by Old Mentz | Apr 8, 2015 | canal enlargement, downtown, Erie Canal, Historical Society of Port Byron, Lock 52 Historical Society, Port Byron
In the 1850’s, a battle of wills ensued in Port Byron over the route of the canal that led to great harm in the business district of the village. What is odd is that this battle seemed to be waged by local landowners with the support of State engineers. In the 1931...
by Old Mentz | Dec 7, 2014 | Cayuga County, downtown, Mentz, Port Byron
The downtown of Port Byron has certainly had its up and downs. The old photographs and postcards show stores, restaurants, and garages, and all the needs to serve the local population. But it is safe to say that prior to 1920, the local stores were well patronized as...
by Old Mentz | Oct 21, 2014 | Chuttey, downtown, Harvey C Ware, map, Mentz, Port Byron
Some times in history we get to say Wow! and Huh! at the same time. Some times a artifact will answer a question and also create more questions. Here is a great example. Mike Chuttey was born in Centralia PA in 1905 to Jacob and Mary. Shortly after, the family moved...
by Old Mentz | Jan 9, 2014 | downtown, Port Byron, Port Byron Hotel, world war
Two photos found it the Port Byron Telephone collection. These are of the gathering following the news that the great war was over. The top photo says, “Peace Day Celebration Nov. 11, 1918″. The bottom photo says ” A small gathering for songs, yells,...
by Old Mentz | Jan 6, 2014 | Crane's Department Store, downtown, Port Byron, snow
I found this in the collection the Society received from the PB Telephone Company. The store on the right side was Crane’s Department Store.
by Old Mentz | Oct 26, 2013 | downtown, Mentz, Port Byron, Port Byron Hotel
Again, I am not very good at dating cars, but I will guess that this view is from the late 1950’s. We don’t have a lot of photographs from this time period, so it is nice to see this one.
