The Fenton staff and volunteers have been visiting Tanglewood Manor every month for quite a while. Paul Johnson and I visited last week. Paul took a PowerPoint of steamboats and other images of watercraft on Chautauqua Lake. The group asked many questions. I have talked about Kate Stoneman and showed videos of the “On the Homefront” exhibit with Barb Cessna. We are also visiting Hultquist Place. It’s always a scramble to figure out what to talk about, but once we are there – it’s a lot of fun!
Coming up on May 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. is the opening of the summer exhibit, “From the Rapids to Jamestown: 1809-1815.” I have been working on developing an exhibit that tells the stories of some of the earliest men and families that settled Jamestown, before it was Jamestown. We have Prendergast artifacts, a few items from Elial T. Foote, a Samuel Brown artifact and a table made by Phineas Palmeter. As you can guess – there aren’t too many things available from our early settlers. Their stories are fascinating! The exhibit will be open through Friday, September 5.
I have another ask of you. A couple of years ago Norman Carlson portrayed A. W. Anderson, Jamestown City Historian from 1922-1949, in the Lake View Cemetery Saints & Sinners Cemetery Tours. Mr. Anderson does not have a headstone. We would like to raise the funds needed to give him a stone. We have $500 towards the cost of a $1,500 bronze headstone.
Two events are happening in the first few days of May. Rod Beckerink is doing a talk and book signing for his new work, Around Clymer, on May 3 at 10:30 a.m.
The Spirit Tour is back! Board member and artist Kaycee Colburn will be holding tours at the Marvin House on May 9. Reverend Havivah Richards from Lily Dale will be speaking about the spiritualism movement of the mid 1800s prior to the spirit tours. Seating is limited so please go online and sign up if you are interested.
Thank you to all who have donated and volunteered this past month – we couldn’t do what we do without your help and support. You are truly making a difference!
