Our Hometown
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 Marion Historian Report
The year's work began, as always, with the endless job of clipping Marion newspaper articles and the filing of same. Each week, requests continue to come for information from the kin of families that once lived in Marion. On Saturday, February 15, 1997, I had a large display on "Abe" Lincoln covering some of his books and articles telling of his life and accomplishments. I featured a hand-made embroidered quilt with the busts of the United States Presidents from George Washington to Ronald Reagan. On April 4, my sister, Barbara DeWandel, and I dressed in our authentic Dutch costumes, presented a program on Holland for Donna Patrick's Home Economics classes at the Marion High School. Barb made delicious Dutch "Sugar Waffles" and I made Soscyzen, all of which was consumed by the students and special teachers. Aril 15 was the date of the next Museum opening for 1997. I displayed "Maps of Marion" showing early street plans with the homes and barns all outlined, showing that, at one time, Union Street was called "Poplar Street." On the 29th, I took a turn at reading a story book to the class of Ms. Guelli at the Marion Elementary School, As Historian, I am asked to have an association with the local school system, but there has not been much co-operation. On the 30th, Barb and I again, donned our Frieshen and Volendam dresses, hats and wooden shoes and journeyed to Sodus where we presented a program for the Sodus Primary Department. There was an interest from the students as well as the teachers and a professor from St. John Fisher College who commented favorably on our program and said that he enjoyed the Dutch food. (We sent some with him for his wife, too.) On May 8, Gord and I and Barb and Bill DeWandel traveled to Wallington to the Cobblestone Country School where we videoed the routine of an entire "Day in the Country School." Mrs. Jean Eygnor, of North Rose, was the teacher. I especially asked for her as she is the perfect example to "play the part" since she has been a teacher since 1952. From the raising and pledge to the flag through lessons and recitations and on to recess games and lunchtime, all is recorded for our files. (There needs to be some editing before it will be available for viewing.) On Sunday May 18, the Marion Historic Association hosted a dedication and wreath laying at the gravesite of Civil War Soldier, Samuel Clark Reynolds. While compiling gravesite research, The Association discovered that the grave of this war veteran, interred in the Marion Cemetery was without a grave stone. Special thanks go to Nancy Nevelizer and Nancy Karasinski and also to Ed Stevens for his help. On the 20th, Diane Van Lare and I attended the first of scheduled meetings of Wayne County Historical Society Presidents and Town Historians. This will help us to coordinate our files and project ideas, rather than each of us working on separate projects. Something that would have been helpful over these many years. In May, it was noticed that our cement distance marker, across from the Cemetery Road, was missing! Later, it was spotted at the dump at the Marion Cemetery! It turned out it was removed by the Wayne County Highway Department and, after numerous calls by our Town Supervisor Monica Deyo, it was restored to its original spot. Joe Bovet volunteered to give it a coat of fresh paint. End of mystery! On the 26th, Marion had its annual Memorial Day Parade held at 7 p.m. I had the Musuem open, as usual, and assembled a display from our Civil War files. These are diaries and articles of those from our area who were involved during the Civil War Years. May 27, Diane Van Lare, President of the Marion Historic Association called a group meeting at the Marion Cemetery. Those attending put the finishing touches on the huge job of registering all the names of all the folks resting there. We have been working on this project for a long time, under the able direction of Nancy Nevelizer. June 2 was the Hoffman luncheon held at the Newark Country Club. It is always interesting to hear of the work and dedication of our Wayne County Students and history buffs in recording our history for posterity. June 14 was Flag Day. I had a Flag Display at the musuem showing information and flags from our Marion Musuem Archives. Some of the open house displays have been shown before, but there are always new people coming to see them and some folks return to refresh their memories. In July, I researched, as best I could, the Native American Burial Grounds on Pigeon Hill Road, in Marion, and those in West Walworth. I am hoping to add to this file as information comes to light. There was a date change for our annual "so called" Heritage Festival since there was a noticeable lack of anything pertaining to our "heritage" throughout the 2-day event on August 23 and 24. Our former quiet, slow-paced festival has evolved into something with a carnival atmosphere. On the 15th of September, I was invited to speak at the Walworth Historical Meeting. I spoke on the past history of Marion, showing pictures and relating stories of times past. One story that always brings a smile is that since there was an Atlantic Hotel in Marion and a Pacific Hotel in Walworth, it was possible to travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific in just one day! From my collection of costumes saved over my 24 years as Marion's Town Historian, the United Church borrowed Dutch costumes for a special day held at their church. October 4th was the program sponsored by the Marion Historic Association who engaged George Shadman of Watkins Glen who, after 9 years of research, completed the history of the 148th New York Volunteers. His book, "They Marched on Richmond," is available for borrowing from our Marion Musuem library of historic materials. On October 25th my display was called, "Let It Rain." This was a varied assortment of wonderful articles and memorabilia loaned by interested folks, including an Ark and Animals made and shared by Peter and Lois Admiraal. We learned that in times past, children in strict Victorian and Puritan households were forbidden to play with toys on Sunday, but if the children were quiet and stayed in their rooms, the Ark could be deemed a permissible Sunday Amusement. Others sharing their valuable treasures were Pam Wolfanger, Barbara DeWandel, Jan Ballesty, Kathy Cody, Diane Van Lare and Ruth Haskins. My annual Holiday "open house" on the first Saturday in December was well attended. My hours are always from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., thus giving folks a wide range of times in which to visit. Guests did visit and chatted with friends and gazed at the pretty decorations and the Christmas tree in the Country Schoolroom. Some stayed a while and tasted not one, but both of the trifles offered. This year's treats were Banana Trifle and Chocolate Trifle. (Recipes upon request) The next day, December 7, our musuem was open from noon until 4 p.m. for Wayne County's Museum's Holiday Open House. It was manned by members of the Association. On both days the museum gift shop was open with lovely gifts with ideas for Christmas shoppers. Our special Christmas display was admired in the window of the Marion Town Library. On the 30th of December, there was a reception for LaVerne Bliek at the Marion Town Hall. Family members, collegues, and friends dropped by to wish him well after serving Marion constituents for the past 12 years. Many Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and their dedicated leaders visit the musuem. Usually it is their first visit where they get a taste of Marion history and our collections. I always make a point to tell them that it is "their" Museum. top of page Copyright © 1998 |
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By Carolyn Adriaansen