Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society eNewsletter

Williamson-Pultneyville
Historical Society eNewsletter
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
MAY 2014
Thursday, May 8 – United Way’s Day of Caring –
Team Xerox will again donate their services this day
to W-PHS, doing numerous jobs on the properties.
Please feel free to join in … it’s work but lots of fun,
too. Just show up at 9AM at the W-PHS house.
The President’s Corner
May 15, 1814. A foggy spring morning in
Pultneyville. As the mist lifts away from the
harbor a fleet of British warships can be seen
sitting, menacingly, just off shore. Just imagine!
What would you be feeling, thinking at that
moment, knowing the British had pillaged and
burned many settlements along the south shore of
the lake over the last couple of years?
Fortunately we get to ponder that question in the
comfort and safety of our homes …. exactly 200
years later. How lucky are we to not have had
our homes and lives threatened as they did that
day, since peace with our northern neighbor has
reigned since the end of the War of 1812. Our
special guest presenter this month, Dave Ruch,
will help us commemorate this Bicentennial event
at the monthly program on Wednesday, May 7.
Please see Charlotte Buehler’s article for details.
And if you want to know the rest of the story –
what happened on that day in 1814 - go to
www.w-phs.org and click the link from the front
page.
There are a number of other things going on this
month, and I hope you can participate:
Friday, May 16 – Annual Benefit Concert at Gates
Hall – We are looking forward to another lovely
evening at Gates Hall, this time with the New
Horizons Clarinet Ensemble from the Eastman
Community Music School. Tickets are $20 and
refreshments are included. This is a fundraiser for W
-PHS and I encourage you to come, to support a good
cause while having a very enjoyable time.
Now an update on the W-PHS Board of Trustees:
Jackie Walker has retired from her position as
webmaster. Jackie created the first website for WPHS ten years ago, placing us on the cyber-map.
Thank you so much, Jackie, for the work you’ve done
making and maintaining www.w-phs.org all these
years. Taking over that position is Tim Wozniak.
Tim has worked for RF Harris Communications for
many years and doing websites are second nature for
him. He’ll continue to maintain our current one while
creating the new and exciting one to come. And he
would more than welcome any suggestions or ideas
for that new site.
You can contact him at
Woz4niak@gmail.com.
One more note - congratulations to Perry Howland,
the new Town Historian for Williamson. History is
not new to Perry, however. He taught social studies
(Continued on next page)
The mission of the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society is to nurture and share the history of the township
of Williamson through preserving and protecting select historic structures, landmarks, objects and written materials that reflect the unique heritage of this community.
©2013 Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society. All rights reserved.
The President’s Corner (Continued)
in the Wayne SCD for many years, and his
continued interest and involvement in history and
the town of Williamson is evident when you talk
with Perry. Welcome to the Board of Trustees,
Perry and Tim, and we look forward to working
with you.
Have you noticed the new DOT signs,
“Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society,”
around town? There are four of them: two on
Route 104 - one heading in either direction, one
at the bottom of the Pultneyville triangle where
Jay & Hamilton Street meet, and one in front of
the W-PHS house on Mill Street. They are quite
attractive and hopefully will help visitors more
easily locate the museum house, Centennial Park
and Gates Hall. Thank you to Suzi Goodrich for
her initiative and work with the DOT to get these
new markers.
As the repairs on the museum house draw to a
close, I am so excited for everyone to see the face
lift!
It looks great!
Bob Henry recently
completed the painting and tile work in the
bathroom; Bert Peters donated a new toilet and
sink for the bathroom; and Victor Howell did the
installation. Thank you, Bert, for your donation.
The bathroom has needed an update for a while!
I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming
events this month.
Joan Carey
WANTED
Homecoming Parade Coordinator
If interested, contact Joan Carey.
YOU CAN FIND US ON FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/
WilliamsonPultneyvilleHistoricalSociety
Next W-PHS Board Meeting
Monday, June 2, 7:00 p.m.
W-PHS House
Upcoming
Programs and Events
May Program
May 7, 2014
7:00 p.m., Gates Hall
The War of 1812: Songs and Stories from New
York and Beyond. This program, which is free
and open to the public, is made possible through
the support of The New York Council for the
Humanities, Speakers in the Humanities program.
W-PHS Spring Clean Up
Thursday, May 8, 2014
9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Day of Caring—Clean up of W-PHS properties
Saturday, May 10 – Williamson Spring
Clean-up
Meet at King’s Auto at 9 a.m. to help ready
Main Street for the Apple Blossom
Festival. Pull weeds, pick up trash, etc.
Williamson Apple Blossom Festival
May 15-May 18, 2014
Visit: www.williamsonappleblossom.com
May Benefit Concert
May 16, 2014
7:00 p.m., Gates Hall
Second Winds
For tickets call 315.589.9892
June Program
June 4, 2014
7:00 p.m., Gates Hall
Carol Bailey, Lyons Town and Village Historian,
will present a program on vintage clothing from
the 1860's through the 1970's.
Please see the article on Gates Hall,
pages 7-8. Donations for the Gates Hall
fundraiser must be made by June 1st in
order for the $100,000 goal to be met.
Contractor evaluations for the work needed
are in the final phase of bid submission.
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Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society Presents:
The War of 1812: Songs and Stories
from New York and Beyond
A lecture by Dave Ruch
In this lecture/concert, Dave Ruch presents a fascinating portrait of the War of 1812
through the songs and stories of the people themselves. Ruch has dug deeply into
archival recordings, diaries, old newspapers and other historical manuscripts to
unearth a wealth of rarely-heard music which, alongside some of the classics from
the war, offers a rounded and fascinating picture of this "second war of
independence." Special emphasis is given to New York State's important role in the
conflict.
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
May 7, 2014
7:00 PM
Gates Hall
Pultneyville, NY
CONTACT
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical
Society
PHONE
ADDRESS
WEBSITE
(315) 589-9892
Lake Road, Pultneyville, NY
www.w-phs.org
This Speakers in the Humanities event, which is free and open to the public, is made possible through the support
of the New York Council for the Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Speakers in the Humanities program has brought distinguished scholars on a wide range of humanities topics
to audiences across New York State. Each year, hundreds of non-profit organizations and community groups take
advantage of this program, including community centers, religious organizations, museums and historical societies,
and libraries. The Speakers program is an easy, affordable way for organizations to bring top humanities programming
to their community.
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3
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society presents:
The War of 1812: Songs and Stories from New York and Beyond
Gates Hall
Pultneyville, New York
Wednesday, May 7, 2014 @ 7:00 PM
In collaboration with the New York Council for the Humanities, the
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society presents the lecture/concert,
The War of 1812: Songs and Stories from New York and Beyond by Dave Ruch on Wednesday,
May 7, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at Gates Hall. This lecture is free and open to the general public.
This event is made possible through the Speakers in the Humanities program with the support
of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
In this lecture/concert, Dave Ruch presents a fascinating portrait of the War of 1812 through
the songs and stories of the people themselves. Ruch has dug deeply into archival recordings,
diaries, old newspapers and other historical manuscripts to unearth a wealth of rarely-heard
music which, alongside some of the classics from the war, offers a rounded and fascinating
picture of this "second war of independence." Special emphasis is given to New York State's
important role in the conflict.
Dave Ruch is a special musician and performer, widely noted for his ability to engage
audiences of all kinds. Equal parts historian, entertainer, educator, humorist and folklorist,
Dave gives over 300 programs each year at schools, museums, libraries, historical societies,
music festivals, professional conferences, cultural organizations and community events.
Since its launch in 1983, the Council’s Speakers in the Humanities program has brought
distinguished scholars on a wide range of humanities topics to audiences across New York
State. All Speakers events are free and open to the general public. Each year, hundreds of nonprofit organizations and community groups take advantage of this program, including
community centers, religious organizations, museums and historical societies, and libraries.
The Speakers program is an easy, affordable way for organizations to bring top humanities
programming to their community.
On May 15, 1814, the British fleet landed and raided the Hamlet of Pultneyville for supplies.
Negotiations failed and ended in a skirmish in which one British soldier died. We are excited
to have this program this month because it is actual month of the bicentennial.
For more information about this event, contact Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society,
(315) 589-9892, www.w-phs.org. For more information about the Speakers in the Humanities
program, visit www.nyhumanities.org/sih.
About the New York Council for the Humanities:
Founded in 1975 and supported by Federal, State, City, and private sources, the New York Council for
the Humanities helps all New Yorkers become thoughtful participants in our communities by promoting
critical inquiry, cultural understanding, and civic engagement through grants and programs.
Charlotte Buehler, Chairperson, W-PHS Publicity & Public Relations
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W-PHS PRESENTS:
The Eastman Community Music School Clarinet Ensemble
“Second Winds”
Dr. Alan Woy and Kenneth W. Scott - Co-Conductors
Friday, May 16, 2014 – 7:00 PM—Gates Hall
This event is a major fundraising activity that will enable Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society to
continue our mission of preserving the history of the town of Williamson, preserving Historic Gates
Hall, and maintaining the Auchampaugh landmark home, (c. 1858) purchased in 1996 which houses
our museums historical exhibits, gift shop and offices. Tickets for this event are
$20.00 per person and may be purchased through any member of the W-PHS board
or by calling (315) 589-2853 and leaving a message. For more information visit
our website www.w-phs.com. There will be a reception following
the concert.
The New Horizons Clarinet Choir originated almost twenty
years ago when five people, the entire clarinet section of the
newly-formed New Horizons Band, began meeting on their own to practice. Driven
by the desire to improve their skills, the group found an Eastman School of Music
student, Russell Wheeler, to mentor them. Over the next five years, the group grew to
eight members and continued to meet weekly in members’ homes with Russell coaching them.
When the Eastman Community Music School held a Chamber Fest, the group registered as a New
Horizons ensemble—the first time they identified themselves as such. As the group continued to grow,
they outgrew members’ homes and rehearsed in various venues such as a music store and the narthex
and choir room of a local church. To keep their progress moving forward and keep the group together,
the new ensemble met year round.
When their mentor graduated and moved on, the group opted for a dedicated leader. At the second
Chamber Fest, the group met Patti DiLutis, a prominent local clarinetist, who agreed to become their
first conductor. Under Patti’s direction, the group continued to grow and improve. “She changed us
into a genuine ensemble,” says George Greer, one of the two original members still playing with the
Clarinet Choir.
As the ensemble “grew and prospered,” so did Patti’s career with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Patti recruited Alan Woy to become the second and current conductor of the New Horizons Clarinet
Choir. Alan’s experience as an educator and performer has brought a new style of leadership to the
ensemble and has increased the membership to forty players. “We started from nothing and grew,”
says George Greer. “The group did it because we wanted to play together and improve.”
For many, the most memorable experience was their July 2010 performance at the International
Clarinet Association (ICA) conference in Austin, Texas. They were honored to be chosen to perform
and were the first group of amateur senior citizens selected to do so.
This year they have been accepted to perform at the ICA for the upcoming 2014 Conference to be held
in Baton Rouge, LA, this summer! We are indeed privileged to have the pleasure of presenting the
Clarinet Ensemble “Second Winds” for your enjoyment AND you will be supporting the ongoing
efforts of Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society!
Charlotte Buehler, Chairperson, W-PHS Publicity and Public Relations
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New Williamson Town Historian
Perry Howland
“What was I thinking of!” was the first thing that
came to mind when Williamson Town Supervisor
Jim Hoffman’s terse email stating, “You are the
Town Historian!!!!” arrived late in the evening of
March 25. When Dottie and I arrived in
Pultneyville/Williamson in 1967, Chet Peters was
just three years into his official role as town
historian, and we were just beginning our stay here.
In the intervening years, Chet continued to absorb,
store, write and speak about topics that I had no or a
fleeting knowledge of. And yet, when the
aforementioned Jim Hoffman casually inquired of
my interest in this position a few years ago, I
unhesitatingly said I’d be interested if and when
Chet decided to step down. What's that saying—be
paper but also other like-minded writers with
careful what you wish for!
interests far and wide. This is also true for the
individuals and groups I have “covered” while on
Unlike Chet, I have moved around a bit, being born
assignment, as I am always coming across new facts
in Elmira and spending most of my childhood in
and information to help fill in the missing pieces of
Dundee, about sixty miles south of Williamson.
our local history.
Graduating from DCS in 1961, I attended SUNY
Brockport, leaving there with my teaching degree in
Unlike Chet, I don't have the luxury of having been
1965. Summers while I was in high school spent at
born in Williamson, so I am going to have to depend
Baptist Camp Vick in Cattaraugus County led to
on help from those many willing native-born folks
meeting and marrying one of the kitchen’s “Chore
in my new role. So watch out—you will be hearing
Girls” Dorothy (Dottie) Henry in 1964. Son Jeremy,
from me more often than not as I seek to continue to
born in 1968, and daughter Cass, born in 1970, as
grow in my knowledge of Williamson, Wayne
well as rehabbing our first home on Jay Street and
County and the local area in general. I know I will
settling in to new teaching positions at nearby
be heading to Mill Street to continue to check in
Wayne Central, kept us plenty busy.
with Chet often. And Chet's daughter Susan and I
have been exchanging emails or having casual
Thanks to neighbors Bill and Delphine Howard, we
conversations frequently as we go through this
were introduced to the fledgling Pultneyville
transition, and I appreciate her willingness to do so.
Historical Society. Both Dottie and I have put time
and energy in various roles over the years, since we
My one fervent hope is to both honor and continue
joined in the fall of 1967. Being the kind of person
the legacy that Chet Peters has created in his 95
who can't say no, I have served both the society and
years here in Williamson. A legacy that has not only
Williamson in various capacities since coming here.
left Williamson, Pultneyville and East Williamson a
Following my retirement from Wayne Central in
better place, but our county and state as well. His
1997, I have been able to fulfill a lifetime interest in
shoes will be difficult to fill, but my goal is to
writing, thanks to Wilma Young. Being a
continue to follow in his footsteps, as he has left a
contributing writer for The Sun & Record with the
lasting trail that continues to this day.
Wayne County Mail for the past dozen years has
introduced me to not only Wilma and Julie at the
6
Historic Research
America’s Oldest Continually Active
Community Theater
Gates Hall
Research and Definition by John C. Westerberg
In 1826, the unincorporated village of Pultneyville
in the Town of Williamson, New York, constructed
its first church on land that was given to the
community by the Pultney Estate represented by its
land agent J. W. Hallet. Originally, it was given for
a common and possible burying ground. It was
decided by the community to use the north side for a
church.
It was planned for more than one
denominational use.
The building committee
allowed for this diversity. In addition to religious
reasons, the church offered a platform for visiting
speakers, social gatherings and political meetings as
long as they “were of moral nature.”
If Pultneyville had been the seat of local
government instead of Williamson, the building
might have housed town offices downstairs and a
theater upstairs, commonly known as an “opera
house.” This was a usual later development.
Gates Hall Fundraising
To date, $73,400 of the $100,000 goal has been met.
All donors receive a letter of the tax exemption/thank
you and a certificate. This phase of fundraising ends
June 1st. A plaque with the names of donors giving
$500 or more will be mounted in Gates Hall.
Donor Levels: Friends Bronze $1-$249, Silver $250-$499,
Gold $500-$999, Platinum $1000-$2499, Diamond $2500+
This marks the beginning date of community theater
in Pultneyville. It has continued to the present day.
In July of 1967, a celebration of was held on the
steps of Gates Hall (Union Church) marking the
hundredth year of dramatics in the hall. Theater
activity has continued and has been passed onto
each succeeding generation.
Performances had progressed from laying planks
across pews and dropping a curtain from the old
side galleries to when the hall was renovated in
1895. At that time, an extension was added to make
room for a stage, the building was raised on to a
stone foundation providing room for a basement,
and a ticket office was installed with new walls and
ceiling. Mary Gates was honored for her substantial
donation to support the renovation project by the
renaming of the building—Gates Hall.
It is possible that some traveling entertainment
groups visited Pultneyville in the early years.
Travel lectures and views were presented. The As the theater’s 150th anniversary approaches in
2017, it occurred to me that this long tradition was
church became the target for social activity.
becoming rather remarkable. How would this
Over the years, several denominations met to compare to other communities maintaining amateur
conduct services alternating mornings and community theater buildings? My research has
afternoons. Meanwhile, spiritualism became a taken me to review sites all over the United States
sensation, causing schedule upsets and shifting of and Puerto Rico.
faiths. Both the Methodists and Episcopalians had
thoughts of moving from the location on their What exactly were the criteria to compare? What
minds.
Eventually,
they resettled into new type of operations? Amateur or professional groups?
buildings. Support for the building’s upkeep was Road House appearing groups? Skilled professional
companies? Traveling circuit shows? Movie theater
waning.
“On June 21, 1867, a new organization was
officially formed at the Union Church.” “The first
adult group began to state entertainments and charge
admission.”1
In July 1867, “The Pultneyville Lyceum under the
supervision of Professor Lewis H. Clark gave their
first exhibition of the Union Church.”
7
(Continued )
Gates Hall
use instead of live performances? Grand theater
productions with star casts? Vaudeville? Locally
paid professions players in repertory? Burlesque?
Minstrel shows? Opera? Musical reviews or more
transient (circus, magic shows)? Or a combination
of all of the above?
The type of operation that Gates Hall had
experienced is to host dramatic performances by
unpaid, locally talented amateur individuals for the
pleasure of their audiences. We are dealing with a
level that we now call “community theater.”
Previously known as “little theater” (ca. 1920).
Hundreds of groups existed in communities
throughout the United States. Many existed for a
few years and abruptly ended with their buildings
being turned over to other uses. Other community
theater groups using an old building supplemented
dramatics with movie and other activities in order to
be financially viable. Some courageously reached
out and gained a “not for profit” status. Whatever
the outcome, much depended on chance and
circumstances.
4. Presently used for producing
community theater performances
amateur,
These standards have given the search a reference
point. It is my judgment that after examining 261
described locations throughout the United States
and Puerto Rico, I was able to make a reasoned
decision. The listings were furnished to me by the
Library of Congress, The National Register of
Historic Places and an excerpt by Shirley Harbin
offered by Jane Austin of the American Association
of Community Theater. I was able to view a brief
history of each location by using the Internet and
match it against the criteria established. The listing
furnished to me was chosen by the Register to
reflect a logical historical timeframe.
Despite the careful preparation of this work, I am
aware that some small venue might raise their hands
in challenge as I have done in supporting our own
case. It is not likely that another venue exists that
could invalidate this claim because of the
thoroughness of the research.
In reflection, every claim and judgment is
intellectually honest and reflective with no
exaggerations or false claims. In short, it is my
assertion that Gates Hall, located in Pultneyville,
About 1912, the Nickelodeon burst upon the scene.
New York, has the following distinction:
Soon silent movies replaced the stage. Many theater
groups gave up. Gates Hall was one place where the
America’s Oldest Continuously Active
tradition of the dramatics survived.
Perhaps
because it had not aspired to that level in its small
Community Theater
rural setting, use of the building for silent movies
was never considered.
I want to thank Walter Zvonchenko of the Library
Pultneyville had a large summer colony influx from of Congress; Susan Austin of the American
Rochester—professionals, academics and families Association of Community Theater (Ms. Austin
with past ancestral connections. To them this was confirmed material by author Shirley Harbin on
“hallowed ground.” Their presence contributed to an “Footlight Theater History.” It turned out to be our
attitude to preserve the historical character of the closest competitor); and Anne Vander Byl, who
gave her usual good help with preparing and editing
hamlet.
this exciting research outcome.
At any rate, the judgment that I have made is based
on the following criteria:
John C. Westerberg
Historic Research of Gates Hall
1. Date of the first dramatic production in the To Determine First Position Status as America’s
building
oldest Active Community Theater
2. Locally produced amateur, community theater April 2013
productions (no compensation for actors)
3. Continuous use of the building for dramatic
performances without long interruptions
1
All quotations in this document were taken from A History of
the Union Church and Gates Hall 1826-1967 by Stuart
Hotchkiss and John Westerberg.
8
Spring
Clean Up!
The hard working
ground crew is back in business for the 2014 season.
Clearing the park of a winter’s worth of branches
was our first order of business; but with the great
gang of workers who appear each Monday, we were
done with that chore in about an hour!
The next week we began the task of uncovering the
garden beds from their layer of leaves. Underneath
we found daffodils, primroses, tulips and crocuses
searching for the sun. The snowdrops have been in
bloom, and it won’t be long before the other
flowering bulbs start their springtime show.
In spite of the long, cold winter, the plantings came
through very well. The abundant snow cover offered
all the protection needed. Soon there will be
rhododendrons and lilacs blooming, and then our
grand old magnolia tree followed by a succession of
bloom that will take us through summer.
There’s always room for more helpers and we’ll be
glad to see you. Come any Monday morning at 9
a.m. when the weather is good with gardening gloves
and tools. If you can only spare one day, on
Thursday, May 8, we have our annual Day of Caring,
when extra hands arrive from Xerox and our long list
of inside and outside projects get tackled. We’ll be
working from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. that day. If you can
spare an hour or two, grab your gloves and favorite
tools and come to the W-PHS house. We’ll put you
to work and make our three properties shine!
Lynda Parmelee
Groundsmaster
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
As of the writing of this article, we have 19 members
and 3 business members of W-PHS who have not
renewed their membership for 2014.
THE
DEADLINE FOR RENEWING IS MAY 15. If you
have not renewed by that time this will be your last
newsletter!!
We believe that you want to continue to support the
W-PHS and receive the benefits that membership
provides, while at the same time contributing monies
to help the W-PHS maintain the three properties we
oversee – The W-PHS House and grounds, Gates
Hall and grounds, and Centennial Park (directly
across from Gates Hall).
Please send in your renewal before May 15th so
you can continue to actively support W-PHS and
show your community spirit.
We would like to welcome two new members –
Barbara Nittolo from Pultneyville. and Kathy
and John McCaig from Pultneyville. Thank you
for your support!!!
Thank you.
Carol and Gary Fritz
Membership Co-Chairs
Celebrating 50 Years
The following people were members of the
Historical Society in 1964, it’s first year. (Taken
from the archives, as handwritten in a notebook.)
Mrs. Florence Cornwall
Mr. & Mrs. John Westerberg
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Helmbold
Mr. & Mrs. E. T. Tompkins
Mrs. June Mascle
Miss Alice Gallup
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dunning
Mr. James Albright
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Ameele
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Leahy
Mr. Charles Dittmar
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Nash
Mr. & Mrs. Francis D’Amanda
Mrs. Wm. Starbuck
Mrs. Jane Angelo
Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Bornath
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Fillmore
Mrs. Evelyn Lay
Mr. & Mrs. John Connors
Mr. & Mrs. Chester Peters
Mr. George Todd
Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Sillick
Mr. & Mrs. Werner A. Hospurs
Mrs. James Kerr
Mr. Richard Burcroff
Mr. & Mrs. Fr. Cornwall
Mrs. R.R. Lang
Mrs. Maurice D. Richards
Mrs. Laura Henderson
Mr. & Mrs. James Atkinson
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Lum
Mr. Roy Angelo
9
Mrs. Lucille Lockley
Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Howard
9
BUSINESS Membership Form
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society
January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014
BASIC Membership Form
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society
January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014
Please complete this 2014 BUSINESS Membership
form and return it with your payment to our
address below.
Please complete this 2014 BASIC Membership form
and return it with your payment to our address below.
Date ______________________________
Date ______________________________
Name ____________________________________________________
Name ______________________________________________________
Phone (________) ________________________
Phone (________) ________________________
eMail____________________________________________________
eMail______________________________________________________
(Required to receive newsletters)
Mailing Address _______________________________________
(Required to receive newsletters)
eMail for additional household member:
City/Town _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
State _____________________________ Zip _________________
Mailing Address __________________________________________
City/Town ________________________________________________
Business Membership Categories:
 Business Friend $75.00/yr.
 Business Benefactor $250.00/yr.
Additional Donation $_________ for ___________________
____________________________________________________________
Enclosed is my money order or check for $__________
(Dues and donations are tax deductible.)
Please sign here:
__________________________________________ Date __________
Your Signature
State _______________________________ Zip ___________________
Member Benefits
 10% gift shop purchase discounts
 11 eNewsletters per year
 Free programs and exhibits
Sustainer/ Benefactor Membership Additional Benefits
 Two free Gatesinger performance tickets
 Two free Cemetery Tour tickets
 New Membership
 Renewal
Number of people in your household: __________
 All Business categories: 11 eNewsletters per
Basic Membership Categories:
 Friend $25.00/yr.
 Patron $50.00/yr.
 Sustainer $100.00/yr.  Benefactor $250.00/yr.
 Business Friends: 10% ad discount in our annual
Enclosed is my money order or check for $__________
Business Benefits of Membership
year, free programs and exhibits.
Homecoming book, business card listing in three
printed and 11 electronic (PDF) issues per year.
 Benefactors: Add two free Gatesinger Co. Ltd.
performance tickets, two free Cemetery Tour
tickets, a framed certificate and one free use of
Gates Hall per year as approved by W-PHS.
Mail this form and your payment to:
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society
ATTN: Membership Chairperson
PO Box 92
Pultneyville, NY. 14538
(Dues and donations are tax deductible.)
Please sign here:
__________________________________________ Date ____________
Your Signature
Mail this form and your payment to:
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society
ATTN: Membership Chairperson
PO Box 92
Pultneyville, NY. 14538
10
The Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society’s
Proud Business Partners
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The Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society’s
Proud Business Partners
4098 East Main Street
P.O. Box 924
Williamson, NY 14589-0924
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The Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society’s
Proud Business Partners
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About Us
F
ormed in 1964 and
chartered in 1971, the
Williamson-Pultneyville
Historical Society has as its
mission to nurture and share the
history of the Township of
Williamson through preserving
and protecting select historic
structures, landmarks, objects
and written materials that
reflect the unique heritage of
this community.
The Society is located in a
landmark dwelling known as
the Auchampaugh home at
4130 Mill St. This house was
built for Harvey Auchampaugh
about 1858 by Russell Cole, a
local blacksmith and builder.
Auchampaugh was a prominent
businessman in the hamlet, a
harness maker, drugstore
proprietor and Postmaster for
several years.
Rooms in the home contain
exhibits, archived information,
a gift shop and business office.
The Society House is regularly
open the third weekend in June
through the second weekend in
September, Friday through
Sunday, 1-4 p.m., by
appointment and throughout
Homecoming weekend and
during the Annual Community
Garage Sale.
on the web: www.w-phs.org
phone: 315.589.9892
address: PO Box 92, Pultneyville, NY 14538
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2013 W-PHS Officers, Committee Chairs and Key Personnel
President*
Vice President*
Treasurer*
Corresponding Secretary*
Recording Secretary*
Nominating Chair*
Joan Carey
Ellen Wozniak
Julie Sorrells
Linda Perkins
Lynda Parmelee
TBD
jcarey01@rochester.rr.com
ewozniak@reliantcu.com
wsorrells@yahoo.com
perkinsl@rochester.rr.com
susser1@yahoo.com
Membership Chair
Gary & Carol Fritz
Program Chair
Publicity Chair
Finance/Audit Chair
Gail Grinnell
Charlotte Buehler
Julie Sorrells
cafritz@rochester.rr.com
garfritz@rochester.rr.com
gailgri@gmail.com
ckbuehler@rochester.rr.com
wsorrells@yahoo.com
Property Chair
 Grounds
 Buildings
Town Historian
Collections Chair
Sue-Jane Evans
Lynda Parmelee
David Higgs
Perry Howland
Jackie Walker
sjkevans@mail.com
susser1@yahoo.com
dhiggs3@rochester.rr.com
peridot@rakedsouthgarden.com
jw4cats@aol.com
Archives Project Leader
Office
Web Site Coordinator
Jackie Walker
Jackie Walker
Tim Wozniak
jw4cats@aol.com
jw4cats@aol.com
Woz4niak@gmail.com
Gift Shop Coordinator
Hospitality Chair
Suzi Goodrich
Judie Verplank
Diane Drennan
suzig@rochester.rr.com
Linda Perkins
Dottie Howland
Sandra Zeman
Carol Fritz
David & Laraine Frohlich
Steve Dunn
Sandra Zeman
TBD
TBD
TBD
Irene Bierer
perkinsl@rochester.rr.com
peridot@rakedsouthgarden.com
szeman001@rochester.rr.com,
cafritz@rochester.rr.com
dfrohlic@rochester.rr.com
stephendunn@rochester.rr.com
szeman001@rochester.rr.com
Vendor Coordinator Homecoming/Garage Sale
Oral History Project Leader
Newsletter Editor
Newsletter Distribution
House Supplies
Special Committees
Grants
Fundraising Chair
Homecoming Chair
Garage Sale Chair
Cemetery Tour Chair
lakeside8x1@aol.com
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ibierer@rochester.rr.com