Concord Jottings 

SPRINGTIME INTO SUMMER 2004

We are the proud new owners of the property at 17-18 Franklin Street, formerly known as the "Fish Bowl". We have all kinds of ideas how to get the best use out of the buildings and the property, but we need YOUR input. We have already been offered a corn crib and a storage building by Mr. Jim Smith, owner of the old Carey Farm, which we accepted with haste.  

Our loyal Joe Krezmien, has already started work on the grounds, besides all the work at the ‘Museum’, which he has done.

COME WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9TH AT 7:00 PM and share your thoughts with us. Will meet at the Museum and then go to the 'Lucy Bensley Center' for discussion. 

"BITS & PIECES OF CHS NEWS" !!!! 

DISPLAYS Gertrude and Grace are still pleasing the users of the Hulbert Library and visitors at the Town Hall with their displays. The ladies did a showcase at the Town Hall and Mark Steffin has put together a great group of photographs of the first 'Hotels' in the Town of Concord. 

At the Hulbert Library, Pat Schrader allowed us to show part of her collection of 'Depression Glass'. Most Impressive!!! 

AT THE MUSEUM AND LIBRARY Gertrude Forde and Jennie have been upgrading their flowers and beds at the Museum and it is looking really good. Bob & Colleen take care of the lawns. Joe gets credit for the grounds work. Many hands make "lighter" work and more enjoyment. 

** ** WATCH THE NEW ALARM SYSTEM AT THE MUSEUM_** **
It is super sensitive (speaking from experience) 

DISASTER PROGRAM: Bob Whitehead and Dave Batterson, along with using Don Orton's input, have come up with a "Disaster Program" for both the Museum and the Library. They have met with Dennis Dains, Fire Chief and some of his group from the Fire Company, and have been setting a workable program, that we hope we will never have to have implemented. 

HISTORIAN'S VISIT: On May 1st, the Historians from N.Y. Region XII met at the Lucy Bensley Center for their Spring Meeting. Dave Batterson presented a wonderful program on the posters from World War II, that Lucy had saved and our guests were most impressed. Tom Kazmark also did a great presentation about the plans for the 10Oth. Anniversary of the "Great Race". Our guests all said our Library and programs would be a hard act to follow for their next meetings. Thanks to all that helped. 

PROFESSOR STEVE EATON'S VISIT

One Thursday in March, Prof. Steve Eaton of Allegany paid us a surprise visit at the Library. Steve is a direct descendant of Rufus Eaton, one of the first settlers of the Town of Concord. He presented us with a set of 'bird books' written by his father. At one point we priced them on Ebay and decided they were well beyond our budget and now we have them. Thank you again Steve, our friend of the Historical Society. 

GOODBYE

On April3rd, we hosted a Farewell tea for Janet Engel, our very own ‘Genealogist'. For years Janet has shared her expertise, time and knowledge with us. Her books on cemeteries are used regularly.Janet has moved to Virginia and we are so sad to see her go. We wish Janet the very best in her new home and we all promised to take turns spending the winter with her!!!

The "Tea" was very well attended and done "gracefully" by Grace and helpers. 

MORTON CORNERS CHURCH

In May we car pooled to Morton Corners to spend a wonderful evening with Rev. George Stanford, his congregation and Geoge Geiger. We along with visitors, heard about the History of the Church and both speakers led us down "Memory Lane" about the Morton Corners settlement. The ladies of the Church served us wonderful refreshments and we left with old and new memories. 

MEMORIES FOR THE FUTURE 

At long last we have started our interviews. Over the years we had previously interviewed residents of the area off and on, but we have decided the interviews should be casual but more professional. Tom Geelan, a retired City Honors teacher, showed up on our doorstep, ready and willing to share all his expertise on the project.

He and Allan Manchester have done several interviews already and we have a fist of potentials to do. Tom also taped and videoed the Morton Corners Meeting. We hope to work on this on a regular basis. Be ready - you may be next!! (We love volunteers that have stories to tell !) 

LUCY

If you haven't noticed, due to conflict with the Hulbert Library, our Library will now be known as the "Lucy Bensley Center". The telephone number remains: 592-0094. 

2004 PROGRAM

June 5 -" Dairy Festival Bus Tours" CHS will sponsor 2 bus tours in the village. Plan to take part and support Springville. 

June 9 - Don It miss the important meeting to discuss the Museum Annex! 7:00 pm at the Parking Lot of the "Old Fish Bowl", which now belongs to CHS! Then on to the Lucy Bensley Center for discussion and plans. 

July 11 - "The Victorian Tea" will be served on the front lawn of the" Pop" Warner Museum from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. You are cordially invited to attend this popular social event. As always, Victorian attire is nice, but not necessary. 

July 14 - Jerry Puma, "The Larkin Man" will be with us at the Lucy Bensley Center at 7:00 pm, to tell us all we ever wanted to know about the Larkin Company in Buffalo. Remember when Grandma ordered her soap, etc. from them and got those very collectible "Larkin Premiums"? He will also tell us about the "Larkin Galla Days" at the end of July. Plan to attend. 

August - "GO TO THE FAIR”- You are encouraged to attend the Erie County Fair and view Concord’s exhibit in the Historical Building.

September 8 At the Lucy Bensley Center at 7:00 pm, Dean and Bud Williams, along with the West Valley Historical Society members will be coming to reminiscence about West Valley History. 

October 13 - Presentation by Greg Kinal. 

November 17 Join us in decorating the Museum for Christmas.  

December 4 - Annual Cookie Sale at the Lucy Bensley Center. Your donation of homemade cookies would be greatly appreciated. This is a major fundraiser, with more demand than cookies. 

** ** ** ** ** ** ENJOY OUR SUMMER! ** ** ** ** ** **