Motor Mechanics

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. 

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. The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.