enclosures; and today one can
see the remnants of what was formerly an orchard of over a thousand apple
trees. There were also 21 pools and waterfalls of different sizes, some of
which still can be admired. Ed Bennett, who grew up on Gridley Paige Road,
told me that he goes over there often in
an attempt to keep the property in shape. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Florist Adelaide Foote of Deansboro
had the supervision of the flowers and shrubs around the homestead. A large
variety of plants were stocked, and almost every wildflower which can flourish
in this climate were planted. Also, Miss Foote experimented with several
varieties of orchids.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Although Mr. and Mrs. Quentin
McAdam lived on South Street, Utica, during the heydays of the
Brothertown/McAdam stock farm, the McAdams spent weekends and most of the
summer months at the homestead, overseeing the farm. The farm was a beautiful
and successful estate during their tenure there.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Quentin McAdam died in December,
1918, and his sister Josephine Gridley, who lived in the Gridley
Homestead, passed away 18 hours after
her brother's death. His nephew, Oscar Gridley, son of his sister Josephine,
who was groomed to succeed his uncle, did so. By 1923 he split his time between
his home in Utica and the Gridley Homestead; however, his heart was not in the
running of the farm: he did not have his uncle's passion for the animals and the
land; he spent less and less time there. Eventually, the stock was sold and the
farm dissolved. For a while, Mr. & Mrs. John Losee of Richfield Springs
(Mrs. Losee was Oscar Gridley's sister) lived there; now most of the land is possessed
by the Zwiefels, and the homes are privately owned.</div>
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It was a beautiful place, and still
is. The sad thing, in Mr. Bennett's opinion, is that no one knows it is there
and few remember it's former glory. The pools and the waterfalls, not to
mention the existing vegetation, are worth the trip to Gridley Paige Road to
enjoy the view, and to revel in it all.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-73382937103737415582018-02-11T13:18:00.005-08:002018-02-11T13:18:59.255-08:00Fires in Town of Marshall<div class="MsoNormal">
The huge fire in Oriskany Falls in December 2017, destroying a
100+ year old building, brought about thoughts of fires in the past of the Town
of Marshall. Most were small and quickly put out; others, as we shall see, did
considerable damage.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1888, before the fire department was organized, a fire
was discovered in the store of Northrup & Smith (on the corner of Routes
12B and 315) in time to prevent a disastrous blaze. The fire caught from the
heat of a large tubular lamp which was suspended from the ceiling. Had it made
much more headway there would have been nothing else to do but to watch
Deansboro go up in smoke. </div>
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Therefore, in 1896, the Barton Hose Company in Deansboro was
formed as an outgrowth of the Deanboro Water System, first known as the
Deansboro Fire Company. In 1906, David
Barton of Waterville, whose family was one of the earliest white settlers in
the Town Of Marshall, realized having a fire department was a huge benefit to
the community and beyond, witness the way
fires were extinguished quickly and efficiently before they became
serious. Fires both small and large were, unfortunately, common back in the
1800s.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Barton was an early benefactor of the fire company, donating
money for a fire house; and the name was changed to the Barton Hose Company to
honor him. The early equipment consisted of two hand-drawn horse carts, and the
alarm for fires was at first the church-bells, then the whistle on the
Condensery and finally an electric siren like the one we're used to hearing.
Quite a far cry from the sophisticated equipment operated to such good purpose
today. Every member of the Barton Hose Company is, then and now, a volunteer.</div>
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Although we have been fortunate enough to never have had a
15-alarm fire, as in Oriskany Falls, some of our fires have been pretty
spectacular. Most recently, eight fire departments responded to the barn fire
at the home of Doug Alberding on Skyline Drive. In that fire in September 2016,
the barn and milking station were lost,
although Mr. Alberding and volunteers
were able to save the cattle. Mr. Allberding has started rebuilding on the site
of the fire.</div>
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Very early in January, 2011, a big fire broke out in the
Marshall Town Barn, destroying the barn and all the equipment in it. Firefighters
from 10 departments were at the scene all day January 2 and into the night.
Because so much equipment was lost (plows, front end loaders, tools),
neighboring superintendents of highway departments offered the use of their
plows, etc., until the Town Of Marshall
could get on its feet. The fire was caused an electrical short in one of the
parked trucks. By the summer, plans were
drawn for a new building and construction was complete by the next year.</div>
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Six fire companies responded to two fires within a week on
Bill Edwards' farm on Route 12B toward Clinton (now owned by Charles
Brubaker) in 1981. First, the large
dairy barn behind the residence was burned to the ground just after milking, so
the stock was able to be saved. There was little wind, so the fire did not
spread to the house. Then three days later, fire broke out in the tenant house
across the road. Two families lived there,
and the family in the front of the house were relocated to a house on Peck Road owned by the Edwards', while the
other family was able to return to their apartment in the back of the house
when the fire was extinguished.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
A
machinery-laden barn and
1000 bales of hay
were burned in November 1952 at the Virgil Eastman farm
(now owned by the Blakeleys) on Route 315. The barn was leveled, and Mr.
Eastman reported seeing what he called "young boy's tracks in the
hay." Children playing with matches
was the cause of the fire on Bush Road, near Deansboro, in 1950. The fire
wasn't too serious - just burning a hole in the ceiling of the barn - but it
could have spread and been much more serious.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
What
was a serious fire was the one in 1960 which burned the GLF (Grange League
Federation) feed store. The fire was caused by an overheated feed bed filled with
brewer's yeast. The fire, fought by four fire companies, practically destroyed
the two-story building, and injured two fire-fighters: Gerald McMullen, who was
hospitalized after being burned; and Nick Sango, who suffered a cut on his face
from falling debris. Although the building was heavily damaged, volunteers were
able to bring out many bags of grain and feed due to the
"mushrooming" of the flames
through the top of the building.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Just
two years later, fire broke out on the corner store, then operated by Steven
Congelo and called the Buy-Rite Superette. Damage was confined to the building already
damaged by a runaway tractor-trailer truck; if it had spread it would have
engulfed half the hamlet of Deanboro. The building was owned by Lida Earl.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A much scarier and more serious fire took place in 1956,
when a teen-aged Gail Buell Blau and her family
were driven from their home near Oriskany Falls, which was destroyed, into sub-zero weather. Although
the nearly 50 firemen from four companies were unable to save the house, they managed
to keep the fire from spreading, and most of the furniture was saved. The cause
of that fire was defective electrical wiring. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another family escaped injury
when their house on Route 315 was damaged by fire in 1985. Charles Williams,
his wife and young child were able to get out of the building safety, as most
of the damage was confined to the second floor and roof.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
High winds fanned the fire at the then-Milton Wratten
homestead (now owned by Ed Gallagher), destroying a large hay barn and adjacent
shed in 1961. Luckily, the family wasn't home at the time, but one calf was
lost. Seven fire companies responded to that fire. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1933, Fire of unknown cause destroyed
three buildings at the Condensery, at that time owned by Claude Hinman. A shop, a garage and an ice house were
burned. Commentary in the Waterville Times stated, "The local fire
department did good work in saving the Condensery building located
nearby."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Firefighters from three villages fought for more than three
hours, but were unable to save two large barns on the Stewart Hinman farm on
the north just outside of Deansboro, but they were able to save the house and
three other buildings threatened by the wind-driven flames. In February 1955,
fire broke out at the Donald Hinman L-shaped barn, destroying it. However,
despite being hampered by freezing water lines, quick action by firefighters from Deansboro and Oriskany
Falls were able to save the rest of the farm buildings and rescue 25 head of
cattle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
McConnell's Farm and Home Store on Route 315 was destroyed
by fire in April of 1982. A shed and some tools and machinery were saved, but
fighting the fire was problematic because of the combustible materials inside
the structure and the high heat of the fire. That heat melted part of the
siding of the house which was adjacent to the store, and oxygen was
administered those firemen affected by the heat intensity. Marilyn and Louis
Spina live there now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many remember the suspicious fire in 1981, which destroyed
the former Macabee Hall in Deansboro.
The fire was reportedly sparked by an explosion in the early hours of
the morning. Because the building, which at the time of the fire was owned by A.R. D'Agostino of Clnton, and
operated as JR's Tavern, was fully involved by the time the fire department
arrived , firefighters concentrated on saving the house next to the 84-year-old
structure. The Boro is in that location. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another suspicious fire is the one
which burned the Cheese Factory near Oriskany Creek in 1891.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1961, a farm garage and shop, as well as an automobile,
two tractors, a welder and a number of tools, were destroyed by fire before it
was brought under control. The buildings were part of the Harry G. Goodson and
Robert Lloyd farms. Firefighters were able to keep the flames from a house and
a large barn of either side of the burning building.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In February 1931, the Deansboro Union Free School building,
located on West Hill Road - Ruia's own the property now - was completely
destroyed by fire. It was believed that the fire, which started in the early
hours of the morning, was caused by the stove overheating. The structure
contained six rooms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fire and smoke heavily damaged the Music Box Restaurant in
January, 1968, now known as Kristen's Kountry Kafe. The fire began in the
kitchen and the firemen were successful in preventing it from spreading,
although the interior was heavily damaged by smoke and water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in 1920, fire destroyed the saw and cider mill and a
barn owned by Julius Waterman on Route 315, about one-half mile from Deansboro,
practically wiping out his business. An automobile and two trucks were burned.
The house, which was located nearby, was saved by the help of neighbors who
gathered at the scene by the hundreds. A bucket brigade was formed and the
house was saved. Some lumber and wood and about 200 barrels of cider and a lot
of apples were burned. The mills were
among the largest of the kind at that time, as well as among the oldest. They
were formerly owned by Charles Brooks. It is possible lanterns caused the
blaze.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An electrical fire in January, 1999, leveled the large main
barn on the Melvin Durant farm on Lewis Road. Although 22 heifers were lost, 60
heifers and 80 cows plus one bull were saved and subsequently sold. Later in
the year, a hay barn was built on the site of the fire, and as well as a small
barn to house about 20-25 heifers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1961, a fire destroyed the barn next to where I lived as
a teenager, which was rented by Norm Ingersoll to shelter the tractor trailers
for his business, Glenor Carting. We had to evacuate but thanks to the firemen
who concentrated on keeping the fire from spreading to our house and the
Ingersoll's house across the street, we were able to go back to bed, although
the firemen continued to keep watch during for flare-ups. We will forever be
grateful for their presence. The metal-clad pole barn put up in the barn's
place is now rented by L&F Custom Builders.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have been more fires in the Town of Marshall; perhaps
you readers remember some. If so, I would be grateful if you contact me at
townofmarshalblogger@gmail.com.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's obvious that we owe all volunteer fire departments in
the area a huge debt. They are fighting to save our homes under what can be
excruciating conditions: freezing weather; bitter cold; hot, humid temperatures
(with all that gear!); or brisk wind, all at any hour of the day and night. And
we can't forget the fact that the firefighters are often hampered by
sightseers, drivers who refuse to move when they know there is a fire truck
behind them, equipment which sometimes doesn't cooperate. Firefighters always
go to the scene of a fire with the expectation they may be injured, either at
the scene itself, or on their way to assist. For example, when the former CCC
camp on Route 315 by Oriskany Creek, then a migrant camp, burned in 1951, a man
on his way to help battle the flames was hit by a car and badly injured.
Firefighting is serious work and every volunteer department in the area has won
our deep gratitude. We can return the favor by supporting them in their various
endeavors (chicken barbecues, ham dinner, fish fries), and give what you can to
their annual fund drives.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-34675506432081589472018-02-11T13:13:00.002-08:002018-02-11T13:13:13.303-08:00National Gate Company<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Does anyone
remember the National Gate Company? It was a concern started in 1903 for the
manufacture of an invention by Mr. George S. Patrick of Dicksville in the Town
of Marshall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That invention was
described as a "self opening and closing gate," made of iron pipe and
wire. The gate was constructed so that the wheels of a wagon passing over a
small iron hoop which, when pressed down, pulled a small chain fastened at
the bottom of the hinge end of the gate.
This caused the latch to lift and the weight swung the gate inward. When the
wagon had passed through, the chain was released and the gate closed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The National
Gate Company was in the old cheese factory on Route 315, where an engine and
other machinery for the manufacture of the gates were installed. The capital
stock was $15,000, and the officers were as follows: president, Robert Hadcox;
vice-president W.F. Kimball; secretary and treasurer Abram Van Vechten;
superintendent of construction, George S. Patrick. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Patrick,
who was a prominent hop grower and farmer, secured a patent for his innovative design
through patent attorneys in Utica. He exhibited the self-opening gate at the
Brookfield Fair in 1903, which captured the attention of many people, including
W.C. McAdam, who termed the invention an important industry for the Town of
Marshall and became it's attorney.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The only
other mention of the National Gate Company was notice of the dissolution of the
company in 1915. Mr. Patrick, after serving the town in one capacity or
another, passed away in 1928.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-90453519362508252522018-02-11T13:11:00.000-08:002018-02-11T13:11:47.422-08:00Diners in Deansboro<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">What's in a name? The small diner
adjacent to Buell's Fuel (formerly the Musical Museum) has had many names over
the years. Built by Art Sanders in 1955 next to the increasingly popular
Musical Museum, it was first intended as a place visitors could go for coffee,
ice cream, pie, as well as use the expanded rest rooms. But after some thought,
it was decided to make it larger with a manager, cook, wait staff, several
tables and a separate kitchen, offering three meals a day. It was called the
Music Box, and was opened July 5, 1955.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">George Rittenberger was the first person
to rent the restaurant, with the help of Barney Quakenbush and several local
workers. He was there until the fall of 1955, when Johanne Jipson, Doris Hinman
and Sue Kennard took over, which lasted until 1962.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">After that, a series of people ran the Music
Box restaurant with varying degrees of success. At that point, the Sanders
family, who owned the building and the equipment associated with the
restaurant, decided that they would be responsible for insuring and maintaining
the building only. The renters from then on out should purchase their own
equipment, insure it, and maintain it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The next people to manage
the Music Box restaurant was in 1962, when the Carroll Dow family, who lived on
Route 315, where Jackie Williams lives today, were responsible for day-to-day
operations. They planned to open at 6:00 a.m., and remain open until 9:00 p.m.
The Dows planned a noon special every day. The restaurant was also the scene of
a bake sale, for the benefit of the Deansboro Grade School.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Following the Dows, the
restaurant was operated by the Bernard Tucker family, of Dugway Road, including
the older and younger generations. They came in 1965 until 1968. A few months
after the Tuckers left, the Music Box restaurant was heavily damaged by fire
and smoke. A passing motorist spotted
smoke coming from the building, which had been closed, and the Barton Hose
Company was quickly on the scene. They were successful in preventing the fire
in the kitchen from spreading but found it necessary to open the roof to allow
the intense heat to escape, thus preventing an all-out blaze. The remainder of
the interior was extensively damaged by smoke and water. Art Sanders, owner of
the Music Box and the adjacent Musical Museum, commended the quick action of
the firemen and reported that the restaurant would be opened again soon under
new management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The new management was in
1968 under Leona Ludwig from West Winfield, who renamed the restaurant the
Dinner Bell. That continued to be the name until 1971. Then it was taken over
by Joyce Leaf of Deansboro, who, with her husband Edward, ran it for several
years until his death in 1974, and then continued to run it until 1982. At that
time, it was called Joyce's Dinner Bell. The restaurant was closed for a couple
of years, and was then re-opened by Gene Bickford and his wife Beverly from
Crogan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
the Bickfords, the restaurant was rented by Edna and Paul Bickoski and Bev Kennard
in the mid-1980s, still called the Dinner Bell. In 1992, Wesley Wendt took over
and called the restaurant Apple Betty's Dinner Bell. That continued until 1997
when Joan McNamara, who worked at the diner, purchased the equipment from him
and went into business. A few years later, she acquired the entire property, including
that which was formerly the Musical Museum, at auction. She operated the diner for
many years as Joan's Country Cafe. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Joan's
staff consisted of Kathy Tallman, Helga Rush, Linda Elliot, and Helen Wormouth,
as well as part-time help including her daughter Cami on weekends. The atmosphere at Joan's was friendly and cozy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In the mid 2000s, Joan
sold the property to Mike Buell, who operates a thriving business dealing in
heating oil, kerosene and diesel fuel. He rented the restaurant to Kris
Eisenhut, who ran it until Kristen Jones took over in the fall of 2014.
Kristen, with Scott Jones and Howie Jennings, manage what is now called
Kristen's Kountry Kafe, with the same homey, cozy, familiar ambiance as well as
fantastic food. It's a great place to meet and greet fellow townsfolk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
N<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">o matter what it's
named, it remains a first-class diner, and Deansboro is very fortunate to
retain it.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-12647482189931005292018-02-11T13:06:00.003-08:002018-02-11T13:06:42.564-08:00Cheese Factory<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Just before Oriskany Creek going south
on Route 315 was the Deansboro Cheese Factory, owned by F.H. VanVechton. The factory was built in 1883 and
was operated from 1886 until 1891, when a fire broke out. The fire was discovered
to have been set by two disgruntled farmers whose milk, which was sent to the
factory, was found unsatisfactory. Around 12,000 to 13,000 pounds of cheese
were destroyed, and while the loss on the building was considerable, it was partially
insured. Therefore, it was rebuilt that same year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The cheese factory produced only two
sizes, large round wheels weighing 30 pounds and 60 pounds, under the
management first of James D. Kelly and then of J.H. Gazlay. Gazlay was also in
charge of the cheese factory on Peck's Corner (corner of Peck Road and Shanley
Road). During the months of May through November, when the cheese factory was
open, around 700,000 pounds of milk were received, and over 66,000 pounds of cheese
were manufactured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In 1901, the stock holders of the
company met to discuss the future of the factory. At that meeting, G.B.
Northrup, J.D. Kelly, Ralph Lumbard and John Toole were elected directors. Apparently, the future of the Deansboro Cheese
Factory was not very bright, as the next mention is of the building being
purchased by Robert Hadcox in 1903. He intended to install an engine and other
machinery for the manufacture of self-opening farm gates, using a patent held
by George S. Patrick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The National Gate Company, Hadcox and
Patrick's enterprise, went out of business in 1916, and in 1919 there was a
concerted effort by members of the Dairyman's League to reopen a cheese factory
in that location which did not come to fruition. The building burned in the
early 1920s, sat unused for several years, and finally disintegrated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fast forward to 2008: The DOT proposed
a bridge replacement project over Oriskany Creek, but before that could be
started, archaeologists from the New York State Museum's Cultural Resource
Survey Program were dispatched in October of that year to conduct shovel test
excavations, searching for evidence of prehistoric or historic sites. Since the
cheese factory, and later the National Gate Company were in that location, the
search was extensive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The archeologists found numerous
artifacts that are typical of historic and roadside litter, but most noteworthy
was the discovery of the remains of the Deansboro Cheese Factory. The shovel
tests partially uncovered a stone masonry slab that may have been the factory's
entrance, and revealed the outlines of the building's foundation. Other
artifacts recovered from the shovel tests were architectural (nails, bricks,
lumber fragments and window glass); and general items such as brackets, hooks,
bolts, pulleys, rods, bars and a large padlock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">David Staley, New York State
archeologist and project manager for the Cultural Resource Survey Program presented the findings of the dig at the
Marshall Historical Society in October, 2009.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-64010240860948273562018-02-11T13:04:00.002-08:002018-02-11T13:08:33.024-08:00Adelaide Foote Greenhouse<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Around the
same time plans were being made to build a condensery in Deansboro, and the
Blanding Feed and Grain Company was underway, another little-known business was
just starting up: Adelaide Foote's Greenhouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Miss Foote
lived with her family on Mill Street (2673 State Route 315) with her parents,
Orin and Mary Foote, and her sister and two brothers. She was a
great-granddaughter on her mother's side of John Failing, who allegedly was
held captive for four year by an Indian tribe in 1776 and subsequently sold to
a British officer in Canada for whiskey (he walked to his home in St.
Johnsville). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From a
relatively early time, Adelaide Foote was recognized for her skill in
landscaping and her eye for color and decoration, and she transferred these
attributes to opening a greenhouse at the Mill Street location. The greenhouse
was built in 1902, and at first she intended to provide only roses and
carnations but later branched out to all floral varieties. In later years, she drew up plans for a large
extension to the greenhouse, added an iron gate in front of the main house,
changed the heating from steam to a hot water system, and had a driveway built
from the road to the greenhouse, with the result that the enterprise was called
"a credit to the community."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Miss Foote supervised
the growing of the flowers and shrubs around the McAdam (Brothertown) Stock
Farm on Gridley-Paige Road, which was known for the breeding of pure, prize
Holstein-Friesian cattle. Several varieties of orchids had been transplanted,
and she experimented with various other beautiful wild growths. She also was a
judge at many garden club exhibits and competitions. But outstanding among the
flowers in her gardens were dahlias,
with stalks up to 5 feet high and some blossoms six inches across, of
all colors which, Miss Foote asserted, were grown from seeds from California.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Adelaide Foote placed an
advertisement in the The Deansboro Holler in 1922 for her greenhouse which
reads, "Rouge up your house and ground with some flowers." She
offered geraniums, vincas, petunias, verbonas, pansies and more for window
boxes, lawns and gardens. The ad went on to state that Miss Foote also
conducted a "magazine subscription agency," where patrons could
subscribe to a magazine of his or her choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That same year, a fire
broke out in the Feed & Lumber Company, which threatened the greenhouse;
however, quick action by the fire department saved the building from ruin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The business was so
successful that at one point, Miss Foote commented that rumors she was going
out of business were "much exaggerated." She was very much in demand as a speaker and
expert on horticulture, and there were many reports that her business was steady
and growing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Miss Adelaide Foote became
ill in 1937 and was taken to Rome Hospital. I could not find an obituary for
her, but mention was made in 1938 that the property was sold to Clement and
Emily Smith, who planned to operate a green house. The next transaction was in
1943, when the Smiths moved to Main Street, Deansboro - State Route 12B - into
the house now owned by Betty Hughes and Dave Georgius. They moved the large greenhouse,
which had been at the back of the house on Mill Street, with them. Dale Tuttle
Lints, who lived there as a girl, tells me that a smaller greenhouse located in
the front of the garage was later moved to 12B. The Tuttle family lived there until
the 1960s, then the Lewis Brood family; and then the Willard Marsh family. Chad
Seifert, who now owns the property, showed me around his back yard where, he
said, the outline of the former greenhouse could be seen.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ADDENDUM: One of the many pleasures of researching history and sharing
the results is the feedback from readers. The recent column on Adelaide Foote's
house brought several comments, among them Dale Tuttle Lints of Waterville, who
lived in the house from 1947 until the 1950s. Her parents bought the house
directly from the Smiths, who bought it in 1938, eliminating the "party
from Clark Mills" which was reported.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Smiths, meanwhile - brother and sister Clement and Emily
Smith - purchased the house on 2791 Route 12B, which is now owned by Betty
Hughes and David Georgius, and moved the large greenhouse up there. Mrs. Lints
remembers the smaller greenhouse, which was located in front of the garage
adjacent to the house, was moved later on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Adelaide Foote was Joan Barker Benedict's great aunt, her
grandmother Minerva Foote Barker's sister - her husband's name was John. Mrs.
John Barker's father was Oren Foote, who married Mary Failing, a sister of the
John Failing who was captured and escaped during the Revolutionary War. Oren
Foote built the flat-roof homes in town, for example the Deansboro Hotel and
the house next to it. Many of us remember Mrs. John Barker' son, J. Oren, who
ran a TV and Appliance center in the center of Deanboro, which was formerly the
Hamilton House, where his family lived: Oren Jr.; Joan, Carol (Koren) and
Sandy; and is now operated as an antique shop called Ye Olde Canal Shoppe,
started by Joan Barker Benedict with her late husband Allen and still run by
Mrs. Benedict today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And the first television in Deansboro? It was at J. Oren
Barker's appliance center in the 1950s. Joan Benedict remembers that her father
set a bench in front of the store window so people could sit down and witness
this miraculous invention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-88514325162209856172017-01-25T10:50:00.000-08:002017-01-25T10:50:36.675-08:00History of the Condensery in Deansboro, NY<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The
dairy situation in the Town of Marshall has a long, interesting and sometimes
convoluted history. In the late 1800 (1886), farmers took their milk to one of
two cheese factories. One was located down Mill Street (Route 315) near
Oriskany Creek, and the other on Peck's Corners, both of which were in charge
of J.H. Gazaly. The cheese factory near the Oriskany Creek burned in 1891, was
rebuilt, and both closed in 1902. Apparently, there was also a station which
took raw milk, according to early newspaper articles, and the surplus milk was
sent to the factory to make cheese and butter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Reportedly, the station delivered 100 cans daily which were sent to the
Mutual Milk Company in New York via the railroad. There is no mention of where
this plant was located, except presumably
by the railroad: does anyone know?
This enterprise ended in 1900, or at least that's the last mention of a
milk station other than the Condensery on Route 315, which was called the
United States Condensed Milk Company, home of Sunshine Condensed Milk; Mohawk Condensed Milk Company; and finally Hinman Farm Products.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the early days of the 20th century, with the cheese
factory and the milk station closed, the question of what to do with the supply
of milk which was produced became acute, and a group of industrious citizens of the Town of Marshall met to
organize a milk condensery. The United
States Condensed Milk Company was incorporated at Albany and commenced
operation in August, 1902. The directors for the first year were Charles A.
Hovey, Quentin McAdam, George I. Hovey, Howard E. Miller, Robert H. Hadcox,
William Kimball, all of Deanville; and John
A. Roof, who hailed from Fort Plain, the site of another United States
Condensed Milk plant which was founded in 1888. As a matter of fact, the plant
in Deansboro was built and equipped under his supervision, and he was the first
superintendent of the plant. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuRNzZtCh1cKrP4TOgoi1WVPzE-mFVmgOb-TPjjcKf30-4mKww-HQIQ4ecrGoQvyBDR2kgSReHB2E67TMDzRrnkb4S4hB3qoRMTxWM5pRDjEyPNCTmnW4SJowiBpNsuVmd1RRhlDjVrdL/s1600/condensery+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuRNzZtCh1cKrP4TOgoi1WVPzE-mFVmgOb-TPjjcKf30-4mKww-HQIQ4ecrGoQvyBDR2kgSReHB2E67TMDzRrnkb4S4hB3qoRMTxWM5pRDjEyPNCTmnW4SJowiBpNsuVmd1RRhlDjVrdL/s320/condensery+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United States Condensed Milk Plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Capital stock of $50,000 was
secured and a site was purchased on Mill Street (Route 315) adjoining the Ontario &
Western rail road tracks, served with a special branch track, across from the railroad station. The main
building, which still stands today, was 50x140 feet in size, and was two
stories high. Grove Hinman and Hubert Bishopp were two carpenters on the job.
There was also a round brick smoke stack 72 feet high, built of special
ventilated brick, which was demolished in 1987. The milk was received in a wing
on the west side, and a coal house was in the rear. At the right of the entrance hall were the business offices, and adjoining were lavatories and all sanitary conveniences.
In the rear was a large store room and
back of this was the process
room, with a concrete
floor. On the second floor was the large vacuum pan, where the milk was
condensed. The whole of the front portion of the building was given to the
manufacture of tin cans and the cases in which the milk was shipped. The cans
held 14 and 16 ounces, and each case contained 48 cans. The capacity of the
plant was from 400 to 500 cases per day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At least 50 people in the Town of Marshall were employed by
the Condensery, which received large quantities of milk of "fine
quality", no milk testing less than
8%. A whistle of about 10 or 15 feet was
put on the Condensery to signal noontime and again when work stopped for the
day. The whistle was also used as a signal for fire until the 1930s, when the
motorized siren was installed in the fire house. Patrons were sought and contracts signed, and
they were in business.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In August, the contracts through January 1903 for the price
of milk per hundred was 95 cents; September, $1.10; October $1.20; November
$1.30; December $1.40; January $1.40. In the winter, it was reported that milk
receipts shrank due to the feed for the cattle.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In August of 1903,
tragedy struck the Condensery in the form of a suicide of a foreman at the
plant. Edward S. Grower, who took his own life, was described as a good workman
and never appeared to be depressed in any way.
Even with this little setback, the plant expanded and farmers received
the highest price for milk ever paid in the vicinity. The plant was described
as "first class in every way." The price of milk delivered to the Condensery
in May, 1904, was $1.45 per one hundred. </div>
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<br /></div>
In 1904, a case came
before the state in which the defendant was Patrick W. Madden of the Town of
Marshall. Mr. Madden was accused of violating agricultural law by selling milk
not up to standard. He sold milk to the United States Condensed Milk Company
which contained some 88% of water and less than 12% milk solids. Mr. Madden
claimed the milk was tampered with and denied diluting it at all, but the
judgment was for the plaintiff.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
That same year, the supply fell off slightly owing, in great
measure, to the "annoyance caused by flies." The price remained the
same ($1.45 per hundred). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Condensery used more water than that which could be
supplied by the Deansboro Water Company, so a new reservoir, located on West
Hill, was built around 1905 by the company, and was used as a storage reservoir
from which to fill the Deansboro Water Company's reservoir when necessary. They
also installed a large Seneca Falls pump at Blanding's mill (located south of
the plant) and attempted to get water from the Oriskany Creek so there would be
ample supply for the plant. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At an annual stockholder's meeting of the United States
Condensed Milk Company, the report of the superintendent showed that the past
season - 1906 -had been a prosperous one. Indeed, foundations were laid for
another addition to the Condensery. Plans were for the receiving room to be
enlarged, and for covering the entrance for the teams of horses. The milk
supply at the Condensery was said to be
very good and the future predicted to be bright; considerable overtime work was
required to take care of the milk. The farmers were getting higher prices than
ever for their milk. Things were going along smoothly, and there came a slight bump
in the road.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In July, 1908, a number of people were laid off, due to the
shipments of milk in forty quart cans. The help which were laid off were those
who worked at making the cans and the labels. The "vacation" came to
an end in September when those workers were back at their posts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An interesting case that attracted considerable attention
was an action entitled "United States Condensed Milk Company of Deansboro
against Max and Jacob Smith of New York."
According to the suit, during a stated period the Condensery in
Deansboro shipped a great quantity of milk to New York City. 727 cans in all
were used. An inspector found that the cans shipped were undergoing a change:
the initials U.S.C.M. Co. were being removed and the initials M. Smith &
Son were taking their place. The Condensery sued the New York men for $4,650,
or $50 a can. The jury found for the United States Condensed Milk Company, and
determined that anyone tampering with milk cans in the future would face a
fine. This victory was notable, and had a important impact on the milk
business. Before this came to light, there had been numerous complaints about
the purloining of milk cans.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After this triumph, the supply of milk fell off again, this
time reportedly due to the expense of feed for the cows; therefore, the price
of milk fell off as well. Still, the Condensery employed a force of men to
build a dam in the channel of the abandoned Chenango Canal, which created a
pond from which ice was cut for the Condensery ice house. And spirits were
high: an editorial in 1906 proclaimed that "the little village is taking
on quite a boom. Houses are scarce,
and...the business of the town is increasing right along."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, in 1909, the directors of the United States
Condensed Milk Company petitioned the court for a voluntary dissolution of said
corporation. Justice DeAngelis of the court in Utica, who presided over the
petition, asked the directors to show cause why the corporation should be
dissolved, and the directors stated that they had "lost a large portion of
capital stock, and were unable to conduct business satisfactorily." The
United States Condensed Milk Company was subsequently sold to St. Johnsville
Condensed Milk Company, and was known as the Mohawk Condensed Milk Company
(sometimes called Mohawk Valley Condensed Milk Company).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before that transaction, the Condensery announced that no
new contracts would be entered into until the affairs of the corporation were
settled. Until that time, a large amount of milk was accumulated in storage.
Suggestions were made that a creamery -
such as the one in Paris - and another cheese factory were the answers to the
set-back in the dairy business.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neither was necessary. In April, 1909, the transaction from
the United States Condensed Milk Company to Mohawk Condensed Milk Company was
complete, and new patrons were received.
A machine for making the lock seams in the cans was placed in position
at the Condensery. Once it was in operation, the old method of side seaming
with solder was discontinued. Work also began in 1910 on an addition which was
used for storing ice. The building, which was delayed because of the
non-arrival of some irons and then by the laying-off of the brick layers, was
75 feet long and 48 feet wide, two stories. There was a space of some 15 feet
between the two building, which were (still are) adjacent to each other which.
Along with a fire wall, this was required by the insurance company. When the
annex to the Condensery was completed, the building formerly used for storage
was remodeled into a house for employees, which still stands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8n2AO1R-SxURRbTwI4__tvPciaNd2k3SIJnP4V1pDYBYTU3gW45MHIPzSZHaLGm5xXTbALVgIq2L_t9eL4ImE9ycI5N6AfKgCbJ1J4kkdc_sy2RFuhZ2vMORFtz01rXNFlDWv4lHM3RH/s1600/condensery+6+mohawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8n2AO1R-SxURRbTwI4__tvPciaNd2k3SIJnP4V1pDYBYTU3gW45MHIPzSZHaLGm5xXTbALVgIq2L_t9eL4ImE9ycI5N6AfKgCbJ1J4kkdc_sy2RFuhZ2vMORFtz01rXNFlDWv4lHM3RH/s320/condensery+6+mohawk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An interesting article in the Waterville Times in December,
1910, stated that "there has been more than the ordinary amount of
excitement in and about the condensery." Anonymous letters were received
by two of the condensery employees. The
article did not mention what the letters contained, but apparently efforts were
made to find out who wrote the letters and why. Also at the same time, an
employee lost the envelope containing his week's wages. And the article goes on
to add that "some of the milk producers are becoming careless and are
late." The article cited one farmer who left his can of milk on the
receiving platform on a Sunday which subsequently froze.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Condensery was an important enterprise in those times,
and the above article indicates that whatever happened there was of no small
interest to the village and surrounding counties. The Condensery was receiving
50,000 pounds of milk daily and the monthly payroll to the farmers was $22,000
- a princely sum in 1910. They received $2.00 per hundred for their milk then.
Consequently, the Condensery was a source of great pride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the mornings, the milk trucks came rolling in by the
hundreds from the hills on either side. Walter J. Mapes was the superintendent
then, and he lived across the street in the big stucco house. The house was
heated from steam generated by the boilers at the Condensery through an
insulated pipe under the road into the cellar. When the pipe broke, it was
decided not to replace it, and a furnace was installed. F.L. Nelson was the
bookkeeper. There were over 200 patrons of the Condensery.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The success and continued operation of the milk plant,
however, had some drawbacks, among them smoke from the factory chimney, which
generated many complaints. However, Mapes, accompanied by Mr. Gibbie from the
St. Johnsville plant, inspected and purchased several appliances in Buffalo and
Rochester which could be attached to each boiler, thereby reducing the smoke.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many refused to join the Dairyman's League out of respect
for the Condensery, which always treated their customers fairly. The League officials worked hard to arrive at
some plan satisfactory to both the League and the Condensery, and to keep fluid
milk being shipped to New York. Some liked the plan, and others were not so
satisfied. That was unsettling, because the Condensery was the biggest industry
in Deansboro in terms of payout at that time, and was a source of great wealth
to the farmer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one needed to worry that the Mohawk Condensed Milk Company
would go out of business; it grew so that by 1918 it was reaching out for more
milk, and the plant was becoming so large it was necessary to employ a
blacksmith - Don Williams. The railroads were booming along with the
Condensery. Car loads of cans, tons of sugar, and soft coal were brought in by
train.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But by February 1920, the Condensery was having a hard time
finding enough sugar for their product. There was a blockade in Albany with the
result two carloads were held up. Some sugar was delivered from Frankfort,
brought to Clinton by trolley and then delivered to Deansboro, but that was
only a stop-gap measure. Concerns were that if the plant could not secure
enough sugar it would close, although every effort was made so that would not
happen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By spring, however, the Condensery was closed. The farmers
were trying to find some way to dispose of their milk. Some, like the Eisenhuts
on East Hill, separated their own milk; others took their milk to nearby milk stations or creameries; some even sold
their cows. Deansboro, it was reported, was quiet in the mornings for the first
time in many years - not a single milk wagon could be seen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The milk situation remained in an uncertain state until
April, 1921 when the Condensery resumed operations. By the end of the month, it
was receiving 30,000 pounds of milk daily. The canning of the milk continued,
requiring more help - good news to a lot of people - and the hustle and bustle
returned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ralph Moore was the superintendent then, and he oversaw a
great increase in the production of condensed milk. To understand how the product
was manufactured, one must start with the knowledge that the condensed
milk produced was not the sweet, sticky
product used today; it was more like evaporated milk, only thicker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The boilers ran all the time at the Condensery. The coal
came in a railroad car, and a conveyer belt with buckets would transfer the
coal too the hopper. Milk was weighed and recorded, and poured into a vat,
where it was heated. Once the milk cooled, it was pumped into large holding
tanks, ready to be canned. That was where the ice house came in. Before
refrigeration, cakes of ice were used to keep the milk cool. Milk was received
from all over, and the Condensery was a busy place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, fortunes rise and fall, and the Mohawk Condensed
Milk Company was not immune to this. In
March, 1933, notice was given to the patrons that the plant, Deansboro's only
remaining industry other than farming, would be closed. It was short notice,
and the news which circulated that the plant would remain open until at least
July was taken with something of a grain of salt. Again, the question arose:
what to do about the milk? At that time,
no word was received about the future of the plant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hinmans to the rescue! In 1933, the Condensery was
purchased by Claude and Grove Hinman and was called Hinman Farm Products. At
first, they sold fluid milk, as well as manufacturing dry milk powder. In
addition, the company sold eggs, fruits,
grain, hay, straw, poultry, meats, feed and fertilizer, and made cheese and buttermilk.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eXdtAaTT1koOQ0TXFIllR4woIaxSHXk8a4xa-f46ulooHXkndvOsnqR7OxaxCMWj_7hQQW8cyu7wEHz5wd0mo-Olc1hqPpQVB1rrQSmFKLPRVLpo9_2Xa6_U6mm0xU-UIAmf9vNwbv4S/s1600/condensery+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eXdtAaTT1koOQ0TXFIllR4woIaxSHXk8a4xa-f46ulooHXkndvOsnqR7OxaxCMWj_7hQQW8cyu7wEHz5wd0mo-Olc1hqPpQVB1rrQSmFKLPRVLpo9_2Xa6_U6mm0xU-UIAmf9vNwbv4S/s320/condensery+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hinman Farm Products</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
After a while, the Hinmans abandoned, for the most part, the
dry powder and shipped the large stainless steel bulk tanks to New York City.
For a long time - into the 1970s - the plant shipped 40-pound cans, longer than
any other milk concern. The powder milk machine was used when there was a
surplus of milk, for things such as pet food and livestock food enrichment.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In July 1933, a fire of unknown origin destroyed three
buildings: a shop, which had recently been built; a garage; and an ice house.
The loss amounted to about $3,000. Because of the cement wall which had been
installed in 1910, firefighters were able to save the main part of the plant
from the blaze, which is still standing. Some trucks which had been stored at
the plant were hauled out by the firemen and were able to be restored. The
Hinmans started right away to rebuild.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hinman Farm Products continued to be beneficial to the
hamlet of Deansboro and its inhabitants for many years. Through the firm,
farmers were kept up-to-date on the latest developments and information
regarding better production and sanitation. The Hinmans also established a
dealership for tractors and farm implements at that location.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Jack Fennimore was superintendent of the plant from about
1940 to 1955, and the Charles Williams, who had been milk tester, took over that position. He arranged for a milk can washer machine to
be installed in the receiving room of the site in 1947.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSF5hvECjw1ZsKty9NlCJEQDipua9jKAr6aSHeC_O_1_ry_o6_Lk768U5sQVI6nrwZ_sBOY_VBmH6sO8Z3kTCT-BhyphenhyphenG4IE0FDkHqdSVIaPSvk4UhAil1XTDkYB0oJl_ysqMWF-DzhKcRsR/s1600/condensery+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSF5hvECjw1ZsKty9NlCJEQDipua9jKAr6aSHeC_O_1_ry_o6_Lk768U5sQVI6nrwZ_sBOY_VBmH6sO8Z3kTCT-BhyphenhyphenG4IE0FDkHqdSVIaPSvk4UhAil1XTDkYB0oJl_ysqMWF-DzhKcRsR/s320/condensery+1.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The operation went something like this: the farmer would
place his cans on the conveyor belt going into the building. The lid would be
taken off and if the smell was right, the lid would be put loosely on the can
and sent to the tester, who inserted a special piece of paper to get a sample
of the milk. After further testing, the
sample was placed in a rack under the farmer's name, and the can was emptied
into a vat of milk before going into a
holding tank. That milk was rapidly circulated through pipes and into a cooler
for transport to New York City.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, after the can had been emptied of its milk, it
was drawn into the new washer. Successive stream jets - boiling hot jets, then
cold rinses - went into the can and the lid. At the end, the lid was put firmly
into place and returned by conveyor belt to the farmer, who loaded it onto his
truck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the milk that didn't pass the initial "smell
test?" The lid was immediately pounded on the can and put on another
conveyor belt - the reject line - and likewise returned to the farmer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After many successful years, Hinman Farm Proucts announced
that it was closing in March, 1983. At that time, there were 183 customers and
there was much consternation among them. They blamed competition from the large
cooperatives for the closing of the plant, and feared they would not get as
much money for their milk, as well having to pay for it to be hauled long
distances, while losing that personal touch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Residents of Deansboro and the surrounding area chimed in
with words of regret. "It will leave a hole in our economy," Norman
Ingersoll, then-supervisor of the Town of Marshall was quoted as saying. Others
mourned the fact that the closing of the plant hurt badly, due to the loss of jobs; but also the loss of
a thriving industry in the heart of the village. Efforts to persuade the Hinman
brothers to keep Hinman Farm Products open failed, and farmers eventually found
other outlets for their milk. In 1987, the 72-foot chimney, part of the
original factory, was torn down, putting an end to that chapter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The building exists today. Part of it is occupied by Stuart
Lindfield of Lindfield Transmision and Repair, and part serves as headquarters
of Final Touch, operated by Rich Bennett. The Hinmans still own the property.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-30798443329093209202016-07-03T14:59:00.002-07:002016-07-03T14:59:47.925-07:00History of the O&W Railroad<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Walking
along the Town of Marshall Towpath Hike and Bike Trail, and on until Dugway
Road in the Town of Kirkland - which is actually the abandoned O&W Railroad
bed - is very peaceful and relaxing. One can easily imagine people from the
1800s and early 1900s looking out the windows of the passenger cars of their
trains as they traveled through and seeing essentially the same sights we enjoy
today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The history
of the trains going through the Town of Marshall begins, really, with the Erie
Canal. Many communities along the route saw increased businesses, more
opportunities for employment, and soaring property values; and other villages
and towns that weren't on the Erie Canal route wanted their own canal. The
Chenango Canal was opened in 1837, "from Binghamton up the valley of the
Chenango River and then to the Erie Canal, via Oriskany Valley."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Canal
transformed the little settlements along its path, and they flourished. However,
although the cost of building the Canal was approved by the New York State
Legislature, the tolls which were charged didn't make up for what the canal was
costing the State. In 1876, the state announced the closing of the Chenango
Canal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Meanwhile, in
1836, the year before navigation began on the canal, the Utica & Schenectady
Railroad had started operation between those two cities, and the Syracuse &
Utica Railroad had begun construction as well. Even though the canal had proved
to be a boon for the communities along the trail, it was obvious to a lot of
people that railroads were the wave of the future: more freight could be
carried, sometimes hours and days faster than the Canal. Also, the railroad
wouldn't freeze in the winter months, as the canal did, so freight and
passengers could be on their way no matter the weather. The trouble was the
railroad didn't run along the Chenango Valley pathway. The New York Central
Railroad was formed in 1853 from the U&S railroad and the S&U railroad
along the course of the Erie Canal, and the New York & Erie Railroad ran
trains to Binghamton, bypassing the communities along the Chenango Canal
altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1853, the
demand from towns from the Oriskany, Chenango and Sauquoit Valleys became so
loud that is was resolved a railroad connecting the New York Central line with
the New York & Erie line was necessary for the continued prosperity of
these communities. The Utica & Binghamton Railroad was formed. They
proposed to construct a railroad between Utica and Binghamton along the
Chenango Valley. Now to choose a route for the new railroad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There were
three routes proposed, but the one chosen - the canal route
(Sherburne-Earlville-Hamilton-Bouckville- Solsville-Oriskany
Falls-Deansville-Franklin Springs-Clinton) - was deemed to be the most
economical to operate because the path ran through settled areas, which
presented the greatest potential for passenger and freight business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, once
the route was determined, there was bitter disagreement between those towns and
villages which were on the selected route and those that weren't. Delaying
tactics were tried which were mostly unsuccessful; but, even so, construction
was put off on the Utica & Binghamton railroad. Then the New York State
Legislature came out with more laws which made implementing the U&B
railroad impossible. So that idea came to an end, but the desire to have a
railroad along the Chenango Valley corridor didn't.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Two men
reignited interest in a railroad: John Butterfield of Utica; and Othniel
Williams of Clinton (he once lived in Waterville). In 1862, the Utica City
Railroad Company was incorporated. That was initially once to be a only
streetcar system from Utica to New Hartford, but Butterfield petitioned the New
York State Legislature to change to name of the Utica City Railroad to the
Utica & Waterville Railroad, the first sign that the railroad would extend
further south and up the Chenango Valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1866,
work began on the extension from Utica to Clinton. Efforts were made to extend
the line beyond Clinton. Residents of the Town of Marshall, for example, were
particularly anxious the railroad be extended along the canal route. The
question of bonding came up to pay for the extension: in other words, through
personal subscription or higher taxes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the
meantime, two other railroads were organized to serve the communities south of
Clinton: The New York & Oswego Midland Railroad and the Utica, Chenango
& Susquehanna Valley Railroad. The routes proposed were to go along the
Chenango Valley to Norwich, as was the Utica & Waterville, although through
different towns and villages. This led
to a battle of finding bonding for the construction of these railroads, leaving
some communities conflicted over which would best suit their needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most
communities pinned their hopes on the Utica & Waterville Railroad. Despite
its name, Waterville was never on the proposed route of the railroad, so the
name was unofficially changed to Utica, Clinton & Chenango Valley railroad
and ran roughly along the canal route, which was deemed "the shortest and
most feasible route, the easiest to grade, the cheapest to build, and the best
route for business and travel." The Utica, Clinton & Chenango Valley
railroad later extended a line into Waterville. In 1868 the name was officially
changed to Utica, Clinton & Binghamton Railroad. In 1872, the New York
& Oswego Midland railroad took it over, and it was later operated by the
Ontario and Western railroad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On July 30, 1867, work began to extend the Utica &
Waterville railroad, or the more aptly titled Utica, Clinton & Binghamton railroad,
from Clinton to Deansville. 300-350 men worked on the railroad. A "turntable"
was built so the locomotive could get back to Utica. Embankments were cut back
and the roadbed was stabilized, and in 1868, regular service commenced. A year
later, the track was enlarged to Oriskany Falls, and in later years, beyond. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A trestle 1,950 feet long (called the
"mile-long trestle"), going into Oriskany Falls was built, and the
dirt for this came from Deansville. The fill was brought on flat cars and
unloaded by having a sort of an iron plow (like a village snow plow) drawn by
the engine over the cars filling in the sides; then it was leveled off by
workmen. The prefabricated bents needed to support the trestle were delivered
by nine boatloads down the Chenango Canal.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The site of
the Deansville Depot was selected - on the south side of the road leading to
Waterville, hoping for some interest from the residents of Waterville to ride
to Clinton. It was the first traditional railroad board-and-batten depot built
along the line of the Utica, Clinton & Binghamton Railroad (later the
O&W). It is a unique structure, at 24' x 72'. The first station agent was
James J. Hanchett, a prominent member of the community. The first conductor was
Jack Excell, who formerly ran a stagecoach from Utica to Binghamton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The railroad
was a windfall for Deansville (later Deansboro) for many reasons, most
particularly due to shipping hops and grain, and receiving the all-important
coal. Its importance was highlighted when land was purchased for the new condensery,
called the United States Condensed Milk Company and later the Mohawk Condensed
Milk Company, near the railroad in 1902. Instead of many local farmers having
to take their milk to Waterville or Clinton other places, they were able to
come right to Deansboro to have it processed and shipped via railroad to New
York City. The condensery also received coal to fuel its operations.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkLOypA4EgVfokbfk6gzBSGPuUcgCoLt0rElwhzqUrRwLAwuRco2JGnkgd-7-AhyphenhyphenKV-f8avcKaiI21zXP2a_5jxSrDoHrInGYi1EdqsHKFTDjZI8ym_-_i-MP8iVa3Cp7ycFKdJdgWvYt/s1600/O%2526W+through+Quarry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkLOypA4EgVfokbfk6gzBSGPuUcgCoLt0rElwhzqUrRwLAwuRco2JGnkgd-7-AhyphenhyphenKV-f8avcKaiI21zXP2a_5jxSrDoHrInGYi1EdqsHKFTDjZI8ym_-_i-MP8iVa3Cp7ycFKdJdgWvYt/s320/O%2526W+through+Quarry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O&W Railroad through the Quarry, ca. 1910</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But the
railroad was also a boon to passengers, who wished quick, convenient, and comfortable
travel to Clinton, Utica and all places which, before the railroad, would have
taken days of difficulty to reach. The cars were clean, checked baggage service
was offered, and business people and shoppers could leave and return home on
the same day! Commuters who took the train from Deansboro north, including
students who went to Clinton High School, paid for the sidewalk from the Depot
to Route 12B, and put their initials in the cement of each slab. If one looks
closely, it's possible to see an initial or two, but most have eroded with
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ella Ingersoll, who lived on Main
Street, Deansboro for many years, and whose father-in-law Clarence Ingersoll
worked as a station agent on the O&W, grew up in a farm north of Deansboro
in the Town of Kirkland. The railroad bisected the farm and because of the
number of trains going through in those times (1905), there were many hobos
hitching rides. Mrs. Ingersoll remembered at least nine passenger and milk trains,
plus freight trains. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During
the summer, there was a path from the tracks to the woods behind the family
farm which was called the Hobo Jungle. The hobos helped themselves to whatever
they needed: vegetables from gardens, eggs, milk to drink. Many thefts were
blamed on the hobos. Sometimes when a
farmer needed extra hands during hop picking or haying, he would stop by the
Hobo Jungle to see if anyone wanted to work. Once the railroad disappeared so
did the hobos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many accidents occurred
on the new O&W railroad involving brakemen, hobos, and others. There were
also stories of collisions, animals killed while crossing the track, and
derailments along the line. Most
notably, a brakeman met his demise in Deansville when he apparently slipped
from the top of the train cars while attempting to apply the brakes. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There was a grisly report in 1902 of
the train hitting a man apparently lying on the tracks near Deansville. The
engineer, Irving Clark, sounded the whistle, put on the air brake and attempted
to reverse the engine with little success because he was coming down a slight
grade. The victim died in the hospital from shock following the injuries he
received. No blame or censure were attached to the conductor; the coroner found
no cause to do so because of the conductor's actions to avoid the accident.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, perhaps the
Superintendent of the O&W railroad had that incident and others in mind
when the following order was issued in 1907: "Trains must not exceed a speed
of 40 miles per hour on descending grades and on curves, and must not exceed a
speed of 60 miles per hour on any portion of the road." Also, in 1910, the Marshall Town Board
declared the crossing to be dangerous, served the O&W railroad with the
resolution, and electric bells were installed at the crossing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But accidents
continued to happen. In 1923, a Franklin Springs man driving a truck loaded
with crushed stone was injured and his truck demolished by a south bound milk
train at the crossing near the condensary, prompting calls to the O&W for a
watchman and a gate at all times at that crossing for the safety of motorists. In
1947, Allyn S. Earl escaped injury when the truck he was driving became stuck at
the same O&W railroad crossing and was struck by a northbound freight. Mr.
Earl tried to move the truck from the tracks, but when he saw it was impossible
he jumped out. The rack was torn loose from the truck and thrown about 15 feet
from the chassis, which was carried several feet down the tracks. Virgil
Eastman also had a narrow, escape
from a serious if not a fatal accident.
He had been to the condensery for water and was about to cross the railroad when the morning local came along. His truck was dragged for some distance and
the rear was completely destroyed.
Mr. Eastman escaped with
only a few
bruises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> On June 17, 1917, heavy rains caused the
Oriskany Creek and all its tributaries to rise. Dams between Solsville and
Deansboro were washed out.</span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
worst trouble of all was a half mile
south of Deansboro, where the flood took out a cut about 24 feet
high and
nearly two miles
long.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Passengers
rode the train to the point of the washout, got out, and walked around the
washout to get on the train to take them north or south, as was the case. Milk
trains and freight trains used the lines of the Lackawanna rail road until they
reached their own rails. These situations were only temporary, however; in only
seven days - an amazing feat - the O&W engineers had rebuilt the railroad
starting from Solsville to Deansboro, and the railroad resumed its regular
service. Little by little things returned to normal.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOR9x9WV4XzJ-E33YjQLmp8XWXOXkgW1TXtks_YHhusbsy6nYAvokA7kTFx-IXbmEuMJohL8Uad13Vtl35CADSAt8utiM8fnjNKxA8pEjEjV1nCcNJVruzR3aW-pyJkqxN5sjGyn0772uA/s1600/O%2526W+trestle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOR9x9WV4XzJ-E33YjQLmp8XWXOXkgW1TXtks_YHhusbsy6nYAvokA7kTFx-IXbmEuMJohL8Uad13Vtl35CADSAt8utiM8fnjNKxA8pEjEjV1nCcNJVruzR3aW-pyJkqxN5sjGyn0772uA/s320/O%2526W+trestle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebuilding the trestle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1922, according to the Deansboro Holler, published once in
1922, the O&W trains left Deansboro for Utica four times a day going north
and three times a day going south.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trains
passed the station as follows: Going north 7:45 a.m., 11:23 a.m., 8:25 pm, 5:57
p.m.; Going south 8:56 a.m., 1:53 p.m., 6:16 p.m. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, as with the canal, the advent of another means of
transporting people and freight - automobiles and trucks - caused the O&W
to lose revenue, as fewer people were traveling or shipping their products by
train. In 1931, passenger service from the Deansboro Depot ceased to exist, and
in 1957, so did the freight service. The
O&W had gone bankrupt and in the summer of 1958, the tracks were taken up
to be sold as scrap metal. But the rail bed and the depot still retained their
usefulness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIjThlKGKNYKDUz0EkBGvHJpB2D99XuJ9ZcrqJz_VMFp4rCmEtswfDZvccg0UQDa-r22vuZ2RauDNZptXduO5xkmTh_uACV-BfBXzb3yJgtfapPCM2A32fMBQ_fzuyYkbfd1atBCVToea/s1600/O%2526W+Abandoned+Rail+Bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIjThlKGKNYKDUz0EkBGvHJpB2D99XuJ9ZcrqJz_VMFp4rCmEtswfDZvccg0UQDa-r22vuZ2RauDNZptXduO5xkmTh_uACV-BfBXzb3yJgtfapPCM2A32fMBQ_fzuyYkbfd1atBCVToea/s320/O%2526W+Abandoned+Rail+Bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned Rail Bed - looking North</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVNYu1g02sx_GAHr0cHdmvs56DbxSPEV5DnIc0UDbwZPlEmULq8xwrQvBCf6RNtf6wGR1mzXUfcMZ5_7Li4w9kZcSPEKzhOGw4TEBbS29yqa91r-32ul216rnnDP6cAcUWHeE7lRUK2tL/s1600/O%2526W+crossing+on+VanHyning+Rd..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVNYu1g02sx_GAHr0cHdmvs56DbxSPEV5DnIc0UDbwZPlEmULq8xwrQvBCf6RNtf6wGR1mzXUfcMZ5_7Li4w9kZcSPEKzhOGw4TEBbS29yqa91r-32ul216rnnDP6cAcUWHeE7lRUK2tL/s320/O%2526W+crossing+on+VanHyning+Rd..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Railroad Crossing - Van Hyning Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAzD9KWUAhwU8uBEu9cwWnNJ_rQef33xMcFisXZJcTHu2TbWe386NSHQyj0tCiNeYhQve9zk5qMgAXdYgh8Xt_TSwlYcy22PZNGhpqD1CAR5VzXpAl1Y_ySQ44rgKGBa-9SejI_zrfdDm/s1600/O%2526W+Abandoned+coal+sheds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAzD9KWUAhwU8uBEu9cwWnNJ_rQef33xMcFisXZJcTHu2TbWe386NSHQyj0tCiNeYhQve9zk5qMgAXdYgh8Xt_TSwlYcy22PZNGhpqD1CAR5VzXpAl1Y_ySQ44rgKGBa-9SejI_zrfdDm/s320/O%2526W+Abandoned+coal+sheds.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coal sheds behind the Depot - now torn down</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Allyn Earl bought the depot for his lumber and hardware
business when the railroad came to an end. He added an upper window and changed
the lower windows slightly. It is now owned by the Brothertown Association,
Inc., who purchased it in 2000 and who are restoring it. Every Christmas, the
Town of Marshall Parks and Recreation committee holds a party complete with a
visit from Santa Claus in the depot, and wagon or sleigh rides down the
railway.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 1969, members of
the Kirkland Bird Club hiked along the old O&W rail bed from the Dugway
Road toward Deansboro, a nice walk today. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks to the efforts of Mike McLaren, who in 1995 obtained a
grant of $5,000 through the Rural New York Grant program, administered by the
Open Space Institute, the abandoned trail bed about a mile or two south of the depot
is now a popular hike and bike trail, with snowmobiles and cross-country skiers
in the winter, and runners and horses all year round. The Town of Marshall owns
the right-of-way for the rail bed, and the trail, which goes from Route 315 by
the depot until Van Hyning Road, is maintained by the Town of Marshall highway
crew and by the snowmobile club, which grooms it in the winter.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Barriers to keep automobiles off the trail were erected in
order to provide runner, hikers and bikers with a true nature trail experience
without having to be concerned about traffic. All-terrain vehicles are also
banned from the trail for similar reasons, and dogs are asked to be on leashes.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2012, as
a project to earn his Eagle Scout badge, Nicholas Scoones, a member of Troop
108, worked on improvements to the Hike and Bike Trail. He established mile
markers, installed benches, and, with the help of a professor of biology, put
up signs identifying the flora and fauna along the trail. The trail has been part of what was the
Towpath Run and Walk. and is now part of the Ruth Allen Memorial Run and Walk,
which will be this August 13.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many people
in Deansboro miss the mournful sound of the train whistle as it passed through
Deansboro. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amy Marris, who lived
on Main Street, recalled her children running to see the train when they heard
the whistle. Harry Goodson who lived on West Hill, remembers the sound, too,
and misses it; so do a lot of people. Deansboro lost something when the
railroad stopped coming through the hamlet. However, we can't lose sight of the
fact we now have a hike and bike trail which is visited by local residents and
people from out of town who want to enjoy nature and the out-of-doors. It is
truly the jewel of our community. So whether it's called the Old Woman or Old
and Weary, the O&W railroad was an important part of our history which
lives on today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For really enjoyable
reading about the complete history of the O&W Railroad, read John Taibi's
book <i>Rails</i> <i>Along the Oriskany</i>. It is available at the Deansboro Library and
Reading Center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-91768571949922172082016-04-05T07:29:00.004-07:002016-04-07T05:17:36.005-07:00Baseball and Softball in the Town of Marshall<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To
paraphrase Tennyson, in spring a young person's fancy turns to thoughts of -
baseball! Baseball and softball are traditions in the Town of Marshall. The
first instance I could find of a game was 1890, when Deansboro defeated
Kirkland 6-20. Later, in 1893, there was a game between the single and married
men (the single men scored more runs) in Deansboro. In</span> 1<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">895, Deansboro and Oriskany falls played (Oriskany Falls won 22-11). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Baseball has
continued as a tradition in our town. Clifford Small told me in a January 18,
1987, interview that Deansboro had an "awfully good ball team". They played in the teens and 1920s on the
flats down the west side of Route 315 near the bridge over Oriskany Creek -
behind where Stolarczyk's used to live. He said he sold tickets to the ball
games on Saturdays, and they used to have as many as 200 attending. Wilford
Ingersoll was manager, and Randall Davis pitched. Kes Kennard and Earl Chesebro played on the team with a
couple of players from Bouckville</span>. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Red McLaughlin from Oriskany Falls played, too. I guess it
really was a good team, as an article from the Utica Daily Press in 1921 called
the play between Deansboro and Oriskany Falls, in this match-up, a "real
snappy brand of ball from start to finish." They are also called speedy. Does
anyone remember the name of the team? The papers just say Deansboro Baseball
Club, so maybe that was it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
aforementioned Randall Davis, better known as Dink Davis, who pitched for the Deansboro
team, went on to be voted the most valuable player in the "Y"
Associated Baseball Twilight Leagues in 1927. He was then pitcher for the
Bossart Corporation baseball team and might have gone into pro ball - he was
scouted by the Pirates and the Giants - but decided to stay on at Bossert's, where
he had worked since 1919. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the
1930s, baseball was popular still, as stated in a 1935 article from the
Waterville Times which tells of a game scheduled between the Forge Hollow
Orioles and the Daytonville Nine, after which the players cooled off in the Oriskany Creek. Another mention of baseball during this
period is of a near-tragedy: a Clinton man was struck by a baseball bat and
fell unconscious to the ground during the game during the Deansboro Band Field
Day. He suffered a fractured skull and was taken to Faxton Hospital, where he
died the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsBkDEMnIHH-Y1kFAPXi_vHvSEIIqb3fRqnet1anrZAnl2YZFIxqam0QiSCQFtUNlWBqYcXl0fLQfPuDA9wnnJBbSgVaP-wEPM0mS8ANL0Mydy9BuDkKxCchwL-on0XVE4uwHC-dMJAoB/s1600/donkey+baseball+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsBkDEMnIHH-Y1kFAPXi_vHvSEIIqb3fRqnet1anrZAnl2YZFIxqam0QiSCQFtUNlWBqYcXl0fLQfPuDA9wnnJBbSgVaP-wEPM0mS8ANL0Mydy9BuDkKxCchwL-on0XVE4uwHC-dMJAoB/s320/donkey+baseball+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donkey Baseball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite
discouraging comments from the President of the National League and such luminaries
such as Babe Ruth about the future of major league baseball during the World
War II years, baseball teams still continued, and donkey baseball was especially
huge in the 1940s and 1950s. There were donkey baseball leagues in Oriskany
Falls, Clinton, Waterville, Utica - all over, and Deansboro was no exception.
The rules of donkey baseball are simple: each player except the pitcher and the
catcher have to ride a donkey at all times, even when hitting. There are a lot
of recorded incidents regarding tangles with beast and bat, going back to the
1940s. These games were sponsored by the Barton Hose Company, and the games
were not just for kicks (although I am sure there were some) but to raise money
for the Fire Department, and in one case to purchase new uniforms for the
Little League baseball team. Spectators enjoyed seeing someone they knew being
dumped off a donkey. Those games were played on the diamond behind what was the
school and is now the Town Hall.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2T51rttVRNP37UGzZ-5_hBrZ73mDAFhXIyxH380xnMGbGs0WFbKwZ7AJQDGXC3UM7SlA_Nk2nHzastLoOJu3JMTLeqTinYCOUEjF98PUfIoKS-Tx0dn2NwKQGKFBHdeJCOxmac5jGOu_F/s1600/donkey+baseball-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2T51rttVRNP37UGzZ-5_hBrZ73mDAFhXIyxH380xnMGbGs0WFbKwZ7AJQDGXC3UM7SlA_Nk2nHzastLoOJu3JMTLeqTinYCOUEjF98PUfIoKS-Tx0dn2NwKQGKFBHdeJCOxmac5jGOu_F/s400/donkey+baseball-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donkey Baseball in 1955</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1961,
there is a record of "a Deansboro softball team" which hit and ran
successfully over a team from Our Lady of Lourdes. The pitcher was George
Kennard, and Don Ray was catcher. Some other team members were Don Miller, Mac
MacLeod, Mike McLaren, Bill Lemery, Stanley Mazor, Eric Wardman and Ray Dupree.
Does anyone know what the name of this team was? Or does anyone remember who
else was on the team?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cD1acNQJ7nKnjvBbt1O0WrGm3ITI5URH_Y_9iRfPcn748O4R1OkZodN9s6eC7Pe3iF7LcOxZ_gQCVGkPEkBd073YEx_mPkVPPETK7j1w6wHjhj7GAgw93hR26jyAzTUHsNG7U1hK8Yhu/s1600/baseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cD1acNQJ7nKnjvBbt1O0WrGm3ITI5URH_Y_9iRfPcn748O4R1OkZodN9s6eC7Pe3iF7LcOxZ_gQCVGkPEkBd073YEx_mPkVPPETK7j1w6wHjhj7GAgw93hR26jyAzTUHsNG7U1hK8Yhu/s320/baseball.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1960s baseball team in Stockbridge Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course,
Little League and Bush League have been going on for a while. Deansboro East
coached by Bill Woodward and Bill Marris, won the Waterville Area Bush League
championship in 1979 (yes, the was a Deansboro West team, coached by Mike
McLaren). In 1989, the two Deansboro Bush League teams, sponsored by C&H
Plastics (in red shirts) and the Deansboro Superette (in green shirts), played
each other for the first time that season, along with the Little League team,
sponsored by the Barton Hose Company and coached by Bob Bell and Paul Fick. The
occasion was marked by a visit from elected officials: Senator James H.
Donovan, Assemblyman Jack McCann, Oneida County Legislator Nick Oliver and
Marshall Supervisor David Hazelden. They inspected the field and watched the
teams making good use of it. The facility was made possible through the
auspices of Senator Donovan's office and the New York State Office 6T Parks and
Recreation. Amounts of $3,000 in 1987 and $7,500 in 1988 were made available
for the fencing, bleachers, and dugouts. The guests all expressed a favorable
impression with the diamond and also with the manner in which the players were
handled by the coaches. The Bush League teams are coached by Bill Humphrey,
Janet Dangler, Chris Johnson and Bob Graham. Many parents, grandparents and friends
filled the bleachers. The Little League team were there in uniforms, having
completed their tournament. After the game, one and all were invited the
Beerhalters on Route 12B (the Dean Homestead) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
for a swim. Members, coaches and families of the teams enjoyed the
party.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a side
note to the popularity of baseball in the Town of Marshall, D.C. Williams, who
ran a blacksmith shop at the turn of the 20th century also fabricated baseball and softball bats of all sizes and
weights.</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;"> His shop was </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">on Route 12B, in the barn on the Sehn property, next to the Kounty Kafe,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> His great-grandson is Daniel Williams, who operates a successful
fencing business, called Williams Fence.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-80509621786426907292016-03-07T10:33:00.003-08:002016-04-07T05:41:19.560-07:00Hanover <div class="MsoNormal">
By 1790, white settlers began to settle in the areas of
higher elevations around what is presently Deansboro, because they felt it was
healthier; the valley was considered a swamp hole. They settled at Paris Hill,
then called South Settlement; Hanover was a dense forest at that time. In 1795, the first settlers in Hanover, Isaac
Miller (who became the first supervisor of the Town of Marshall ) and his wife
Irene and their children, chose the hillside, fearing malaria in the lower valley,
possibly due to the close proximity of the Oriskany Creek (called
"Okrist" which means "river of nettles".) David Barton,
ancestor of the present Bartons in Waterville and whose name was given to the
Barton Hose Company in Deansboro arrived next. David Barton first settled in
the west hills, on the farm now owned by the Bishopp family; but, because he
inadvertently landed in Brothertown land, he was obliged to move, and he did so:
to the east hills. The State paid him for the improvement (or, as it was called,
betterments) of land lying outside the Native American claim, which in
retrospect seems short-sighted. Therefore, the most important early
"white" settlement in the Town of Marshall was Hanover in the east
hills. </div>
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As stated, Hanover at that time was basically an unbroken
forest; and clearing the land, making a home and a livelihood must have seemed
like daunting tasks, especially since the settlers had just completed an
exhausting journey from Connecticut. But
they had heard of the deep, rich, well-drained soil and the abundance of game, and
had high hopes of seeing rich, rolling meadows of healthy crops and
envisioned many neighbors, which would eventually
present the need for a church and a school. </div>
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On the settlers came, mainly from Massachusetts and
Connecticut. Once the area became more inhabited, it was decided to organize a
religious society. On October 22, 1797, the Hanover Society was formed, made up
of Congregationalists of old Puritan stock. At that time, the Society held
their meetings at private homes, but with so many families moving into the
area, plans were made to erect a church. The first meeting to discuss the
building of a meeting house was held at Phinney's Tavern on Peck's Corners.
There was a dispute where the church should be: Peck's Corners or Hanover;
Hanover won the day. Construction started in 1804 and by 1806 was completed and
the building was occupied. The structure was built with square pews, which were
sold at auction to the parishioners to
obtain money to defray building expenses. It was a large edifice and as many as
100 people worshipped there at one time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The story goes that in the early 1800s, David Barton, Jr., a
member of the Hanover Society, didn't feel than an unheated place of worship
such as the first church, irreverently called "God's Barn," was such
a good idea for older churchgoers, those in poor health, or children. In very
cold weather, the minister preached in mittens, striped or huge fringed ones,
and the ladies huddled over foot stoves, while the men shuffled their feet or
rubbed their hands to keep warm. Mr. Barton proposed putting a stove in the
church, which he would supply, amid much opposition. It was thought that
"religious zeal" should be enough to keep the parishioners warm.
However, despite the opposition, a Franklin stove was installed, and for once
the members of the congregation, including the minister, were comfortable.</div>
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Around the same time, the Hanover Green, a tear-shaped plot
of about half an acre was laid out "for military and training purposes."
The main highway from Waterville to
Utica was through Hanover. Over the years, Hanover saw much growth. The Turkey
Creek, which flows down the slopes of the east hills to the Oriskany Creek
provided plenty of water power for the
many mills which had sprung up. There was a cheese factory, a furniture shop, a
blacksmith shop, a distillery, and a tannery. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The first general store in town was opened by Isaac Miller,
and the first hotel by Newman Gridley about 1813-1814. A cobbler went from
house to house, selling hide to make shoes for the family from the leather. The
resulting shoes were supposed to last two years; and if they fit, all well and
good. If they didn't, they were still worn. Hanover also boasted the first post
office in the Town of Marshall, in 1824 (early settlers had their mail brought
to Hanover by a post rider who came once a week). The first postmaster was Henry L. Hawley, who was in partnership with
Eli Buckingham - they had a general store attached to the post office -who was also
a skilled and capable physician, much loved in the area. </div>
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At first, there were three school districts near Hanover: one
at Peck's Corner, one at Cowings Corners, and one in Hanover. After a while, the
districts were consolidated, a two-story brick building was built on Hanover
Green, and all the children attended there. It was called Hanover High School
and sometimes the attendance numbered up to 100 children. Besides the basics of
a good education, all children were taught manners and deportment, and girls
were taught practical matters, which would come in handy when they married. Punishment
was severe, and discipline rigid. Little attention was paid to the comfort of
the students - the chairs were high so some smaller students' feet couldn't
touch the floor - and they had to hold their tablets on the laps because there
were no desks. However, much attention was paid to the pupil's moral
development.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hanover was an important, bustling community, and a great
place to live, with its well-tilled land, pleasant houses, and magnificent view
of the West Hills across and the Oriskany Creek valley below. However, in 1837,
the Chenango Canal was built followed by the railroad along the canal route in
1867. Homesteaders saw that the soil in the so-called "Fever Valley"
was just as fertile as that in the hills - witness the crops of the
Brothertowns! - and realized there was plenty of water for their mills. The
settlers began to understand that the canal, and then the railroad, offered
them all kinds of opportunities for their businesses. So they started settling in the lower
regions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, The Hanover Society - the Congregational Church -
was suffering. A Presbyterian church was built in Waterville, and several
families who lived in the south part of Hanover began to attend church there.
Then, a Universalist church was built in Forge Hollow, which took many young
people from Hanover's ranks; and finally the Methodist Church, which was built
in Deansboro took all the congregation inclined towards Methodism. In 1841, the
church was considered to be too large, and was torn down. Another church was built on the same site;
smaller, but still elegant with a tall spire. Then a final blow: the
Congregational Church was erected in Deansboro, attracting more families from
the Society. However, Meetings were still kept up, although it is reported that
the entire Society could fit in a room 10-feet square. Little by little, the
parishioners either passed away or moved, and the building stood empty, except
for occasional services and school exhibitions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a while, when it was
determined that there should be a division of polling places, Hanover was Town of Marshall District #2 and voting was held in the church. However, after a few years, District
#2 was changed to Waterville, and the building continued to decay. The trustees
received permission to sell the building and use the proceeds for much needed
improvements to the Hanover cemetery near the green, and the building was sold at
public auction to Joseph Maxwell for $140.00 It was torn down around 1906 and
moved to Mr. Maxwell's farm to be used as a barn. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Post Office which was so much a part of the community
closed, and was relocated in Deansboro. This also did away with the Post Rider,
who left the mail at the doors of many people, and often did errands for the
people. The last post master, John Collins, used to walk five miles to
Waterville with the out-going mail and back to Hanover with the in-coming mail
every day for 30 years. The mail is now delivered by rural delivery from
Deansboro or Waterville. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two story school in Hanover, of which the people of
Hanover were justly proud, was abandoned as well when the merger took place and
the children were bused to school in Waterville. The school was renovated and
is now a private home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Hanover is still there, but only a shadow of its former
self. Gone are the businesses and most
of the homes, although some farms are still there and, of course, the green.
But no one can take away the spectacular view over to the western hills to the
valley below, and the mountains beyond. And, for many, nothing can take away
the memories.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-8546315928295604022016-02-13T12:51:00.003-08:002016-02-13T12:51:58.366-08:00Romance Wyatt<div class="MsoNormal">
The Last of the Brothertown Indians in the area, Romance
Wyatt, who died in 1907, was described as a kindhearted gentleman who had a
sense of humor, laughed often and enjoyed a good joke. But to appreciate his
story, it's necessary to understand a little of the history of the
Brothertowns.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around 1774, the remnants of once-mighty tribes, reduced in
numbers and driven from their homes in New England, New Jersey and Long Island,
united to form a new tribe at the encouragement of the Oneida Indians, part of
the "Six Nations" in New York State. The Oneidas were land-rich at
that time, and deeded them land about 10 miles square around the present Town of
Marshall, extending from the foot of Sanger Hill northward along the
Brothertown Road, across Forge Hollow, along the east side of the Deansboro
Valley and up to the Dugway at Franklin Springs. Because so many tribes had joined together to
make a family, and because they were intent on following a path of peace, they
decided on the name Brothertown. Due to
the fact they had no common language, they adopted the English language. Among
the tribes represented were the Pequot, Narragansett, Natnick, Mohegan and
Montauk. Romance Wyatt, by all accounts, was a Montauk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romance Wyatt, commonly called Matt, was born in 1826 in the
Town of Marshall. Here accounts of his very early life differ. Some sources tell
us that at the age of 6 months his parents gave him to Cynthia Dick to raise;
others state his parents died when he was 6 months of age and he was adopted;
and others assert that, although he had no memory of his mother, he was seven
years old when his father died. However he came to live with Cynthia Dick of Dicksville, the fact remains
that she nurtured and cared for him, making sure he attended the Dicksville school, until he was 12 or 13
years old. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After that time, he worked for farmers in the area, but
decided to travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where many of his fellow tribesmen, including Cynthia
Dick, had emigrated due to the increasing demand for the Brothertown land by
the whites. At one time there were around
500 members of the tribe who were said to be industrious farmers, but they
could not withstand the influence of the white settlers who often got the
better of them in land deals. Therefore, gradually they gave up and moved.
Wyatt, however, stayed in the northwest only a few years, and came back to live
in the Town of Marshall, where he went to work on the Chenango Canal which
opened in 1837. He was at first a driver and then was promoted to steersman, at
which position he worked for over thirty seasons. In those days a canaller had to fight his way
along the towpath and at the locks. It is said that young Wyatt never picked a
fight, but when forced into one he always came out on top; when he had a black
eye the other fellow had two.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romance Wyatt, commonly called Matt Wyatt, lived for a time in Hamilton, and it was there
he got involved with the case of Jared Comstock and his wife Clarissa in 1858.
Wyatt was frequently called to the home of the Comstocks to protect them from
the murderous threats and attacks of their drunken son William. On the night
Mr. and Mrs. Comstock were actually murdered by their son, Wyatt was unable to go
to their home at their request due to a previous engagement; however, he was
part of the search party who found William Comstock, the murderer, in the woods
"secreted behind a log." He
visited the prisoner, who escaped being lynched on the spot, many times while
he was in prison in Morrisville, and was a witness for the prosecution at the
trial. An aside: William Comstock was allowed to plead guilty to manslaughter
in the first degree by reason of insanity, and was sent to Auburn prison where
he presumably lived out his life sentence.
He was said to have been a model prisoner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the Civil War broke out Wyatt traveled to Utica to
enlist in Co. K, 26th Regiment, and when that company was mustered out after
about six months, he re-enlisted in the 83d Infantry, part of Company K and
later in Company A. He was in the first battle of Fredericksburg, where he was
wounded in his left thigh, and also in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. At Gettysburg he was in the thick of the fight
at Little Round Top. He was shot in the right ankle, which left him with a
slight limp, and on July 6, 1865, was honorably discharged with a pension of $4.
Wyatt was a great admirer of Abraham
Lincoln, and while in the South he secured leave of absence long enough to come
back to his home and vote for him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In conjunction with voting, the story goes that as he
entered the polling place, a man came up to Wyatt and said to him, "You
know what side your bread is buttered on, don't you?" and gave him a $5.00
bill. A few minutes later another man asked the same question and gave him
$1.00. Said Romance Wyatt, "Neither one of them asked me as to how I
intended to vote, and I went ahead and cast my ballot as I had expected to. I
had always known which side my bread was buttered on, but I had never expected
to be paid merely for possessing that knowledge."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fa-Y2nz-oU6CmWTp82QFc3JkxrlAifCMi-bOzD6RTBEBdMffDx9hwlkouyiD68RNlb3KmeHG2w4wcay1ZzF-z-1siHS_BIvZ7HxS3F5wHior1gd8kKCJVqDutE9KpHoPXWVCIH0T8FTq/s1600/Romance+Wyatt+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fa-Y2nz-oU6CmWTp82QFc3JkxrlAifCMi-bOzD6RTBEBdMffDx9hwlkouyiD68RNlb3KmeHG2w4wcay1ZzF-z-1siHS_BIvZ7HxS3F5wHior1gd8kKCJVqDutE9KpHoPXWVCIH0T8FTq/s320/Romance+Wyatt+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romance Wyatt's House on Route 12B</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the war, Romance Wyatt returned to the Town of
Marshall, having developed a strong attachment for this valley and its inhabitants. He bought a house in 1866 on
the road from Deansboro to Oriskany Falls (Route 12B). It is no longer there,
but was directly across from where the Signal Trailer Park in Deansboro is now
located. In 1867 he married Eunice Ann Beach, a white woman, by
whom he had one daughter, Hattie. Wyatt
worked on the canal and Mrs. Wyatt found
a ready market for her spruce gum, which she sold to the nearby school children
for a penny. It was made from the resin Mr. Wyatt gathered from the trees in
the Nile Mile Swamp. The gum was a rather hard, brown substance with a
sweetish, pungent flavor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1881, Hattie Wyatt died of pneumonia at the age of 15,
and a hydrangea tree was planted to mark her gravesite on the east slope of the
Deansboro cemetery. Despite the considerable grief at the loss of their
daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt carried on. Wyatt, when he found the time in the
winter, wove baskets of white ash, and also produced and sold chair seats; and
his wife, besides supplying the gum, was the creator of fancy work for the
people of the village. Romance Wyatt was elected game constable in the Town of
Marshall in 1877. It was hoped, an article in the Waterville Times stated, that
Wyatt's fondness for fishing would encourage him to enforce the fishing and
gaming laws, which he did. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs. Wyatt died in 1893, and Romance Wyatt was left alone
once again. Lewis Kindness, another Indian, lived with him for a while, but he
eventually went west. Wyatt always
enjoyed hard cider, and during one of his "sprees" during this time,
he attended a revival meeting at the Congregational (Stone) church in Oriskany
Falls. He listened to the appeals of the minister, but could not make up his
mind to covert until he had one last drink. He did, and told the bar tender,
"This is my last drink." He
signed a pledge, which he kept faithfully to the end, not to indulge in any
more "firewater." Wyatt went back to the Congregational church,
became a member, and even worked for some years there as janitor. It is said
that every Sunday he walked from his home in Deansboro to Oriskany Falls to
attend church, and hardly ever missed a service.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t202"
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<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t202" style='position:absolute;
margin-left:-1.5pt;margin-top:83.9pt;width:286.5pt;height:39.75pt;z-index:251658240'
stroked="f"/><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="height: 57px; margin-left: -2px; margin-top: 112px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 386px; z-index: 251658240;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wyatt, who elected not to leave the banks of the Chenago Canal,
died in 1907, sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of his house on the
Deansboro-Oriskany Falls Road. Reportedly, he had been in feeble health, so his
death was not unexpected. He was buried in the Deansboro cemetery next to his wife and daughter. Although
there is a population of Brothertown Indians in Wisconsin, no more are left in
this area. Hence, Romance (Matt) Wyatt is referred to as "The Last of the
Brothertowns."<br />"</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-20458283241133975442016-02-04T14:22:00.000-08:002016-02-04T14:22:38.598-08:00Maccabee Hall<div class="MsoNormal">
Many citizens of the Town of
Marshall have fond memories of the Maccabee Hall, which was located on the west
side of Route 315 approximately where The Boro is. Built in 1897 by the Knights
of the Maccabees #514, it was quite a structure. It featured a steel ceiling
manufactured in West Virginia and a flagstone path (a rarity in those days) installed
in front. Practically every carpenter in
Deansboro was employed to work day and night at 7 1/2 center an hour. There was
a stage, a balcony and plenty of room. The opening and dedication of the building
in 1898 was a gala affair, marred only by "a most disagreeable
storm," which meant that some of the attendees were unable to leave the
building with the result that they were served breakfast in addition to a 5 pm and
midnight dinner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
The Maccabees are a fraternal
society formed in 1878 in Canada, which sponsored financial aid and insurance
to members and homes for the aged. At its zenith, the worldwide membership in
the organization reached over 300,000; by the 1970s membership was down to about
10,000. The local Maccabee Society, which was called the Brothertown Tent, was
quite active in Deansboro until about a little after the turn of the century. Electricity was installed in 1906. The Maccabees never actually owned the building, however; it was owned by a group of investors in the building which called itself the Deansboro Hall Association. The Association rented the hall to the Maccabees and the
building was used as a community center.
Prominent speakers, meetings, concerts, banquets, plays, talent shows and all
kinds of celebrations were held in the Maccabee Hall. The Men's Club rented the
Hall for many years, and sponsored an active Shuffleboard (Shovelboard) team. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
When the school in Deansboro burned in 1931,
some classes were held in Maccabee Hall. The high school
pupils occupied the main part of the Hall
with Prof. A. J. Smith and Miss Kathryn Cornell as teachers until the new
school was ready for occupancy in 1932. However, Mrs. Powell, former historian
of the Town of Marshall related that the furnace in the Hall was very old and
put all sorts of noxious gases in the building which built up over the course
of the day, so nobody was kept in after school much in those days. Movies were
held there, but the eels from Oriskany Creek used to get around the water wheel
which generated the electricity. The movie would come to a stop and someone
would have to go out to remove the eel. Esther
Skerritt Sander accompanied the silent movies on the piano.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
Plays
were put on for the public. Clifford Small, whose father was a charter member
of the Maccabees, remembered Chautauqua performances in which five plays were
presented in a season for $2.00 a season ticket. In 1945, Benjamin Smith
temporarily moved his barber shop to the Maccabee Hall from the business block
which was torn down by Claude Hinman in order to build the brick building which
stands at the corner of Routes 315 and 12B today. Balls and dances were held in
the Maccabee Hall to the music of Brownie Moyer's orchestra; I remember square
dancing there in the 1950s and 1960s. Some have recalled dance lessons, Girl
Scout and Boy Scout meetings, and
participating in a talent show. Basketball games were played in the Hall. Voting
was held there, and town business was conducted. The firemen held their first
ham dinner there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
One
special occasion was in September, 1946 when a public dinner was held to honor
the returning veterans from World War Two, co-chaired by Gardener Hart and
Frank Seelow. 90 people attended the
steak dinner with all the trimmings and sang patriotic songs. Three years later, in the year 1949 the Barton
Hose Company bought the Maccabee Hall, which later became a burden to the
firemen, so they sold it to the Town of Marshall in 1956. In 1959, the town was
looking to sell it, according to a Waterville Times article, so the hall,
although still used for community functions, began to deteriorate. But who can forget ice skating on the rink which was
maintained in the parking lot next to
the hall?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
In the 1970s,
the structure that was originally Maccabee Hall was turned into a night spot,
first called Peter's Little Cellar, operated by Jim Harrison and Peter Zuccaro;
and lastly it was known as JR's Tavern. The building was then owned by A.R.
D'Agostino of Clinton and operated by James Clements and Ronald Haskins of
Oriskany Falls. The Bicentennial Ball was held there in 1976.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
In
February 1981, an explosion sparked a fire which destroyed the tavern - and the
hall. When the firemen arrived at the scene the fire was fully involved and
there was no saving the building. There ends the story of an 84-year-old
building that was The Place to Be for much of its history.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64eJPTudOaMVj1ZDzafJeUsWb-D4Kz4tND1zy4TBItcuNR3ps23knEEISCs30fAZ7ojPmC9NGpUQHidj__e-HFcsjGDkc0Q5fcGudIBsTUcsRM3RkMVPLfGrfYJGL0aPEY_HpAJ8tkKh5/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64eJPTudOaMVj1ZDzafJeUsWb-D4Kz4tND1zy4TBItcuNR3ps23knEEISCs30fAZ7ojPmC9NGpUQHidj__e-HFcsjGDkc0Q5fcGudIBsTUcsRM3RkMVPLfGrfYJGL0aPEY_HpAJ8tkKh5/s320/scan0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play at Maccabee Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-LTEn7QeH8F2ApFkm08QmZH313EGXCCorxryyY5gTMoynJxAGH1GMlVuELmoBpL2QG6KFk05C4P6k2cKHL7yIrOkxy2zBqNg3G-tv53DvPIAPy8P_ZBoSaX1HbpwCpgt_DQWtCn0-162/s1600/maccabee+hall+c.+1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-LTEn7QeH8F2ApFkm08QmZH313EGXCCorxryyY5gTMoynJxAGH1GMlVuELmoBpL2QG6KFk05C4P6k2cKHL7yIrOkxy2zBqNg3G-tv53DvPIAPy8P_ZBoSaX1HbpwCpgt_DQWtCn0-162/s320/maccabee+hall+c.+1960.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maccabee Hall in the 1960s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-55130931220826518622016-01-19T13:14:00.000-08:002016-02-02T14:22:40.266-08:00Deansboro Band<br />
In May, 1927, a group of enthusiastic and enterprising musicians met in the Deansboro Garage for the purpose of organizing what they called the Deansboro Community Band. This energetic group, consisting of young men from all over the Town of Marshall, treated the residents of Deansboro to a concert every Tuesday. Harry Goodson remembers that these concerts, for the most part, were performed on the back of a flatbed truck in front of the general store and were called Open Air concerts. Soft drinks, hot dogs, and ice cream were sold; and Art Sanders' grandmother popped a lot of popcorn which Art sold for a nickel a bag. On a good night, he made as much as $5.00!<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span>People either stood around, listened and applauded; or sat in their cars and honked their horns with appreciation after each number<br />
<br />
Concerts were also held on the front lawns of many homeowners. Eleanor Dawes met her husband Bob at an open air concert in front of the Dean Homestead. He was from Clinton, so you see the band had a wide audience. They also held concerts in the Maccabee Hall, in Oriskany Falls, in the village park in Clinton, for the Paris Hill Fair and the Vernon Fair, and Waterville. The band also furnished music on past Memorial Days. <br />
<br />
Of course, this was not the first band out of Deansboro: there is evidence there was a band as early as 1898, but nothing much can be found out about this. The later band had at least two directors: Harry M. Williams of Utica; and John Albrecht, formerly with the famous Sousa band, also of Utica. In addition, there were bylaws and officers: president, R.E. Thayer; vice president, Peter Klotzbach; secretary, O.E. Buckingham; treasurer Walter Steinmann; manager I. Weaver; librarian Raymond Thayer. At its inception, the band had 21 members, rising to 30 over the years. The picture below shows the band, but the date is unknown. Since it went from 1927 until 1941 (the last instance I could find of the Deansboro Band), most likely the personnel changed from year to year. Donald Bennett was a frequent soloist.<br />
<br />
The concert usually consisted of a mix of classical music and favorites of the time. An example of the music offered by the Deansboro band was detailed in a Utica Daily Press article from 1931. The program included the following selections: "Cruiser Omaha (a march) by King; Stilly Night by Huff; "Empyream" by Hayes; "Sunset Limited" by Holmes; "Over the Stars" by King; "Golden Book Medley" by Kroyman; "Under the Double Eagle" by Wagner; "I'm Happy When You're Happy"; "Officer of the Day"; and "America," which concluded every concert.<br />
<br />
The Deansboro Band also sponsored field days. The first was in 1929, which drew more than 2000 people to the hamlet. There was a parade in the morning with floats, decorated bicycles and decorated cars, a ball game in the afternoon, and a dance at Maccabee Hall in the evening. Subsequent field days were just as popular, including more attractions such as a time race, a hill climb, horseshoe tournaments, and a boxing match but always ending with dancing. To express their appreciation to the many neighboring villages which supported the field days, the band performed concerts in those villages which were well received, the band being referred to as "wide awake," "a pleasure to listen to," "delightful," and with "excellent musicianship." <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
UPDATE: As a famous broadcaster used to say, "This is the rest
of the story." Dorothy McConnell
has provided me with the following transcript of her interview with Art Sanders
regarding the Deansboro Band:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"With the ending of World
War I, many communities began organizing special monthly parades of returning
soldiers with floats and marching bands.
Later, by saving the parades, floats, and marching for big holidays, the band
developed the idea of a semi-permanent concert, usually on a Friday or Saturday
evening. In the early 1920s Deansboro's musicians gathered on the steps of Pete
Klotzbach's meat market and Ben's Smith barber shop to play a few rousing
marches on Friday evenings - heavy on the drums. Soon, cars full of parents and
children started parking along the roads;
and at the end of each piece, there would be applause and the honking of
horns.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think Don Williams made the
first wooden platform in sections, and the saw horses to support it. The location
was moved across the road, to the small grassy area just outside the big iron
fence around the Hovey place on the corner (the Dean Homestead), in front of
the big chestnut tree. Flood lights were provided with power from the Deansboro
Hotel. Don later made a larger folding band stand with wheels so it could be
moved, and it was stored in the horse sheds behind the Methodist Church." (Note:
a 1936 article in the Utica Observer-Dispatch mentions that "members of the band will occupy a portable platform aboard
a motor truck." Could Mr. Williams
have made that as well?)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"For many years, Deansboro
owned Friday evening and these band concerts brought together lots of people.
It was a two-hour event, with the presentation of returning soldiers, news of
sick or injured neighbors, something introductions of instrumental soloists or
singers, and ads for local business who underwrote the expenses of the
concerts. Earlier, hand held megaphones were used until someone donated an
electric amplifier. Talented band leaders probably enjoyed the challenge of
working with musicians who enjoyed playing together but had no time for
rehearsals."<br />
<br />
Perhaps this band was the precursor to the organized 1927 band?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy adds: The committee for
the 1931 band concert was: General Committee: Peter Klotzbach, Ralph Moore, Roy
McMullen, and Clark Shaver. Parade Committee: Clarence Bunt, Charles Pierce and
Art Pughe. Hill Climb (for cars!): Del Pamiter, Gardner Hart, Hardie Sanders.
Baseball: Jay Davis, C.F. Ingersoll.</div>
<br />
Many thanks to Bill Kennard for the Deansboro Band memorabilia and memories! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzeAqgaqR6s_yaFF4XSVhDAzyOslnhAhwU71ttXWWSN8kHNsQSJB7O7PUkSIoJYx6wsCv1AGtxi_s39QBC6XD13mmKPpBh84d0BkIvTGO_u1WEJlElLpFC8AW6UnHcs0HqGbClUAG-CgG/s1600/Field+Days+1936+from+Bill+Kennard-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzeAqgaqR6s_yaFF4XSVhDAzyOslnhAhwU71ttXWWSN8kHNsQSJB7O7PUkSIoJYx6wsCv1AGtxi_s39QBC6XD13mmKPpBh84d0BkIvTGO_u1WEJlElLpFC8AW6UnHcs0HqGbClUAG-CgG/s320/Field+Days+1936+from+Bill+Kennard-1.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbLopux3jGO0B0Sm9c1-uPt-2uCG8E5NTDLQ9eTFFTmSc7fSPlM7KFotAy6o3pbkXhICx5TNcFqxuO6rl2R3mTYGmHGl9z3edyywgQrXvgCRoofxUKxbgQZXkhFJW0-432E0FKqo5SY1S/s1600/Deansboro+Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbLopux3jGO0B0Sm9c1-uPt-2uCG8E5NTDLQ9eTFFTmSc7fSPlM7KFotAy6o3pbkXhICx5TNcFqxuO6rl2R3mTYGmHGl9z3edyywgQrXvgCRoofxUKxbgQZXkhFJW0-432E0FKqo5SY1S/s640/Deansboro+Band.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right rear: Walter Bennett, Unknown, Charles Pierce, Dr. Lynn McConnell, Unknown, Donald Bennett, Warren Nelson, Jay Davis, Douglas Weaver, DeForest Ingersoll.<br />
Left to right front: Unknown, Charles Seals, Unknown, Art Pughe, Bill Grannis. Carl Anyan, Unknown, Bill Niles, Unknown, Harry Williams, Director</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-3638069108612868452016-01-12T08:28:00.000-08:002016-04-07T05:32:18.054-07:00Deansboro Library<div class="MsoNormal">
Early on, a 500-book Library was housed in the Deansboro
High School on West Hill Road, now the home of the Ruias. It was called the
John C. Dean Library. The school, and the library, burned in 1931.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1932, the Waterville Public Library formed branch libraries
in Deansboro and Stockwell. The rules, established by the State Department of
Education, stated that "each community (should) form a small local committee,
choosing one member to act as 'librarian' in a...private home. No payment of
rent is allowed, book shelves and cases must be donated, and there is no
salary." The library in Deansboro was located in Daisy Pughe's living room
on Main Street. Eleanor Dawes remembers
going there to borrow books. One of the Waterville school teachers, Marion
Shaver Dixon, used to bring books from the Waterville Library to the Deansboro Library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1949, Eloise and Floyd Harrington (later, following the
death of Mr. Harrington, Eloise Beerhalter) of the Dean Homestead offered the
use of the annex of their home, which was the office of a former owner, William
Hovey, who kept his records there. Eleanor Dawes was one of the first
librarians, followed by Marion Pughe, Laura Eisenhut, and Jeanette Kennard. Lynda Harrington Williams was the first paid
librarian in 1961. Ellen MacLeod took over in 1962, working summers and school
vacations, with Ann MacLeod as her substitute. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1965, the Mid-York Library service, which was chartered
in 1960, urged Waterville to join the service. Strong pressure was put on the
Waterville Library Board, and it was decided to become a member. Deansboro
needed to expand, however, and the Water Board offered the use of the second
floor of their building (the post office was on the first floor, which used to
house the Barton Hose Company). Many volunteers helped to paint, paper and get
the upstairs room ready for opening. The Cub Scouts were organized to
help. An oak table from Hattie Patterson
was loaned as a study table, and six chairs came from the Waterville school.
Art Sanders cut off the legs of a round table to make a table for the children.
Small chairs were obtained, a rocking chair was given and drapes from Maccabee
Hall were donated. Mid-York Library
offered books for loan, and all was ready for a reception to celebrate the
opening in July, 1965. That year also saw a 20% increase in circulation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ann MacLeod took over full time in 1966. In 1976 she moved
to Clinton, and Joanne Bolan became librarian until she went to work full time.
Ann came back in 1977 and worked until 1980. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Library was moved when the former Deansboro Grade School
(later WCS kindergarten) was sold to the Town of Marshall for $1.00 in the fall
of 1975, and the building became the Town Hall. In 1980, Florence Oser from
Knoxboro succeeded Ann MacLeod, assisted
by Janet Dangler. Florence retired in 1988, and was succeeded in 1989 by Fern
Biederman, assisted by Chris Johnson. Fern also retired, and in 1992, Bonnie
Lewis, assisted by Sharon Bennett, became the library director. Bonnie also had
as an assistant Pat Shay, who succeeded her in 1997.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1996, the Town Hall, including the library, underwent
extensive renovations, and library was closed from August to November. New
shelving was put up, new windows and carpeting were installed, and an expanded
children's room was implemented. An open
house was held in January, 1997.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jacque Roys was librarian briefly in 2006; then Pat Shay took
over with Anna Falin as her assistant.
When Pat moved, Margie Wilson, from the Waterville Public Library, and
Anna were fixtures there. We can't forget Mary Ann Ford and Nancy Cali, who
were always there: volunteers extraordinaire. There was a busy Friends of the
Library group who instigated the Election Day Book Sale, with raffle baskets to
benefit the library. The Book Sale and raffle go on, with a bake sale added.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2009, the Waterville Library Trustees held a public
meeting at the Marshall Town Hall to discuss the future of the Deansboro branch
and bring to the public's attention the problem that circulation in Deansboro
was way down. They gave Deansboro a year to bring it up; that didn't happen,
and in August, 2010, the Trustees voted to close the branch.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<v:imagedata o:title="scan0002" src="file:///C:\Users\Janet\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape>However, a group of dedicated volunteers, realizing that a library is
an integral part of any community, resolved to keep the library going, so the
library was not closed at all during that time. The Library is called the
Deansboro Library and Reading Center, and is staffed entirely by volunteers. They
are, from 2010 to present:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sharon Bennett Ann Koester The
library hours are:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Fern Biederman Gloria Lollman Monday-6-8</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Gail Blau Anna Rae Martin Tuesday-2-4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Joanne Bolan Cassandra Martin Wednesday-1-3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Janet Dangler Alice Yoxall Thursday-9:30-11:30</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Lori Dunn Friday-9:30-11:30
& 2-4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Rose Evans</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Anna Falin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dave Georgius</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Betty Hughes</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88vKNKudL4K-CLgJ6nNyGN8rMTTlzACeIp29hsyr0GX8rfyiqsC_cnOn86Ot0d0EZjGimhgCML8RiSoDdlUClbqczgNzsURkU5qPUDqOAeBG9hlSCNRc9UzuH7nXsiPfkVR0uBEXXxvbJ/s1600/library+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88vKNKudL4K-CLgJ6nNyGN8rMTTlzACeIp29hsyr0GX8rfyiqsC_cnOn86Ot0d0EZjGimhgCML8RiSoDdlUClbqczgNzsURkU5qPUDqOAeBG9hlSCNRc9UzuH7nXsiPfkVR0uBEXXxvbJ/s320/library+mom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann MacLeod, librarian in 1973, at the drop box of the Deansboro Library</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-usNjT1zEiIz22aps1Pai7Ce9VwrU3QgYXLGPiNre1MITc6L0KB2C9QY8ORjjQZk8OBlJ3kcImNO4BoKpvveBwBcPb_UFsoAy_Flq-8Ha84dW1pzontvrIz79gUJFTZPXVb6BqUQ3IEh/s1600/library+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-usNjT1zEiIz22aps1Pai7Ce9VwrU3QgYXLGPiNre1MITc6L0KB2C9QY8ORjjQZk8OBlJ3kcImNO4BoKpvveBwBcPb_UFsoAy_Flq-8Ha84dW1pzontvrIz79gUJFTZPXVb6BqUQ3IEh/s320/library+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From fifth and sixth grade classroom...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9wAoZ9ZtrHZn7DE2eoEyfVU3Ai4Koo0CptfFDLCkQjR-8xpftVGrndYS8E8f6BNNBfE-5MKCvM3Ou9jl6FyHLWf8zgPXwkvIWTA5gRrBgSCZhFTm_yrqKjpnomHCalaFENwIkoU6t_zc/s1600/library+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9wAoZ9ZtrHZn7DE2eoEyfVU3Ai4Koo0CptfFDLCkQjR-8xpftVGrndYS8E8f6BNNBfE-5MKCvM3Ou9jl6FyHLWf8zgPXwkvIWTA5gRrBgSCZhFTm_yrqKjpnomHCalaFENwIkoU6t_zc/s320/library+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...to a library (1996)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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</tr>
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</v:shape><o:p> </o:p>Every year the library holds and Book Fair at Barns and Noble, and a
percentage of that day's sales goes to the Deansboro Library and Reading
Center, after a certain amount is reached.
That enables the library to furnish books upon request. Many times there
is a best-seller on the shelves in Deansboro that may be on hold at other
libraries. Customer service is available at all libraries, but is unique in
Deansboro.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-8466713587855629842015-12-09T12:05:00.002-08:002016-01-12T08:28:16.336-08:00Schools in the Town of Marshall<div class="MsoNormal">
The first school in the Town of Marshall goes back to around
1796, established by the Brothertown Indians. It was approximately where the
Boro is now located. Another school was in the center of Dicksville, built by
Asa Dick and used as a school and a church, where Amy Marris lives. At this
school, according to Ken McConnell, former Town of Marshall Historian,
"pupils paid tuition of one quarter cord or good hard wood two feet long,
or the cash equivalent." He relates that there was the construction of a
fence "to keep the cows out of the play ground." Other schools were at McConnell's Corners,
Moore's Corners, Hanover and Forge Hollow. Altogether, there were 11 school
districts in the Town.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the early 1800s, the Knob Academy, which was located on
the hill south of the Depot and the Marshall Towpath on the west side of Route
315, was built. It was torn down in 1906. In the 1840s, the West Hill Academy
was established on land deeded from John Dean to the trustees of the new school
which featured two years of high school. After that, the Deansboro Union Free
High School was built on West Hill Road (then known as School Street) where the
Ruia's now live. This school went up to the eighth grade; then the pupils were
sent to Clinton High School to finish out their education and were transported
there at their parents' expense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Deansboro Union Free High School burned in 1931, and
then came the big question: should the school be re-built; or should Deansboro
merge with Clinton or with Waterville? Many public meetings were held to
examine the pros and cons of each proposal. Continuing as a separate unit was
not considered. The Clinton Central School Board of Education was approached
seeking an offer to become part of the Clinton School District. This measure
was applauded by some residents of Deansboro, especially those whose children
who attended the Clinton schools. The Waterville Board of Education, however,
had offered to erect a school in Deansboro at their own expense, accepting the
additional cost of part of the deal. The Clinton School District were reluctant
at first to construct a new building in Deansboro at Clinton taxpayer expense,
but when they were informed of Waterville's offer they made a similar one:
agreeing to take Deansboro into their local central district and to build a
school there at the same tax rate charged throughout the district.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, given the fact that many individuals influential in
the Deansboro school affairs had business interests in Waterville, the informal
vote in April 1931 was 108 in favor of uniting with Waterville, 25 wishing to
join Clinton, and 11 undecided. A formal vote followed, with the result of 125
for joining with Waterville and 17 against. The next question was where the new
school should be located, and the Miller site on the west side of Route 12B
(where the present Town Hall is located) was selected. Work on the new school
started in April 1932 for a three-classroom building for students from Grades
1-6, including a cafeteria and auditorium with a stage, to be called the
Deansboro Grade School. Pupils for the upper grades were transported by bus to
Waterville.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The contractors hoped the new school would be ready for September
1932, but classes there didn't actually begin until March of 1933. All the
small area schools were closed, and the children were transported to school in
either Deansboro or Waterville, whichever was closer. What is now the meeting
room in the Town Hall was the First and Second grade classroom; the offices of
the Town officials used to be the third and fourth grade rooms; and the present
main library room housed the fifth and six grades. What is now the children's
room of the library was called the principal's office, and a cot for sick
children was there as well as a small library. Once a week a music teacher and
a gym teacher travelled from Waterville. Lunches were prepared and served by
Mrs. Rexford Johnson (helped by enthusiastic fifth and sixth grade students) on
the stage at school. There was a very strong, active PTA. Sadly, the last class
graduated from the Deansboro Grade School in 1966. It was then used as a
kindergarten and the grade 1-6 children were bussed to Waterville until 1970.
In 1975, the Town of Marshall purchased the school for $1.00 and moved the Town
Offices there. Then everybody from kindergarten to grade 12 went to Waterville.
Reorganization plan for combining the Brookfield, Madison, Oriskany Falls and
Waterville school districts into one combined district was discussed in 1969
but, aside from Oriskany Falls joining the Waterville Central School District, that
didn't happen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's fun to imagine how different everything would be if the
vote in 1931 had gone the other way! <br />
<br />
Following are some of the schools that were in the Town of Marshall. Many are not there anymore, and many more were turned into attractive homes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOPPFfpp66LR5GplpRWI0wFgpG5YgopK8wVTwIlVKih8JcMgtBdKMUj0QqgHpqzPDhMgXBfE9d_50cnwIFuvqk4JZQKzcNr29r9w0muP6CxdSqZVAIvPUTH4Ed0ZnQduiLwvzijrw49HY/s1600/grade+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOPPFfpp66LR5GplpRWI0wFgpG5YgopK8wVTwIlVKih8JcMgtBdKMUj0QqgHpqzPDhMgXBfE9d_50cnwIFuvqk4JZQKzcNr29r9w0muP6CxdSqZVAIvPUTH4Ed0ZnQduiLwvzijrw49HY/s320/grade+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deansboro Grade School 1932-1966</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyy6CNbw6bnIXJH2-Cv30w409p2YYMCqeiYQ1rs-AiJ_KwMjVrn2C-4EiQ2iOqofLJWunRVp3AyDvwiGAI2-RRgCkWC0bSEONJqNriUJEfXPYj6LG1u_36Pl4PAemcS64krKovUChHByV/s1600/high+school+burned+in+1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyy6CNbw6bnIXJH2-Cv30w409p2YYMCqeiYQ1rs-AiJ_KwMjVrn2C-4EiQ2iOqofLJWunRVp3AyDvwiGAI2-RRgCkWC0bSEONJqNriUJEfXPYj6LG1u_36Pl4PAemcS64krKovUChHByV/s320/high+school+burned+in+1931.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deansboro High School on West Hill Road (then School Street) burned 1931</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9bkKdlwTEG4MfmoeJXIA1PO68hM87lRAcUupSDmiMazagdBTh6vSOMYI_nmJyVMIag53Cr9ZELr9ol2ucDZO9zVqIarQj79q09N6-N11JfFMCRuoe-xzhy-_6pRD0Jr3yzNqlRiHo7Rb/s1600/dicksville+schoolhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9bkKdlwTEG4MfmoeJXIA1PO68hM87lRAcUupSDmiMazagdBTh6vSOMYI_nmJyVMIag53Cr9ZELr9ol2ucDZO9zVqIarQj79q09N6-N11JfFMCRuoe-xzhy-_6pRD0Jr3yzNqlRiHo7Rb/s320/dicksville+schoolhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dicksville School corner Burnham Road and Rt. 315</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSAWSxhUVv6qEZKHISm4ejC6fzk8EJ2jmf_sN5YOCm84xSv4GYHXzAbvJKh3_C2Zs_IaIS-qQN1Ig8PZbf1tonP_zmRVELsaun9DADiazPf38TX_gMRI8doFYvO92DF2RCRq4TEFu82Ti/s1600/district+8+gridley+and+shanley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSAWSxhUVv6qEZKHISm4ejC6fzk8EJ2jmf_sN5YOCm84xSv4GYHXzAbvJKh3_C2Zs_IaIS-qQN1Ig8PZbf1tonP_zmRVELsaun9DADiazPf38TX_gMRI8doFYvO92DF2RCRq4TEFu82Ti/s320/district+8+gridley+and+shanley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School District #8 Gridley Page and Shanley Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyjMMKD5R_48q3NBlqRZxlB8H4nDo2W3ZpbpyArQBCbudDg4dTfPR_OU3c-Ju4oG1CAGWeKIS4ZtLq9Ux1nWmjb_uLArdwgPT2p40AUe_y5qA_j6OuOtpJyO8Z4yYjV9IRbKMSqcK_m7Z/s1600/district+9+Cobblestone+School+Forge+Hollow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyjMMKD5R_48q3NBlqRZxlB8H4nDo2W3ZpbpyArQBCbudDg4dTfPR_OU3c-Ju4oG1CAGWeKIS4ZtLq9Ux1nWmjb_uLArdwgPT2p40AUe_y5qA_j6OuOtpJyO8Z4yYjV9IRbKMSqcK_m7Z/s320/district+9+Cobblestone+School+Forge+Hollow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District #9 Cobblestone School House corner Bogan Rd. and Rt. 315</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgBDLOajWltB6msB9iAt1crhZ1kOtI5floT1jSqGz2GdjStOrkMx_sA5lJ_wxSy5CmypE2feHR6u18szGpkWVH2cGEYjyHOCfgIXO3krEmX1-tEYX_EQCXyxmrXJ7L8z0XCedrVF1xSQ2/s1600/district+6+hanover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgBDLOajWltB6msB9iAt1crhZ1kOtI5floT1jSqGz2GdjStOrkMx_sA5lJ_wxSy5CmypE2feHR6u18szGpkWVH2cGEYjyHOCfgIXO3krEmX1-tEYX_EQCXyxmrXJ7L8z0XCedrVF1xSQ2/s320/district+6+hanover.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District #6 Hanover</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-578195333758247122015-11-19T14:09:00.002-08:002015-11-19T14:09:25.047-08:00Hop Extract Works<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hop Extract Works, built in 1879 by James R. Whiting,
were located about one mile outside of Waterville on the way to Deansboro,
where the Suburban Propane bulk tanks and storage buildings are located. It was at what was called "Factory Village," on Mill Street (Buell Ave.)</div>
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At
first, the works were in a small wooden building with three extractors.
However, the demand for the product was so great that by 1881 plans were
underway for expansion, which included a three-story brick factory 33x75, a hop pit of corrugated iron, 30x73 feet for the reception of the waste hops after the extract has been removed, a 35x70 foot warehouse for the storage of hops, an engine house, which will contains two 60-horse power boilers (later 100-horsepower boilers were added), a workshop, a fire-proof structure to store the hops, and an office. In 1882, apparatus was installed for making electric light into the extensive works. In 1887, a large blast blower was placed to carry the waste hops through a tube from the damping place to the boiler room, where they are used for fuel. Conservation at its finest!</div>
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Local farmers brought their
hops in large horse-drawn wagons; or, if the weather was adverse, hops were
imported from England, Ireland and South America, and shipped from as far as
Oregon and California by freight train. The hops were placed in large brass vats tightly closed, and through a process of hot water and cooling,
the lupulin (the active ingredient in hops) was extracted. "It was almost like steeping tea,"
commented Celia Roberts Jones, who was born in 1893 and whose father was a
bookkeeper there. The extract was preferred by the brewers because the
extraction process ensured that the best part of the hops was preserved; and
one pound of hop extract equaled to about
two and one-half pounds of hops, a plus for shipping. An 1886 article in the Waterville Times proclaims, "Lest anyone should question whether this hop extract is mixed or in any way a substitute for the hop, we will add that for many years they have made, and still make, a standing offer of $1000 for an ounce of anything but the pure hop found in any quantity from their works."</div>
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Celia Roberts Jones, mentioned above, added the following anecdote: one officer of the plant, experimenting with the extract liquid, added confectioner's sugar and boiled it down to cake form, something like fudge. This solid product was made for "medicinal purposes".</div>
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At its heyday, the plant converted about 150
bales of hops per day into about 2000 pounds of extract, and was running day
and night to keep up with the demand, with two men relieving each other every twelve hours. There were about 15 men working each shift. Working at the hop works was dangerous
business: one man, lost some fingers while removing a belt; another had his hair
and face burned in a gas explosion. </div>
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In
1897, the engine house (where the boilers were) caught fire. Fortunately, the building was brick with a tin roof and located quite a distance from the works. Had it caught in the main factory building the damage would have been enormous. Gasoline was used in the work of extracting hops, and a new supply had just been placed in storage. However, it was confined to the one building, easily controlled and put out. The origin of the fire remained a
mystery. Arson was suspected; and a pile of hop residue was found in front of the boilers: possibly the fire started there, However it occurred, the plant was closed for while for repairs but then started up again
as busy as ever. <br />
<br />
After a time, however,
the plant closed, a victim of the low prices of hops, around 1902, although there was still
enough product stored to meet demand. Some talk was made about using the plant
to extract rubber. But in 1935 the brick building was razed, and in 1937 the
70-foot brick chimney was demolished by the State Highway Department, using 92 sticks of dynamite. The plant was
the only hop extract works in the world at that time. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-16325108047628652372015-11-04T07:32:00.002-08:002016-01-18T06:58:22.055-08:00Forge Hollow<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Forge Hollow</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> was another once-thriving,
prosperous community in the Town of Marshall. The first white settler
(according to the 1860 Gazetteer) was David<span style="color: red;"> </span>Barton
in 1792. He first settled in land on the Brothertown Patent (on West Hill on
the Bishopp farm) and was obliged to move). Forge Hollow was notable for its
forges - hence the name. It used ore from Clinton and later scrap iron to turn
into farm tools. The first forge was built in 1801 by Daniel Hanchett, John
Winslow, Thomas Winslow and Ward White. It was located a short distance down
the stream from the caves and was known as the upper forge. In 1808, Hanchett went into partnership with
Skinner. The last forge man and blacksmith was Yemmans Phinney. Hunkerford
& Daniels operated what was called the lower forge. As a side note, the
curve on Route 315 going in known as Daniel's Nose. Forge Hollow was also known
for its grist mills and saw mills; near the old stone school house was the
Mowery Tefft sawmill, and further upstream was the grist mill, operated by
Isaac Jones. There was a blast furnace, originated by Andrew S. Pond and later
operated by Billy Titus. Forge Hollow
also boasted a Universalist church, a furniture store, run by M.L. Lyman, at
least two hotels or public houses, shop and a school. Willona Creek (or Big
Creek or the West Branch of the Oriskany Creek) provided water for the grist
mills and sawmills. A plank road extended from Waterville through Forge Hollow
to Deansboro, later replaced by a hard macadam road. Yes, Forge Hollow was a
important, busy place, where Town business was conducted in either Donohue's
Hotel or the Ryan Building, and was bustling until the Chenango Canal was
opened in 1837, followed by the railroad in 1867. Even though Forge Hollow has declined - the
forges and mills are gone - it is still celebrated for the cave-pocked
limestone cliffs over which a spring bubbles to a pool below. In fact, one of
the largest caves in Central New York can be found on the highway near Forge
Hollow. In the same area, plenty of horsebone rock can be found. In 1885, a scorpion fossil was found in the
caves, and appeared in a exhibit in the American Museum of Natural History.
This fossil is associated with the fossil Eurypterid, the oldest fossil in New
York State. Today, one can see bicyclists stopping by for a cool drink, or people
filling water jugs with the spring water from the "hollow." In the
wintertime, water drips down the fact of the cliff, forming huge icicles.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">NOTES: The annual Senior's Night Out was October 22, and it was well attended with good food and good company. Bingo was on the schedule following the meeting and the following won prizes: Paul Cornelius, Mabel and Mike Silliman, Nelson Blau, Bob Dangler, Joyce and John Ingraham, Charlie Angier, and Debbie and Ron Steinmann.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Also well attended was the Congregational UCC's Harvest Dinner October 24. Congratulations to Dana Schliffit of Earlville, who won the quilt made by members of the Women's Fellowship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The Oneida County Health Department has determined that the water from the spring in Forge Hollow is contaminated and unsafe to drink. Ironic, since so many partake of the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The Marshall Historical Society is planning to publish a book detailing all businesses in the Town of Marshall, both past and present. If you received a notice about your business, please return it so work can start on the project.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-18841241769921335782015-11-02T04:40:00.000-08:002015-12-09T12:06:39.365-08:00Motor Mechanics<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
During the first two years of World
War II, women explored the mysteries of spark plugs and carburetors. They
learned what makes a car run, how to perform minor repairs and change a tire -
in short, the car inside and out - in a course of Motor Mechanics so they would
be prepared if they are needed to drive
ambulances or take men's places in mechanical jobs during the war. Little could be found on the Motor Mechanics
course in the Town of Marshall except from photographs from 1942, courtesy of
Eleanor Dawes of Clinton, formerly of Deansboro. In the photos are several
women from Deansboro, wielding tire irons and wrenches, learning how to change
a tire or intently studying spark plugs, taught by Hardie Sanders. Some of the women were Clara Cornelius,
Esther Sanders, Cecile Pierce, Charlotte Bishopp, Margurite Kennard and Eleanor
Dawes. There were about 12 women in the class. There was also a Motor Mechanics
class in Waterville, taught by Alphonse Rienzo, which possibly some Town of
Marshall residents attended. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3q5_0dCXlmqcoq1e0FYODo1Azu-25fGKxZ0vPGBspjQHhUl12MBn0wN21ImC9GAKzXb0YAFoBfxQPhHAyjWM-zvE0ia_Fij54I98FixYtgTp6nqruS1-OU46CdkMVgW3tC57X0Ux0XBf/s1600/motor+mechanics3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3q5_0dCXlmqcoq1e0FYODo1Azu-25fGKxZ0vPGBspjQHhUl12MBn0wN21ImC9GAKzXb0YAFoBfxQPhHAyjWM-zvE0ia_Fij54I98FixYtgTp6nqruS1-OU46CdkMVgW3tC57X0Ux0XBf/s320/motor+mechanics3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congratulations to Jessica Scoones, daughter of Jody and David Scoones of Deansboro, who was part of a Solar Decathlon through Alfred University, where she is an engineering student. <span style="background: white;">The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate s</span>olar<span style="background: white;">-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. Jessica's team, one of 20 in competition, was</span> in collaboration with SUNY Alfred. The house featured solar panels, radiant flooring and many other features. Her team reconstructed the house in Irvine, California in October, and won awards for affordability, comfortable temperature, and electrical. Jessica's mother and father also traveled to California to witness the competition.</div>
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Welcome to the Gary Comstock family, who recently purchased the Robert Palusky home on VanHyning Road. The Comstocks are from Clinton, where Gary previously owned Alexander's Cafe, where Stan's Coffee Shop used to me. The Paluskys are living across the road at Blueberry Brook.</div>
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Sympathy of the community is extended to the family of Allen Benedict of Deansboro, who passed away October 28 at the Siegenthaler Center. He leaves his wife Joan Barker Benedict, sons Keith and Kevin, and many grandchildren, relatives and friends. Allen and Joan have owned and operated Ye Olde Canal Shoppe on Main Street, Deansboro for many years.</div>
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Dave Sullivan writes that KD Homes is building a new home on Gridley Paige Rd. for Brent & Lindsay Gilchrest and their family. Brent runs the Waterville Animal Resort and Lindsey is a registered nurse. They are building on what was the Clark Lallier farm. We would like to welcome them to our town.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Marshall Historical Society is planning to publish a book detailing all businesses in the Town of Marshall, both past and present. If you received a notice asking about details concerning your business, please return it so work can start on the project. If you didn't receive a notice and would like your business included, please let us know.</div>
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Do you have pictures of happenings in the Town of Marshall? In January, bring your pictures to the Town Hall and we will scan them for posterity and return them to you. We'll let you know the date. In the meantime, pour over your old albums (that's fun!). Any archives (business' calendars, etc.) you'd like to share with us? Keep the Historical Society in mind.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-88469125440573218372015-10-21T09:03:00.000-07:002017-01-25T13:07:10.615-08:00No Brakes!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Many people remember the year 1957, when
there were three accidents involving vehicles - two trucks and one tractor -
hurtling down West Hill Road and crashing into buildings in the hamlet of
Deansboro.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first was in July of that year. Two men, who worked for Donald Hinman, were
travelling down West Hill on a tractor which was pulling a trailer of empty
baskets and bags, intended for bean picking. The tractor went out of control,
skidded 250 feet, snapped off a utility pole, and overturned. The tractor and
trailer were demolished; the two men were thrown from the vehicle and taken to
Faxton Hospital. One, Ernest Henderson of Belle Glade, Florida, died the next day of a fractured skull. The other man, Willie Bond of Troy, Alabama, remained in the hospital,
according to the Utica Daily Press, suffering from "critical
injuries."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
next accident was in August, 1957. Then, damage of more than $20,000, was
estimated when a tractor trailer truck loaded with 616 bushels of beans lost
its brakes coming down West Hill Road and crashed into the plate glass window
of Claude Hinman's (later D'Agostino's) garage at the corner of Rts. 12B and
315. The driver, Robert West, 21, was taken to St. Elizabeth's Hospital where is was confined pending X-rays. His </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">passenger L.C, Thrasher of Deansboro, was treated for bruises and then released. According to the Daily Press of August 8, West said he was driving east down the West Hill Road when his brakes failed. He started blowing his horn to avoid striking any traffic. The tractor trailer, owned by George Littleton of Pompano, Florida, was demolished. Beans were strewn about the sales place inside and out. Fuel oil was splashed in the street and the Deansboro Fire Department flushed and then sanded the street. John Pughe, who was driving his car at the foot of the hill, narrowly escaped being run into. John Lewis, of Oriskany Falls, Mrs. Lewis and their five children were traveling west out of the Waterville Road. His car was damaged on the left front fender and door when the tractor trailer caught a portion of the car but the occupants did not report any injury. Crowds which gathered at the scene handicapped officials and others who salvaged the beans. The Utica Daily Press reported
that </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the beans, all 18 1/4 tons, were
salvaged and loaded into another tractor trailer. The beans had been picked on the Donald Hinman farm.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The
third accident that year was in November. A tractor trailer, loaded with 20
tons of calcium chloride, intended for the town highway department, went out of
control again coming down West Hill Road at about 3:00 a.m.
This time, the truck smashed into three buildings off Route 315 in
Deansboro, shearing off the corner of what was then Ralph's General Store (now
the Superette), demolishing Allyn Earl's hardware store just below, and coming
to a halt after striking a storage building behind that and spilling its cargo. Eloise Beerhalter (then Harrington) hurried to investigate and found the driver, Richard Arnold, who had climbed out from the truck unhurt walking up the driveway. They called the state police, who responded almost immediately. News of the accident was around early, as farmers starting coming up to the Hinman Milk Station (now Linfield Auto Repair and Final Touch) just below Allyn Earl's, before sunrise. School children, who wait for the bus on the corner, shifted further down the road in front of the old post office (on Route 315) to watch.The spectators complained of the bitter wind, but were nevertheless numerous, and hampered the cleanup efforts. Pictures of this accident were preserved by Eleanor Dawes, and she very kindly loaned them for this blog. 1. Lower side of Earl's store after accident. 2. Town of Marshall crew getting ready to clean up debris. 3. View of the whole scene after accident 4. View of damage done to rear of Ralph's General Store. 5. Overturned truck on rear of Earl's store. 6. West side of Earl's store showing where the truck hit corner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Not quite as dangerous but still a "near calamity" happened in 1959 at the Kiddie Parade at the Firemen's Field Days, when the
brakes on Dottie Winslow's bike failed, and she sped down West Hill Road,
across Main Street, and into Hinman's Garage. She was given much credit for avoiding a baby carriage. Dottie spent the night in the
hospital, but received no serious injury. Although she was awarded a prize for
the "fastest bike" her sister Betty Winslow Ford remembers she was
most upset because the bike was new.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There haven't been any accidents since then, although a near miss occurred this past winter (2014) when a tractor trailer was coming
down West Hill Road from Route 26 and encountered slippery conditions. When the
driver realized he was losing control of his rig, he drove it into a ditch,
rather than jeopardize people traveling on Route 12B. The trailer swung around
and smashed into a tree on Harry Goodson's property. The tree had to be
subsequently cut down. The driver was "shaken up," Harry said, but
wasn't injured.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6340092619397464047.post-82532825565974594862015-09-17T11:13:00.003-07:002016-01-25T06:25:09.934-08:00<br />
Greetings:<br />
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I am your recently-appointed (in March) Town of Marshall
Historian, to succeed Dorothy McConnell, who has retired. Believe me, she's a
hard act to follow; however, I am doing my best to get acquainted with the
history of the Town of Marshall (did you know the Town is named in honor of Chief
Justice John Marshall, who served from 1801-1835? I didn't until I started
doing some serious reading). Therefore, operating on the assumption local
history may be a closed book to some, I am starting with the basics: the
founding the Town of Marshall. If there are corrections to be made, please
email me, Janet Dangler, at townofmarshallblooger@gmail.</div>
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This blog is also intended to keep residents up-to-date on what is going on around the town: new buildings, events which are scheduled. For that I need your help - please let me know your news and it will appear on this blog. You can email or call me at 841-4707 and I'll be glad to answer questions!</div>
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First of all, the sympathy of the community is extended to the family of Lois Goodson Cole, who passed away Friday, September 11, 2015 at the Presbyterian Home. Her funeral was Tuesday, September 15, at Owens-Pavlot Funeral Home. Lois leaves a son Charles and a daughter Cindy Gall of Deansboro; her grandchildren; her sister Mary Lloyd and brother Harry Goodson, and lots of nephews and nieces.</div>
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The Apple Fest sponsored by the Women's Fellowship of the Congregational United Church of Christ will be September 27. Along with apple pies from the church's kitchen will be home baked goods with an apple theme, as well as apples and cider for sale. The day starts at 10:00. </div>
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Mark your calendars for three events coming up. October 3 is the date of the United Methodist Church turkey supper, with all the fixings topped off with apple or pumpkin pie. On the 22nd will be the Senior's Night Out, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Committee, with chicken on biscuits followed by Bingo. The 24th will be the Congregational UCC Church's annual turkey supper.</div>
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Many have noticed the new sign gracing the front of the Congregational church. It was donated by Chuck Morris in loving memory of his parents, John and Mary Alice Morris. The Morris family lived on Shanley Road.</div>
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The new pole barn by Buell's Fuel will be used for storage. The building went up so quickly: one day it was grass; then wooden poles; then metal cladding; and finally the trusses.</div>
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And now on to the history of the Town of Marshall:</div>
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Today, it is generally agreed that Deansboro in 2015 is the
hub - the seat, as it were - of the Town of Marshall. It wasn't always that
way, though. The first settlers in the Town of Marshall - known as the Town of
Paris at first (the Town of Kirkland was part of the Town of Paris, and then
the Town of Marshall was incorporated from the Town of Kirkland in 1829) - were
the Brothertown Indians, made up of different tribes (the Narragansetts, the
Pequots, Mohegans, Montauks, Natnicks and Shinicooks) from Connecticut and
Rhode Island. They settled in the land the Oneida Indians gave them. This was a
"considerable tract of land," about 24,000 acres. It stretched
approximately from Madison Lake to College Hill in Clinton. </div>
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One of the first of the Indian
settlements was around 1774, known as Dicksville, named after Asa Dick, a
Narragansett. Dicksville boasted two
sawmills, a shoe shop, a school, a grist mill on the bank of Willona Creek (Big
Creek, or the east branch of Oriskany Creek), a blacksmith shop, a tavern and a
carpentry shop. By the early 1900s, although some buildings remain (Amy Marris
lives in the former Indian church, later their school house; and Ed Gallagher
lives in the house that Asa Dick built, formerly Wratten's), Dicksville pretty
much was a memory. However, there is a historical marker near a lilac tree on
what was Asa Dick's property and used to be a pasture connected with the Milton
Wratten farm (now behind a newer ranch house on property owned by Ed
Gallagher). Under the lilac are several gravestones, the largest and most
interesting of which is the one inscribed "In memory of Asa Dick." There is also another cemetery on the
Brothertown Road, and some descendents of the Brothertowns have come from the
mid-west, where they were relocated, from time to time to visit it. It's
unclear where exactly Dicksville was located, but I believe it was
roughly from around the home owned by Bob and Maureen Gray (formerly Clifford
Small) on the left side of Route 315; and Eric Gallagher's (formerly Clarence
Lloyd) on the right going toward Waterville; by Ed Gallagher's farm on the corner of Rt. 315
and Burnham Road; to the Forge Hollow line. Possibly Dicksville went down what is now Route 315 as far as California Road. The curve on Route 315 from Dicksville into Forge Hollow is known as
Daniels' Nose, as the area was once owned by people named Daniels.</div>
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Another little-known and mostly forgotten hamlet which was
settled around 1775 is Brotherton (Brothertown), or the Indian name
Eeyamquittoowayconnuck, at the top of Bogusville Hill Road at McMillan corners.
Bogusville - so named because of the
counterfeit coins manufactured and distributed there - is about a mile from
Clinton going toward Deansboro, and the road where the hamlet was is called
Bogusville Hill Road. Every community back then had a grist mill and Brotherton
was no exception; also there was a cheese factory. 1775 turned out to be a bad
year in which to settle, however, because when the Revolutionary War began in
earnest, they moved out temporarily due to conflicted allegiances. Once peace
was declared, they moved back, led by David Fowler, and were pleased to find
that the potatoes they had planted years before had grown from year to year and
were still thriving, making them a sustaining crop. Anyone who has ever
cultivated potatoes can easily understand this!</div>
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Forge Hollow was another once-thriving community in the Town
of Marshall. It was settled in the late 1700s<span style="color: red;"> </span>and
was notable for its forge - it used ore from Clinton and later scrap iron to
turn into farm tools - hence the name Forge Hollow. The proprietors were Daniel
Hatchett and Captain Nathan Daniel. Forge Hollow was also known for its grist
mill and saw mills. It was also celebrated for the cave-pocked limestone cliffs
over which a spring bubbles to a pool below. It used to provide water for
nearby grist mills and sawmills; now, one can see bicyclists stopping by for a
cool drink, or people filling water jugs with the spring water from the
"hollow." Forge Hollow ended just about a mile from Waterville on Rt.
315.</div>
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Most white settlers first settled in the areas in higher
elevations around what is presently Deansboro, because they felt it was
healthier; the valley was termed a swamp hole. Joseph Eastman, the first white
settler, came in 1784. David Barton,
ancestor of the present Bartons in Waterville and whose name was given to the
Barton Hose Company in Deansboro arrived next in 1794. David Barton first settled in the west hills,
on the farm now owned by the Bishopp family; but, because he inadvertently
landed in Brothertown land, he was obliged to move, and he did. The most
important early "white" settlement in the Town of Marshall was
Hanover in the east hills. It's still there, but only a shadow of its former
self. In 1795, the first settlers in Hanover, Isaac Miller and his wife Irene
and their children, chose the hillside, fearing malaria in the lower valley,
possibly due to the close proximity of the Oriskany Creek. In Hanover was a tavern;
a cobbler, who went from house to house to make shoes for the family; a general
store; a post office (the mail was brought to Hanover Green by a post rider); a
school house; mills and houses; and a church - called the Hanover Religious
Society, which was organized in 1797. The first main highway ran from
Waterville to Whitesboro through Hanover.</div>
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These were all important and bustling communities until
about the mid-1800, when the Chenango
Canal was opened in 1837, followed by the railroad along the canal route in
1867. Homesteaders realized that the
supposed "fever valley" boasted fertile land (witness the crops of
the Brothertowns!), not to mention plenty of water, and they started settling
in the lower regions. The mills and the stores of Forge Hollow, Dicksville,
Hanover and Brotherton were abandoned, and those regions became neighborhoods
of homes, such they are today.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10556431198273124537noreply@blogger.com2