As this column goes to press the 152nd Oswego County Fair should be in full swing at Sandy Creek. During the previous week the Heritage building was stocked full with many new and unique exhibits. We even brought down a piano for some live music!
An interesting week of interactive history is planned, with historians from across the County and region present. Many unique crafters are also planning on being present at various times.
Special exhibits are set up for the communities of West Monroe, Amboy, Redfield, Minetto, Parish, New Haven Volney, Granby, Mallory, Sandy Creek, Pulaski, Williamstown, Richland, Oswego town, Schroeppel and Boylston. Rae Allen will be there each day to quilt and do demonstrations. Carol Thompson, Mary Mason, Florence Gardner, Julie Paintor are on tap among our crafters. Friends of history who wish to learn more about specifics of any given day can reach us at the Fair 387-3257 or 532-5919.
Last week I submitted a correction to an earlier column, and in the apology I cited Phyllis LeBeau, Sandy Creek Historian’s Office volunteer. I mixed up Phyllis’ maiden name which should have read Rowe. Her Dad was J. Hunt Rowe, and there was the mix up. I again offer my apologies.
On June 24, Shawn Doyle and volunteer Ian Lowery worked at bringing more materials to Heritage Hall in Sandy Creek. Later in the day the two set out a government marker for the late Elwood Bristol in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Florence. Bristol, a decorated soldier in the Second World War was a Redfield native. Following his death in 2003, Bristol was buried with his parents in St. Mary’s along the back tree line. This marker is the first monument to his life and service.
While in “the east end†Lowery & Doyle worked at some landscape work in Redfield cemetery, and then joined other town youths in the traditional summertime ritual of “jumping the bridge†to cool off. The reservoir was a perfect swimming temperature, and a couple dozen area residents were also enjoying the waters under a cloudless sky. In this writer’s opinion there is no better season then summer in the Tug Hill/Eastern Lake Ontario region where we have so many recreational opportunities. The Redfield Reservoir is another “hidden gem†in our county that is often overlooked.
Our sister organization to the north, the Historical Association of South Jefferson has published a new book on the history of Lorraine. The book will be on sale at the fairgrounds, and later at Half-Shire. Editor Debbie Quick has penned several local books, and this one is sure to be similarly popular.
Congratulations to Virginia Chrisman Peter of Lacona and Shirley Potter Purvis of Vero Beach, Florida for each correctly guessing the identity of this past newsletter’s “Guess Whoâ€Â. The mystery man in the child photo was Fred Potter of Boylston. Virginia and Shirley each will be credited a years’ membership and receive a 2009 calendarâ€â€and as it is late in the year, a 2010 calendar when they are printed.
In our membership list printed in the last newsletter we omitted several names among those members are Francis Sullivan, Fulton; Kay Dealing, Sandy Creek; Sharon Robarge, Richland; Joan Carter, Charlottesville, VA and life member (Secretary) George Widrig. The printing of the list –and gathering corrections, is helpful before we fill out our annual state report with membership numbers, so if you feel you were omitted please contact us.
Half-Shire can be reached at P.O. 73, 1100 County Rte. 48, Richland, NY 13144
Or on the web at [email protected] www.halfshire.com
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