Fall 2014

News and Notes

Save the Dates

Oct 14, 2014 - "Jim Lally A Brief History on Glenn Curtiss" - biography and museum

Nov 11, 2014 - " The Red Baron & WWI" by Greg Kinal

Dec 7, 2014 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance

For additional information, call 759-8575

Fall 2014

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDClarence, NYPERMIT #17

The Historical Society of the Town of Clarence10465 Main StreetP.O. Box 86Clarence, NY 14031

NewsletterPRINT.indd 12 10/3/2014 10:54:37 AM

Happenings…

How do you like THEM apples??

Let’s congratulate Dan Gamin, member, for his

first place showing at the County fair in the apple

growing contest. Dan, who has won first place

for at least eight (8) years in a row, had the top

entry for Baldwin apples and Quince

apples. The prize is awarded for appearance and

firmness of texture. The apples are picked

before completely ripened. Dan’s apples are

smooth, round, lack any imperfections

whatsoever, and, when mature, are the best

tasting things around. You can find him working

on his trees almost year round in the orchard on

Kraus Road, near Greiner. Say “hello” to him

and thank him for making Clarence the home of

champion apple growing. Also, a member

secret, the trees which produced the champion

Baldwins are growing on Clarence Town Park

property right next to our Landow Log

Cabin! Please do not pick the apples! If you

see any deer over there, shoo them away!

THANKS!!

Let’s offer another thank you to

Mason Winfield, local historian,

who spun a tale of the War of

1812 for us at our September

program meeting. Mason covered

every battle of the War, the entire

fight for the Niagara River forts in

90 minutes. He even threw in a

few ghost stories. See him if you

want to know more about dueling,

but don’t upset him, or you might

be asked to defend your honor

with pistols at the length of a

handkerchief. (True story, the

dueler was General Isaac

Brock. See this hero’s statute at

Niagara on the Lake).

Genealogy Update:

We have two new computers and a new scanner at the Gerber-Greatbatch Genealogy

building. Stop in to examine your Clarence roots with the power of the microchip. We

are trying to making the study of Clarence’s unique history easier and more convenient

for those who undertake this worthwhile effort. While you are there, say hello to May

Coppola and friends, who literally have dedicated their lives to the study of Clarence’s

families. These people are volunteers. Can you believe it? We are proud to be

associated with them. Words do not do justice, cannot describe, their worth and the

value of services we receive from their efforts. Thanks to them all!

From the Clarence Archives:

Excerpts from: THE G. A. R. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

Weithea Miller,

1958

This April it is 97 years since President Lincoln called for 78,000 volunteers to protect

the Union. Many who answered his call were only boys but they were a husky lot. They proved

their stamina on many a battle field. Thousands of them did not come home again. The old song

“Tenting Tonight,” “The Faded Coat of Blue,” and the “Vacant Chair” were written from the

reality of blood and tears.

It had been predicted that the North would have a lot of trouble absorbing the thousands

of soldiers into civilian life. But all the predictions were groundless. The soldiers took off their

blue uniforms and put on the working garb of the farmers, factory workers and various

businesses, and almost overnight there were no more soldiers, just loyal citizens, busy at

restoring what four years of war had torn down.

But they did not forget their war experiences. They took immediate stops to preserve the

friendships and fellowships of the war years and organized themselves into the Grand Army of

the Republic (G.A.R).

This organization had its beginning at Springfield, Illinois in March 1866 when a small

group of veterans met there and planned a ritual and by-laws and during the summer held a state

encampment at Springfield, Illinois.

The first national encampment of the order was held at

Indianapolis, Indiana in November, 1886. None was held in 1867 but

after that there was a National Encampment every year, always in one

of the large cities. Two encampments were held in Boston, two in

Detroit, two in Cleveland, two in Philadelphia and two in Washington,

D.C. Cluet and Mrs. Berry told of watching the parade in Washington

when the blue clad soldiers marched all day in review.

The 31st Encampment was held in Buffalo August 23-28, 1897,

one of the largest gatherings. The veterans, many of them former

residents of New York, came from nearly every state in the Union.

New York had furnished over half a million soldiers for the War. Not

all of our present 48 states were represented at the G. A. R., there

being only 36 states at the time of the War. Probably never again after

1897 were there in one city so many thousands of men wearing the

little bronze button of the G. A. R.

Three of memorable sights of the Buffalo encampment were the living flag and the living

shield and the colored citizen’s tribute. The flag and shield were formed by children dressed in

red, white and blue. The colored citizens had erected a huge G on one side of the street, a huge

R on the other side and above them, the A forming the arch with a picture of President Lincoln

and the inscription “They fought be set us free.”

William McKinley was our president in 1897. He was from Ohio and had the rank of

Major in the War. His comrades gave him a wildly enthusiastic welcome in Buffalo. Before him

we had had four other presidents who were members of the Grand Army, which for 40 years was

a power in national politics as well as State and local governments.

The local groups in towns and villages were called “Post” and were named for officers of

the Northern Army. The Clarence group was W. B. Ransom Post 432, named for Colonel

Wallace B. Ransom of Clarence. They were given a charter November 14, 1884 and in all about

eighty members were mustered in. Of these a few were later dropped, or transferred to other

Posts and at least three were transferred from Akron when the J. J. Peck Post 398 surrendered

their charter. The J. J. Peck Post had about 118 names on its roster. There were several Indian

members of whom David Moses was one.

The first commander of Wallace B. Ransom Post 432 was Lieut. Tobias Berry of

Clarence Center, followed by Jacob F. Humbert, Jacob Klicker, Marshall, Aaron Gunn and then

again Lieut. Berry who held the office till his death Jun. 10, 1906, about 12 1/2 years. After

1906 there, were only two others, Irving U. Miller and John Fidinger.

Buffalo had the largest Post in the nation, Chapin Post 2 named for Buffalos General

Chapin. There were ever 700 members and Chapin Post led the parade at all the national

encampments.

Left: Nearly 50,000 veterans of the

Union Army traveled to Buffalo in

August 1897 to remember their Civil

War service and be remembered by

the host city, Buffalo. There were

parades on Monday, Tuesday,

Wednesday and Thursday of the

encampment week by various

groups, but the biggest was the

Grand Parade that began at 10 a.m.

Wednesday.

In December the Posts elected new officers and early in January they had an Installation

which was always a big day and a happy one for the “boys.” To the last, the veterans were the

“boy” but sometimes they were referred to as “Lincoln’s coffee coolers.”

At these Installations, there were always visitors and members of other posts were invited

and the installing officer for Ransom Post came from Buffalo. One that came many times was

Lieut. Alfred Lyth of Buffalo. The Installation and dinner were always held in the village of

Clarence.

There was always an Installation dinner provided by the Women’s Relief Corps, and

featuring oyster stew sad baked beans. These were held at the Lodge room above Humbert’s

Store on the corner of Main and Ransom Road. Later when there were few veterans, the dinners

were held in their homes.

After dinner came the Installation ritual. Sometimes the Installation was held first

followed by an evening meal and then a campfire at which the visiting veterans spoke of their

war experiences and sang old war songs. One of the songs in memory of the army mules ran

something like this:

“Good old mule, army mule, both your ears were so graceful and long. You were true to

our flag so we praise you in story and song.”

The other big day for the veterans was Decoration Day,

May 30th. The Sunday proceeding May 30th was called

Memorial Sunday and the “Post” went to church in a body. This

church service was always e union services in our village, and

was held in a different church each year. The commander of the

Post would send an invitation to the pastors of the churches to

join together in this tribute to the veterans. The pastor of the

Church where the service was held preached the sermon.

The Post marched in with their flag which was placed in

the front of the church. The color bearer was Martin Racquet of

Clarence Center. He was a striking figure with head of thick

dark hair and his face covered with a heavy beard as was the

custom in Civil War days. The clean shaven veterans were

always urging Martin “to get rid of all that foliage,” but he never

did. The Women’s Relief Corps marched in behind the

veterans. At the close of the service the veterans marched out

first while the congregation stood in silent tribute.

Postcard, Grand Army of

the Republic 1915

On May 30th the veterans met about ten o’clock and marched to Fillmore Cemetery

where flowers were placed on the comrades’ graves beside the flags which had been placed there

by a committee of veterans.

After the Clarence Cornet band was organized on October 1, 1907, the band would march

with the veterans. Later on the Scouts also joined the parade and still later the Girl Scouts,

School children with bouquets of flowers always marched with the veterans.

The ritual of the Grand Army was read at the grave of the last veteran who had died a

volley over the grave by the firing squad and taps was sounded by the bugler. They then

marched back to Main Street and by that time dinner was ready. The veterans and their families,

the ministers of the town, teachers and the band enjoyed the food and fellowship.

After dinner there was always a program by the high school and grade pupils and a

special speaker. Two things that were always repeated in every Decoration Day program were

the first Memorial Day Order by General John A. Logan who was the second commander and

chief of the National G. A. R. and Lincoln’s Gettysburg address. The latter given by a high

school pupil and the form read by one of the veterans. There were recitations by the pupils.

There was special music, a solo or duet or group singing by the children. One of the never-to-be-

forgotten songs by the children posed a question:

Who in the years to come, will play the fife and drum?

Loudly the bugle blow, bravery to meet the foe

Who in the nation’s need, will every war cry heed?

Who’ll be our loyal men? Who’ll be the soldiers then?

We will the soldiers be, over the land and sea

Loudly the bugle blow, bravery to meet the foe

We in the nation’s need, will every war cry heed

We’ll be our loyal men. we’ll be the soldiers then.

During the lifetime of Lieut. Berry the Decoration Day dinner and program were held

alternately at Clarence Center and at Clarence. The Clarence Center School furnished the

program by school children, and there was also a speaker. Later the programs were always at

Clarence.

The Birth of the Women’s Relief Corps

The women of the North, during the war years had organized to help the war effort

whenever they could. Some went to the front as nurses. Others worked in the Christian sanitary

commission which did splendid work in furnishing supplies for the sick and wounded.

After the war came the organization known as “Women’s Relief Corps.” (W.R.C.)

auxiliary of the G. A. R. whose purpose was to assist in perpetuating the work of the heroic dead

and to aid needy veterans and their families.

In those earlier years there was often actual need among the veterans. And there were of

course no government sponsored educational advantages, no rehabilitation program and no social

security. The soldier who had lost an arm or a leg came home and took up his task as best he

could. So that in the years directly after the war, there was need of the W.R.C.

Nationally the W. R. C. has founded homes for veterans, their wives and mothers and

was instrumental in placing an American flag over every schoolhouse.

Budget News:

As you may know, all of our Museum and Genealogy operations are funded by the Town of

Clarence. We have been operating within tight constraints for several years, foregoing needed

improvements to our equipment, supplies, displays and technology. During the last two years we

have upgraded our computers at the museum, obtained internet access there, and most recently,

upgraded the computers at the Genealogy building. The new technology does not work by

itself. We have hired an Assistant Curator to help with new archival methods and technology

applications. She is doing a fantastic job. We need to budget dollars for this position on an

annual basis going forward, rather than dip into endowed funds designated for major capital

expenditures or long term strategic projects. Due to these expenses, and other rising costs of

operation, we had no choice but to ask the Town for an additional $10,000 in this year’s

budget. Here’s what you can do:

1. Send a note to the Town Board at One Town Place, Clarence, N.Y. 14031, asking

them to support the Historical Society Budget Request. Tell them how much you

enjoy our Museum, programs, and genealogy sources.

2. Make a contribution to the Society. Your contribution is fully tax deductible. We

are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Did you know that we are organized and

chartered under the authority of the New York State Department of Education?

We need to keep our program strong to ensure continued compliance with state law requirements

for the education of the public in local history. Thank you for your continued support.

The Magic Bank Account

Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest: Each morning your bank would

deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules:

The rules:

1. Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.

2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account.

3. You may only spend it.

4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400.

5. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say: “Game Over!" It can

close the account and you will not receive a new one. What would you do? You would buy

anything and everything you wanted, right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love

and care for. Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on

yourself, right? You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would

be replenished in the morning, right?

Actually, this game is real. Shocked??? Each of us is already a winner of this prize.

We just can't see it. The prize is time!

1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.

2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us.

3. What we haven't used up that day is forever lost.

4. Yesterday is forever gone.

5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time

WITHOUT WARNING.

SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds? Those seconds are worth so much more than

the same amount in dollars. Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life,

because time races by much quicker than you think. Take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply

and enjoy life!

Here's wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day---and start “spending.” ~Elaine

Just For Fun! Think it Over!

Indian Fry Bread

INGREDIENTS---- 1 pkg. dry yeast

2 1/2 c. warm water

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp salt

7 c. flour (divided)

2 tbsp butter (melted)

Oil for frying

Combine yeast, water, sugar & salt.

Stir; Let sit ‘til foam appears on top of liquid.

Stir in flour and oil. Add only enough flour to make a sticky dough.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; kneed only until combined.

Let rest while oil heats in pan. Heat oil ‘til it is quite hot.

Place remaining flour in a bowl or on counter.

Pinch off about 1/4 c. dough. Roll it in flour, flattening it.

Shake off excess flour and place in hot oil.

Fry til browned on both sides, turning once.

Remove to rack or paper towels to drain.

Can be used to sop up gravies, as a "plate" to hold foods or you can sprinkle with sugar and eat

as a dessert.

From "America's Cookbook"

* Fun Fact----During powwows Native Americans would share fry bread as a sign

of intertribal unity. In 2005 South Dakota made fry bread its official state bread.

Visit us online at clarencehistory.com

and follow us on Facebook at Clarence Historical Society

We celebrate the past to awaken the future ~ President John F. Kennedy