Our Hometown
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Years ago my father warned me that as I got older, the days would go by much faster! My first outside program was a presentation at the Armstrong Senior Living in Newark. My friend, Joanne DeVries accompanied me, and we were dressed in our Friesland costumes and our wooden shoes. I treated the group to bite-sized soscyzen, which they seemed to enjoy. Marion Food Pantry is headed by Gary McLouth with the able assistance of John Ballesty and Chris Christianson, along with many dedicated volunteers. Food collections are assembled by the Student Council at the Marion Elementary School, from funds from the Penny Fund which is sponsored by the National Honor Society at the High School and by the Marion Boy Scouts with their Scouting for Food program. In February, I showed my collection of salt dips at the Marion Museum. Those who came were amazed at the different shapes, sizes and colors of these once important additions to the dinner table. On the 25th my sister, Barbara DeWandel and I traveled to Newark to present the Dutch program at the Alex Eligh Community Center for their lunch crowd. We stayed for lunch and had an exchange of recipes with those attending on this day. Early in March, I met with Michelle Palmer, of Palmyra, with the intention of her creating a third , and last, painting of Early Marion's downtown. This would be of the buildings on North Main Street East. In February 1998, the Marion Historic Association offered the second in the series covering North Main Street-West. This watercolor turned out to be a wonderful addition now housed in the Marion Museum. Copies are available for $25.50. As in years past, I was asked by Donna Patrick at the Marion High School, to participate in the International Foods program with a Dutch presentation. At each year's Wayne County History Jamboree, it is always amazing how many truly unique 4th grade student displays and exhibits are created. Imaginations are energized when the theme is announced. I always attend the Marion showing to get photos and names of the project makers. As the State recommends, I have tried to keep in contact with the school system, but there seems to be little noticeable response to my requests. On April l5, Marion's Birthday, I featured at the museum a collection titled, "Our Family Genealogy." I had pictures and printed histories of the Adriaansen, VanHanegem, LaGasse and Martin families. I also, had my general genealogy file available for those who are just starting on their quest of charting family history. Joanne DeVries and I enjoyed a weeks canal cruise to the Northern part of the Netherlands. Joanne was born in this area, Friesland, and lived there until after World War II, when her family came to the United States. In 2000 we are planning to take a cruise through the Southern routes, or Zeeland, from which many in the Marion area once lived, as well as my own ancestors.
On May 8, my entire family, and sisters, too, dressed in their authentic Dutch costumes and wooden shoes, invaded the Country Home in Shortsville. We talked to the residents and pranced around in our outfits, entertaining the group assembled in the large dining-family room. We served the Dutch sugar waffles and little soscyzens, which they incorporated with their noon lunch. This is the present residence of my mother, Florence Martin, and we have become acquainted with everyone who resides there. On May 19, I took part in the I Love New York program held at the Extension offices in Newark. I represented Marion and related highlights of our town and invited everyone to visit our unique museum. I continue to attend the Retired School Teachers monthly luncheon meetings. I have attended the Arcadia Country School Teachers gatherings since I was a teenager as my Aunt, Mary Hermanet was part of the group. In fact, she was my country school teacher for three years, at the Sand Hill School, before we were bused to the Newark town school. Now teachers attend from all areas of Wayne County. We enjoy lunch together and many phases of life in the Country Schools is discussed and documented. I attended the annual Marion Elementary School Memorial Day Ceremonies held at the Marion Town Cemetery. All students and teachers, marching to a drum beat, end at the Soldier's Monument where services are held with student participation. During August 1999, an Historical Sign was placed at the corner of Walworth Road and Route 21. This designates the area of the Former Prisoner of War Camp. The camp housed 70 to 80 German prisoners during World War II (July 23, 1945 - December 2, 1945). Marion's annual festival was held at the Town Park. Since it was impossible to transfer our coverlets and pictures and Christmas ornaments, we decided to have a Harvest Festival in downtown Marion, in October. I presented my program on Maple Syrup at the Armstrong Senior Living and the Alex Eligh Community Center, both in Newark. I made biscuits and treated the folks to real maple syrup after relating the processes needed for us to enjoy this tasty treat. This program was repeated for the Palmyra noon Senior Citizens luncheon meeting in October.
I have been attending Wayne County Historian meetings along with the members of Historical Societies. It is important to meet with others engaged in historical work and I appreciate it when it is combined with a work or informational meeting. On the 16th of October we held our Harvest Festival in downtown Marion. This included those of us who were deleted from the annual Marion Festival held in August. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., stores, organizations, businesses and churches participated. Visitors at the Marion Museum were greeted with the aroma of Apple Butter made from the recipe of the family of Ina Benton. I made and offered samples of Simple Soap. Interested guests were treated to demonstrations of traditional crafts with Diane Van Lare with Stenciling, Barb DeWandel with Quilting, Suzanne Barber with Basketweaving and Joanne DeVries explained the intricacy of Hardanger Embroidery. My December Holiday Open House was held on the 4th from 10 to 2. I had a delightful collection of Santa Claus figures and articles. Along with my own figures I was pleased to show those from Sue Devlin and Diane Van Lare. I chose to serve a selection of candies as my treat this year. I made candy strawberries, old-time cocoa fudge, suiker speck, anise rock candy, Cathedral windows and candied orange peel (recipes available). Our valuable historic museum maps have been carefully framed by Gary Wilson of Union Street. They are now back in the Country Schoolroom making our room complete. Since 1996, I have been forwarding information to our local newspaper for inclusion on the World Wide Web. People far and wide can read about us, our history and events. I also, have the use of a digital camera which I use to cover local events and activities. Copyright © 2000 |
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Marion Historian's
Early in May, Meredith Sorensen, a now retired teacher of the 2nd
grade at the Elementary School, brought her class for a time of study at the Museum. They
had a list of ideas to check on and asked many good questions. 
In August we learned that the bell that once rang out
from the cupola atop the prestigious